Credit cards at French petrol stations (thread now closed)

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Ex-Call Centre Chimp

Ex-Call Centre Chimp

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Yip, that old chestnut again, sorry.

I've just come back from a fabulous trip to fabulous France with some fabulous chums.
It was over the Easter holiday so naturally many of the petrol station payment kiosks were closed.
4 of us tried to fill up at an unmanned supermarket petrol station, 2 were successful, 2 (including me) weren't.
My credit card works elsewhere in France (& anywhere else I've been) without issue.
I rang my bank before I went to France to let them know I was going, "No need to tell us about European trips sir you're card will automatically work in Europe".
I rang my bank when I got back to ask why my card was declined (& always has been at all French petrol stations) and was told "We have no idea,sorry".
 
I had similar experience over Easter too, I have 2 preloaded travel cards neither work in unmanned petrol stations & had to use my Visa Debit cards, but in manned services everything is accepted, I wish someone had the answer as I am returning in a few weeks.
 
This used to be common, but is now fortunately quite rare.

There are certain petrol stations where I know some of my cards will never work (though others do).

Getting used to the fact that will always be thus and you will never know why is good for your mental health.
 
Timaloy said:
Yip, that old chestnut again, sorry.

I've just come back from a fabulous trip to fabulous France with some fabulous chums.
It was over the Easter holiday so naturally many of the petrol station payment kiosks were closed.
4 of us tried to fill up at an unmanned supermarket petrol station, 2 were successful, 2 (including me) weren't.
My credit card works elsewhere in France (& anywhere else I've been) without issue.
I rang my bank before I went to France to let them know I was going, "No need to tell us about European trips sir you're card will automatically work in Europe".
I rang my bank when I got back to ask why my card was declined (& always has been at all French petrol stations) and was told "We have no idea,sorry".
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Good job Glyn's worked eh. bill :D
 
I've found that my Post Office(Bank of Ireland) Mastercard invariably works, maybe because it's an EU based bank, euros and all.....???
 
French banks even have a debit card which they issue to students which won't work in petrol pumps, although they insist it should.
 
stolzy said:
Getting used to the fact that will always be thus and you will never know why is good for your mental health.
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Wise words mate, wise words. :thumb2


UturnTony said:
Good job Glyn's worked eh. bill :D
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Good job Sandra was there to authorise the transaction Tony. ;)

Outtomunch said:
A mantra applicable to so much in life :thumb2

Andres
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Wise words mate, wise words. :thumb2


sagalout said:
If we vote 'leave' then none of your cards will ever work in a French petrol station again :jager
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Those who know me know my thoughts on this matter. Having said that I have an Irish passport so I'm covered anyway. :D
 
Never had a problem with my Visa Debit card.

Always carry a few different cards. Never go below a quarter tank.
 
We once had to wait at a petrol station for a French biker to come along who was prepared to put our petrol on his card in exchange for cash. Our fault for leaving it too long before refilling but an embuggerance just the same. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long.
 
Had this problem in numerous places in Europe. Always carry 2x visa and now a Ramsdens card (euros).

Its a bugga, and tends to happen miles from anywhere when empty....
 
Wiseguys carry cash :thumb2 Unfortunately these unmanned places are becoming more widespread, I just try and avoid them.

I've found the Halifax Clarity card to nearly always work everywhere, good exchange rate and no charge. For my others it's a lottery.
 
All been done to death before....best use c/cards that don't cost....SAGA, Halifax or PO.

Look out for the new Supercard in June....look up the website to register now....I had one of the pilot cards and it worked very well. https://www.travelex.co.uk/services/supercard

Caxton is a waste of time if you don't understand its limitations and as soon as the balance is gone I'll shred it.
 
gerarddwatts said:
Caxton is a waste of time if you don't understand its limitations and as soon as the balance is gone I'll shred it.
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What's the prob with Caxton?

(I have four business visa cards with them, which they explain to me - they are changing to one mastercard - not sure how that can ever work. - i suspect I will have to just remove the funds and close them)

Al
 
gerarddwatts said:
And its only a question of time before Wapping arrives and gives everyone in this thread a good slapping...
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Yes, I was aware of that as I was writing the initial post tbh.
In truth I wasn't looking for any answers, very much taking Stolzy's pragmatic approach to the whole thing.

I really put it up just as an annual reminder that things still haven't necessarily changed.
Each time I go to France I do so in the faint hope that this time things will be different with regards to my ability to use the automated pumps. Deep down, however, I know exactly what will happen.:D
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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