To be cross with Fairfx but also super embarrassed!

[PickettBowtruckles]

We're in the US on our honeymoon right now. Used a prepaid travel card (FairFx) which we've used before and had no problems. Loved that we could instantly load the card with extra dollars as and when needed.

Did it again tonight, went out for nice dinner with husband and enjoyed ourselves. Couple of cocktails and glasses of wine each. Get the bill, well under what our balance on the card is so very very confused when our card is decline.

Turns out the email from Fairfx thanking you for topping up and saying your funds will be available in minutes is just a lie and sometimes it can be 3 hours since you topped up and they still haven't updated your card! Have had to send my husband the 20 minutes each way back to our hotel to get my debit card so the meal is essentially costing us double as we'd loaded the travel card with enough to cover the meal and now have to use my debit card anyway to pay for it!

Feeling a bit ragey towards Fairfx right now, but also hanging my head in shame in the middle of restaurant where my card has clearly been declined and I'm sitting alone wanting more wine

Don't feel shame, I am sure they are used to it. My cards have been refused all,over the world, usually between me and DH we can get one to work but sometimes we have had to do an emergency cash run or left goods we wanted to buy. Ask for more wine!

I had to spend 20 minutes on the phone with my card company at the checkout at Safeway in the US once, trying to get a buy a heck of a lot of alcohol. I was embarrassed too, but not enough to leave without the booze

Don't worry, it possibly won't even be the first card they've had declined today. And I bet most every waiter has had a card declined at some point. It happens to most people.