Forum Topic

problems with bus passes

Twice his week my bank account has charged me for a bus journey due to my contactless debit card being activated by the contact pad in a bus rather than my freedom pass. I keep both in a wallet but the debit card is on one side and the pass on the other and I always make sure I put the pass on the pad.I have asked my bank (HSBC) if they can issue debit and credit cards without this feature as I will never use it.The charge is small but with millions of oyster cards and freedom passes tfl could be making a lot of money

Keith Mason ● 4330d18 Comments

But it sounds as if you do agree with me, Philippa. Personal responsibility is the order of the day. If you know you can't handle a card, then decline the offer. If the bank sends you one anyway, then cut it in two. If you do neither and run up debts you can't pay, then don't go blaming someone else.

Susan Kelly ● 4324d

I don't agree with you there Susan.  Credit cards were pushed very hard by banks.  A very cynical marketing move.  It would have been good to have had the choice of just having a cheque guarantee card.  In fact I never did have a problem - but that was probably my upbringing.I agree that people don't take enough responsibility nowadays - if any.  There is an awful lot of self-indulgence and an awful lot of excuses of "I can't help it".What happened to "If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again"?

Philippa Bond ● 4324d

Credit cards haven't created problems. The responsibility lies with those who misuse them. Mine actually saves me money.

Susan Kelly ● 4326d

Google:  RFID blocking credit/id card.  They are paper holders with metal inside.  We got ours in Canada while on holiday - so you may find them here or you certainly can order through ebay etc., but seem expensive.

Charles Campbell ● 4326d

So he can't be that anxious to have one!  Why on earth don't they give them to people who want them.I complained when my cheque guarantee card turned into a credit card.  Just look at the problems they have created.

Philippa Bond ● 4326d

It's no good being a technophile if your bank tells you they won't be bringing contactless cards in for at least another couple of years.My husband has one, but always forgets to use it.

Susan Kelly ● 4326d

I think some of us (like me) would prefer that the technophiles went first and trialled the new systems!

Philippa Bond ● 4326d

In actual fact, a contactless card transaction (up to £20 and under a cumulative spending limit configured on the card) will be processed offline and as such won't be affected by any general banking systems failure. It's both easy and convenient - give it a try!

Alex Weel ● 4326d

It may be common sense to keep the cards separated once you know about the problem TfL are having but could this have been anticipated in advance?I was surprised when I heard that the Oyster reader could not be set to give preference to an Oyster chip before any other sort.  It would appear that this differentiation is not currently possible.By the same token, I'm not at all surprised that the banks rolled out contactless cards without asking individuals' permission.  It appeared to be a good additional service, with relatively few drawbacks.  I realise some people are concerned that thieves can more easily gain access to their funds but my bank assures me that I am not liable for any monies withdrawn without my express permission or collusion.I find using contactless is an excellent option in Lidl and other places and when my Oyster card credit is low.

Phil Kay ● 4326d

I'm inclined to agree, Jack. I keep my oyster card in a separate pocket and take it out to swipe. I wouldn't keep it in my wallet.

Susan Kelly ● 4327d

I thought it would be common sense to have your freedom pass separate from other cards when your using a swipe machine when paying for something.

Jack Ryan ● 4327d

I was using a folding wallet with the bus pass on one side and the debit card on the other. I was aware of the possible clash so was always careful to touch the side with the bus pass against the pad.Hsbc have now, to their credit, arranged for me to be issued with a new debit card without the contactless feature.Problem solved but shouldn't banks ask if we want such a feature when issuing new cards.

Keith Mason ● 4327d

"I keep both in a wallet but the debit card is on one side and the pass on the other and I always make sure I put the pass on the pad."Do you mean that:(a) you arrange your cards in a stack with the debit card at the top (say) and the Freedom Pass at the bottom, or(b) you have a tri-fold wallet with one card in a separate flap from the stack of other cards?In my experience, (a) doesn't work; you often get card clashes.  But I've been using (b) for a year or two with no problems.  The Freedom Pass is in a separate flap which I always fold out and touch on the Oyster pad. 

Richard Jennings ● 4328d

Funny: my bank does not yet issue contactless cards and I'd be perfectly happy to have one to pay for coffee in Marks or Costa with a quick flash (ooh, matron!).

Susan Kelly ● 4329d

My bank issued me a card which was supposed to be able to be used as an oyster as well several years ago.  I told them I didn't want it.  They told me I had to have it.  So I never used it and used a £10 oyster card instead.They have now issued me with another card which appears to have some contactless feature.  I don't want a contactless feature.  I prefer to stick to paying cash for small items.  When the systems go down cards are absolutely useless and the advice is.. to have yet another card.  Aaagh!!It is enough to drive you to alternative banking.

Philippa Bond ● 4329d

Excellent practical idea, Nigel.

Susan Kelly ● 4329d

Sadly Keith a well-known problem and one about which TfL have posted notices at many stations.I now (and don't laugh) have a piece of folded kitchen foil in my wallet between my Oyster card and all other cards.

Nigel Brooks ● 4329d

Very annoying. I've been given one of these contactless cards also. For me it just means that my Oyster card never reads when it's in my wallet and I have to remove it each time I use it.

Sam Salisbury ● 4330d