Using Debit Card in France
 

I used my CAM debit card at an automated petrol station in France - bought about 30 euros of petrol no problem. I don't like using these but I had no choice at the time. When I checked my CAM statement the 30 some euros had been debited but also 120 euros has been blocked (retenciones) in respect of this purchase. CAM say this is standard and it will be unblocked after 10 days! Fortunately I am sufficiently in funds that it's not a problem but it could have been inconvenient.

Has anyone else experienced this? A good reason to avoid using automated petrol pumps....... Are CAM being unreasonable or do other banks do the same?

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

They do that over here in the US too. Once the bank put a hold on the same amount 3 times for one transaction so I don't use a debit card anymore when I am filling up. I think they put a hold for a certain amount in the UK when you get petrol as well don't they? I don't know if it's wide spread, but I it happened to me when I was in the UK in April. I had filled up using a prepaid debit card and they put a hold on for far more than the petrol I was intending to use.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

It depends whether you are using a debit, credit or pre paid card. The three should not be confused. if you use a debit card, the amount goes out of your bank and that's an end to it. If you use a credit card, the amount goes on your bill etc, etc. Can't speak for a pre paid card.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

It is a security thing, they check to see that you have sufficient funds before fueling commences.

If you checked the pump, after your card was verified, you should have seen:
"Begin fueling up to 120 €" (in French LOL)

They will reserve this ammount from your card. When the actual amount is debited this reserve should be cancelled.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

filled up more than a couple of times travelling from Calais down to Spain, didnt notice any unusual activity on my card (debit). Previous time used a credit card by mistake and again no unusual activity

but they are from a Big 4 UK bank, not a Spanish bank.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

Exactly :)

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

Thanks Sue,

It was many years ago, but I still remember the first time I hired a car in US. I stopped for "gas" and had to pay cash before filling. I asked for $25 worth and the reply was "What are you driving boy, a petrol tanker?"

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

They have debited the actual amount for the fuel but there is still a block on my bank account for 120 euros - for 10 days according to the details. I can't believe they can do that. When it comes up with the "begin fueling" message you have 60 seconds to begin. How do they justify 10 days ??

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

Sorry (and I mean this in a friendly way) I don't understand the relevance of this comment. The machine checks you have funds then allows you to fill up. Your bank account is debited with the actual amount for the fuel (30 euros in my case). It's not possible to "steal" more fuel so how do they justify a 120 euro block??

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

I use a debit card for fuel frequently to get the extra 2% discount. I always ask for 50€ as that is nearest to what I will need but never achieve it, usually 40ish € of fuel. By the time I get home the return has been credited to my account. No extra taken.
SabadellSolbank who seem to own CAM these days.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

What bank do you use?

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

Sorry, just re-read your post, I assume you bank with CAM/Sabadell. When I spoke to CAM they said that the retencion is initiated by the retailer (Intermarche France) - but they allow it...

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

It is not only petrol stations in France who do this. It is a normal and regular transaction process.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

I think they do it because when you use your card at the pump they have no idea of the amount of petrol you are going to use, so in order to guarantee you have enough money to pay they put a hold on a specific amount. Then when the transaction is finished they debit your account for the actual amount. The trouble is some of these "holds" stay on one's account for up to 48 hours thereby effecting the available funds.

Re: Using Debit Card in France
 

I regularly drive through France and have the same retentions showing up in my account with Bankia, happens every time and not just petrol stations, that's using a debit card with more than sufficient available to pay the bills.