Hi Stace1983, we got the same letter yesterday, and we're going away soon too. I called into my local branch yesterday and voiced my concerns. I was told that the new card would have to be activated, and the present one would still work ok until it was. I don't always trust what they tell me, but when you think about it, how can they stop it straight away, when they don't know when the new one arrived? So...it makes sense what she said. I would call into your branch and ask, it will be interesting to hear if you got the same answer as me.....

Number on the back of mine for Debit Card Services - 0845 600 2803

As you have to activate new cards then providing it has not expired you should be OK

You say Visa debit card to replace Maestro - did not know about that.

fwh

FWH, we didn't know about it either! The letter says that you get purchase protection and other additional benefits, and a booklet explaining all this will come with the card. Up to now, only my husband has recieved the letter, funny that, as it's a joint account and I'm the first name on it. Maybe they think it will be too dangerous to let me loose with one....

If they are switching over to Visa then it will help when paying for holidays, and give the protection that is lacking at present on debit cards.

fwh

My son is with HSBC and he has had his Maestro card changed to the new Visa debit card about 5 months ago as his maestro card was to be renewed, but both hubby and myself wont get our Visa debit cards until our renewel dates which are early 2010.

Angie.

Sorry if this is slightly off topic, but you were talking about Maestro cards being switched to Visa Debits and said

If they are switching over to Visa then it will help when paying for holidays, and give the protection that is lacking at present on debit cards.

I have a Visa Debit card with Barclays (previously woolwich didn't choose Barclays but the takeover took care of it), I thought you only got protection on paying for things on a credit card not debit card??

Miss Pink,

Its explained in this link that you are covered with Visa Debit Cards.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/7347146.stm

Angie.

Thanks Angie - you are such an amazing bunny rabbit you find all this information at the drop of a hat.

What has niggled me - why has my bank not told me that this exists?

I managed to speak to someone on the phone, she said that the old card wont be cancelled until at least 3 weeks after the new one arrives so we should be fine for the duration of the holiday.
but may be of interest: I also asked if they could make sure that I will be able to use my card whilst abroad, she said no! They will more than likely freeze the account then call me to confirm that it is me trying to use the card. I am pleased that they take security so seriously but surely if you inform them they can do something about it. what if I wasnt taking my phone??

then call me to confirm that it is me trying to use the card.

But when I tried to give them a mobile number just in case they refused. Said if I had a problem to call them. They have noted I am away on holiday and where I am going - will see what happens.

fwh

fwh thats weird they had my mobile number already, in fact last year they called my mobile and left a message asking me to call back. Which I did and they released my account, they also sent me an email and apparantly they pay for the calls. It just seems a bit silly that they dont have the ability to prevent the account freezing in the 1st place.

Is this what Natwest call 'Helpful Banking'

These posts make them seem so different from the adverts!!!

When we arrived home last night from holiday my wife had her new debit card from Natwest. Maestro!

fwh