Three years ago we began following the Dave Ramsey plan with gazelle-like intensity and had disposed of all credit cards. And we were happy. Upon taking this job in Helsinki, Dan was told he would not have a business credit card any longer. Bye bye corporate American Express. All business hotels, dinners, rental cars have to go through his personal accounts and then we would be reimbursed. When we were first married it was the same way and I hated it. Totally messed with our bank accounts and my ability to keep track of stuff. So, before we left, we got a brand spankin’ new credit card.
This new US card has caused us problems in Europe. The first was a fee on all international purchases. OK, we bite the bullet and pay it. Then we couldn’t use it on websites with a European origin. Wouldn’t accept US cards. Then when we tried to do a little Christmas shopping on US websites we were declined because those sites don’t support European addresses. Not for shipping purposes but for card verification. Gah!
The last straw was a time when Dan was in Moscow. He called and said the card wouldn’t go through at the hotel. Sure enough, when I checked the website there was a message to call them immediately. I call and verify charges. They said the system flagged Dan’s purchases because they were in Russia. I ask them if they have our current address on file. Yes, Finland. I ask if they know Moscow is an hour flight from Finland. (To me it’s like shutting down a card because someone from Iowa went shopping in Chicago for the weekend. Silly. The shutting down of the card part, not that someone from Iowa went to Chicago.) The company says it doesn’t matter. Can you put a note on the account to at least allow all purchases in European countries? No. You’ll just have to call and verify charges if it happens again. OK, that’s embarrassing to have a card declined and annoying that the only way to use the card then is to call.
Now we have a new, new credit card from our bank here. We still have to go to the bank to pick it up as they don't mail any cards to your home. (A trip downtown to the bank is another post all to itself.) Once we get it I'll post a picture...along with our social security numbers and other sensitive identity information.
The last straw was a time when Dan was in Moscow. He called and said the card wouldn’t go through at the hotel. Sure enough, when I checked the website there was a message to call them immediately. I call and verify charges. They said the system flagged Dan’s purchases because they were in Russia. I ask them if they have our current address on file. Yes, Finland. I ask if they know Moscow is an hour flight from Finland. (To me it’s like shutting down a card because someone from Iowa went shopping in Chicago for the weekend. Silly. The shutting down of the card part, not that someone from Iowa went to Chicago.) The company says it doesn’t matter. Can you put a note on the account to at least allow all purchases in European countries? No. You’ll just have to call and verify charges if it happens again. OK, that’s embarrassing to have a card declined and annoying that the only way to use the card then is to call.
Now we have a new, new credit card from our bank here. We still have to go to the bank to pick it up as they don't mail any cards to your home. (A trip downtown to the bank is another post all to itself.) Once we get it I'll post a picture...along with our social security numbers and other sensitive identity information.
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