scrubbedexpat091

When the stupid thing doesn't work most of the time.

We use RBC and they have a virtual Visa debit card, but it's essentially useless since more times then not, it won't work online, Amazon and Expedia are the only places it seems to work.

May as well not even issue one if it can't work on Canadian websites.

It's annoying as I need to order something online and can't get locally, so now tomorrow have to go to Shopper's and buy gift cards for Future Shop.

Upside is we got a bed at Ikea for 59 dollars, marked down from 299....

scrubbedexpat133

Just be patient......the 90s will be here soon

scrubbedexpat091

I guess I got too used to having one in the US that actually worked anywhere Visa is accepted...lol

It's a pain here sometimes, interact is basically useless online.. Pain having to use gift cards to buy stuff online....

Such an outdated system we have here for banking....

amideislas

It's no secret how backward retail banking is in the US and UK, but I expected Canada to be a bit ahead of the game. I guess not.

scrubbedexpat091

Canada in my view is behind the US, not in all ways, but when it comes to debit, Canada has not caught up with the modern world and internet purchases.

withabix

I got a shiny new Scotia Visa Debit the week they came out last summer.

It's a 'proper' Visa card with raised card number etc (although for some reason STILL doesn't have your name on the front).

It still doesn't work on most websites...

Most shop assistants see the Visa symbol on the card and press the appropriate button on the till, but the system still sees an Interac and refuses the card as a Visa.

withabix

But in the UK it isn't backward at all.

The only thing missing in the UK in my opinion is photo cheque depositing, although some banks are introducing it. The FCA or some other quango has to permit it.

The biggest advance has been the instantaneous money transfer between banks.

UK: less than a second

Canada: At least 2 business days

BristolUK

I saw that advertised on ITV a couple of years ago while watching an England game.

amideislas

Well, there's only one country in the world where "international transfer services" are major industry, and dwarf those available from local banks.

I have more than one UK bank account, but it's so difficult (slow, and expensive) to transfer funds outside the UK, that like most people, I'm forced to use a UK "international transfer service". But it works.

In reverse, on the European continent, there is no "international transfer service" industry to speak of, because transferring funds from virtually any European bank account to anywhere in any currency through your online banking is a doddle, fast (usually within same day), and not at all dear (but for large amounts in different currencies we have used a "UK transfer service" to save few points on exchange rates).

I have plenty of peeves about Europe, but banking isn't one of them. The banking system here is bril.

And Visa debit cards issued by my Spanish or German bank? they work everywhere. The US, UK, Asia... Just works. Almost as if it's supposed to be that way.

Pizzawheel

Haha awesome! Fax me!

scrubbedexpat091

Photo deposit is still not available at all banks in Canada. RBC still doesn't seem to do it, nor do they even issue a real debit card with a Visa symbol, just their stupid virtual card that won't work on Canadian sites, but does work on US based sites.

Basically completely useless in Canada.

JonboyE

There is no way I would use a debit card online. If it is compromised the thieves steal your money. If your credit card is compromised the thieves steal the bank's money.

scrubbedexpat091

Not all have credit cards...

The account the card is linked to is generally empty, just transfer what is needed to make the purchase.

Regardless RBC/Visa have Zero liability on it for fraud just like a Visa credit card so not really any more risk.

I used my US Visa debit for years online for everything, was compromised once, the bank called before I noticed it, and 20 mins later the bank deposited the money back into the account.

MB-Realtor

My local TD Branch here in Winnipeg has now got photo deposit, it was installed within the last few weeks.

Steve_

Well the idea behind InterAC was typical Canadian, i.e. stop banks from charging too much money, so come up with something bureaucratic instead.

I always use my credit card anyway, because if your card details get stolen it's their problem, if you use your debit card and they drain your account, it's your problem.