Using Hsbc Debit Card In The Usa? - Update

[GS_Dirtboy]

After being assured by both the HSBC supervisor and bank General Manager that I would have no problem using my HSBC debit card while on my trip to the USA I packed my bags and headed north.

When I arrived in Atlanta I purchased a pack of gum and a drink just to confirm. Sure enough, my purchase was approved. Cool. I love trading Pesos for Dollars at the official rate.

Three day's later while sitting at a restaurant at The Canyons ski resort in Utah my family and I devised a plan for me to pay for their purchases using my debit card. They'd give me the Dollars. I called for the check, handed over my card, and started pocketing the Dollars. Card DECLINED.

WTF?

After numerous calls to HSBC I was finally directed to Banelco. The operator said that my card had been cancelled due to suspected fraud and that a new card was being sent to my house (in BsAs). Really? How convenient! I asked why they didn't just put a hold on my card and contact me like the intelligent credit card companies do.

Fortunately, I had taken Dollars with me just to be on the safe side. It really sucked that I had to use them when I could have used my debit card.

Lesson: Even though I asked multiple times at the bank and had them put a note on my account they never suggested that I call Banelco and advise them. I really don't know if this is a strategy to dis-allow cards to be used overseas. It doesn't make sense to me that they would want to limit their use as they get the business plus 15% surcharge. Then again, there are a lot of things in Argentina that don't make sense to me.

On the plus side we had 5 days' skiing epic Utah powder.

Have a nice day.

GS

 

[lamarque]

You have to tell to visa or mastercard that you are going to be out of the country so they don't take it as a case of stolen card, i used my card without any problem outside the country and as far as i know everybody is doing that without problems.

 

[Rich One]

One should report, to Visa or MC, the dates and destination of travels, and also advice if making massive cash withdrawals ... !! Otherwise disater had mine cancelled...!!

 

[mjohnstone]

You DON'T have to tell them, it's advisable to do so. Ideally everything works fine abroad or so their manual says. Banks tend to get on the defensive blocking, refusing and canceling cards without thinking twice about the customer and the inconveniences they may be causing you. Sending replacement card home? Are you kidding me? What's the use?
AMEX (not bank issued AX), on the other hand, usually contacts you and/or requires authorization when "suspect" purchases are made. A couple of times they've even asked the store clerk/cashier to put me on the phone, asked the custom security questions to verify identity (and sometimes length of intended stay abroad) and proceeded to authorize said purchase and all ensuing for the duration of trip.
Should you lose, misplace or get your AMEX stolen you'll get your replacement sent to wherever in the world you are usually in 48/72 hours. Minimum disturbance to your sleep!

 

[Alicia karr]

Just made a trip to the US and also used my HSBC card from here there. No problem EXCEPT there is a daily limit on how much you can spend. Ooops! Tried the same card again the next day and no problem! Dont forget that you will have a 15% tax added on your foreign purchases when you get your bill. And it will show your debt in dollars! But you go to the bank and they will tell you the daily rate of pesos needed to pay off the balance that particular day. Cumbersome, but it works!

 

[Splitty]

For all of you with Argentine credit cards and accounts abroad you can make money by processing your Argentine card using Paypal then transferring the money to your bank account. Then bring the dollars down here and resell them. Even with the 15% AFIP tax it is still lucrative.