Visa Electron Card

No doubt Debit Cards issued by Private Banks in India with VISA ELECTRON endorsement has several positive features, but I would like to point out a major risk with this type of card in India.

Last week, while shopping, I lost my HDFC Debit Card from my purse unknowingly. The following day, I got an email alert stating that a transaction of Rs.7,500/- was carried out using my card. It was then I realized that I had lost my card and I immediately informed my bank to block my card and the bank obliged.

Since the transaction was carried out in a departmental store selling TVs, Refrigerators etc. near the place where I lost the card, I visited the shop where the transaction was carried out.

I talked to the floor supervisor of the Departmental Store and he informed that a person of about 30 years came to the shop and was in a hurry to purchase a TV. Due to Diwali rush, the shop was not interested in verifying the credentials of the purchaser. They were interested in only making the sale. As the debit card was used, they were sure that they will get their money instantaneously as their bankers were also HDFC Bank.

The Departmental Store did not have the following safety checks, which is essential.

1. The billing clerk did not bother to see the gender of the person presenting the card. ( I am a lady and the name in the card reflects this status while the presenter was a man.)

2. The metal detectors installed at the entrance of the store as well as the Video Surveillance system was NOT WORKING though local police have been insisting on these measures.

3. The billing clerk did not ask the purchaser to present any identity proof.

4. MAJOR FLAW: The major flaw with the VISA ELECTRON endorsed HDFC Bank card is THAT THE VITAL PIN NUMBER FEATURE IS NOT IMPLEMENTED WHILE MOST OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS USING MAESTRO ENDORSEMENT COMPULSORILY ASK FOR THE PIN NUMBER BEFORE AUTHENTICATING ANY PURCHASE.

5. The culprit fraudulently used my card for purchasing a TV, swiped my card to make the payment and left the shop in a jiffy putting me into a financial loss.

When I complained to HDFC Bank, they informed that I lodge a FIR with the local police station and they will reimburse my loss. All our countrymen are aware that lodging a FIR in a police station is a herculian task with the Police asking us to go to a different police station stating that it is not in their jurisdiction. The Police do not help in any way for lodging a FIR for the reasons best known to them. I am driven from pillar to post for lodging a FIR and I am not sure whether I will get back my money after that.

Due to the abovementioned flaw, I have become poorer by Rs.7,500/-. I should thank my stars that the culprit did not empty my complete account.

Under the circumstances, my advice to persons using private bank debit cards in India to for MAESTRO endorsement instead of ELECTRON VISA as the former is safer and insists on entering of PIN for each and every transaction.

This is very important in India as the traders are only interested in selling their products and care two hoots about the customers.

Having had trouble with credit in the past, having a Visa Electron was a God-send to allow me to make purchases in retailers and online.

There is no cheque facility on this card (which makes sense) and not everywhere accepts them although I know some airlines don't charge a 'credit card' fee when you buy flights using a Visa Electron card.

However, a word of warning: if you can, try and carry an alternative method of payment. I work in a shop and if our PDQ terminal fails we have to resort to the manual voucher method and we're unable to take a copy of the card to process.

It's handy, however, for buying fuel, food and things like that.

Guys, this card is amazing for buying trips in Ryanair! I have one and I really have saved quite a bit. I went to Oslo with my girlfriend for 4 pounds return. I have found a website that has a list of all of the banks that issue Visa Electron cards in the UK and a list of Prepaid Visa Electron cards. I hope it helps. Cheers!

I have an HAD a VISA ELECTRON CARD. Then the Co-Operative bank PLC sent me a replacement VISA `Debit Card`.

Since been advised that this so-called debit card is still an ELECTRON card. Therfore can`t use it for merchants that request only ` Debit Cards`.

Little bit like selling a Porsch with the power of a Mini!!!!

Visa electronic card is usefull for most moving bussiness people.well i will not suggest it for a personal use or for a student.Let me say that if you have a visa electronic card from ur country bank of kenya by standard chartered bank. and you use same visa electronic card card draw money in uk or usa or australia. You will be charged high rates than if you get same amount in kenya by froex exchange....like ur drawing ATM machine 1,000 $ in USA. but this will be affectly highly than if u get 1,000 $ US in kenya by forex exchange....2ndly, Well you can use it within your own country that will be fine.....about shoping online i dont suggest bcoz i will be expense.like ur buying any cost 300 us dollars..... then u will the shipping cost and if it is internationaly it will be high shipping cost and then you will pay custom duty or taxes in ur own country....

Easy to use,No messing about, everything is straight forward, transactions, dealing with requests, taking money out, cashing cheques.... Couldn't complain. I am with Halifax and I find them to have great service, I only really use this card for simple activities like going our for meals... Paying for petrol... Only bad point for me is there are some restrictions online but I have never experienced a problem in the real world, and personally well recommend the visa electron.