Blocked Cash Withdrawals.

Steve2UK, on 2009-01-08 00:14:05, said:

JimsKnight, on 2009-01-07 23:40:11, said:

The thing is people have still had accounts on 'soft hold' while operating WITHIN normal parameters.

Not sure what "soft hold" means, but I certainly got mine made inoperative about 6 months back. When I 'phoned N/W, the Customer Service person told me "it's because your card has been flagged as being used in Thailand recently". I pointed out that it had also been used regularly (as in the same pattern of frequency and amounts) in Thailand for the previous 18 months - because I'm staying long term in Thailand now........... Much embarrassment at their end, profuse apologies - and a promise that they would make a note on the account so it wouldn't happen again.

Interestingly, not so much as a query from them when I used the same (Debit) card to make over-the-bank-counter withdrawals of 200,000 and 400,000 baht - definitely not my normal pattern/parameters! If only............

I agree about making sure they have a contact 'phone number for you - and do just ignore those e-mails.

Had exactly the same problem with my Barclay A/c. Contacted Barclays and was transferred to their Fraud Dept. They told me that my card had been stopped due to the fact that it was being used in Thailand. I explained to them that I had been using my card for the last 4 years here with no problems. They had it flagged up as a possible fraud case. When I explaind the circumstances they had the card re-activated within 15 minutes. A bit angry at first but when I thought about it I guess they were only looking out for my best interests. Might be a good idea to let your UK bank or BS know that you are going to Thailand (for however long) might save problems later.