Can't get a cirrus stamp without getting a laser card.

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Hi

I've just contacted my bank (Ulster bank) and requested a new cash card withw a cirrus stamp. They advised the only way I can get a cirrus stamp is if I apply for a laser card (which I do not want). Also, I have a poor credit history ( not with Ulster Bank) but with previous lenders (all debts paid now but less than 5 years passed) and am worried that this will impact on them issuing a laser card.Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks.
 
I don't think that any banks offer Cirrus/Maestro/Plus+ only cards without bundling them with something else (ATM, Laser etc.). Why do you want Cirrus only? Is it for accessing cash while travelling? Do you have a credit card or a charge card (e.g. Amex) that you could use for this instead and possible with lower charges (e.g. preload the card before travelling and then make cash withdrawals - not advances)?
 
I wanted it put onto my standard ATM cashcard.

I have a company credit card that I use when abroad (mostly for work) and don't have a personal one - don't need one and because of previous history.

I could be away for months at a time over the next while and obviously will need access to my salary.

Do yo know if Laser card applications are subject to ICB search?
 
Unregistered said:
I wanted it put onto my standard ATM cashcard.
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I'm surprised that they don't offer this but it looks like Laser is becoming so standard that I guess they might try and insist on it these days.

I have a company credit card that I use when abroad (mostly for work) and don't have a personal one - don't need one and because of previous history.
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Fair enough.

Do yo know if Laser card applications are subject to ICB search?
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I wouldn't assume so since it Laser is a debit card and doesn't involve the advancement of any credit - i.e. you can only spend what's in your account (assuming no overdraft facility which is an account rather than Laser issue). Obviously there is also an annual stamp duty charge on such cards (€10 for ATM plus €10 for Laser if I recall correctly).
 
Thanks Clubman - you've been very helpful - as always.
 
I just went over to local branch and filled out the form - turns out I should have had a laser already - it is part of my account package and I had been charged for them issuing one. Unbelievable - making sure you bank isn't ripping you off is nearly a full time job.
 
Not being smart but your regular statements should have shown the stamp duty charge for Laser if you already have it and, if you have it, then presumably you signed up for it at some stage. Hardly a rip-off?
 
I opened an account with UB and like yourself expected to have a cirrus on the atm card. They told me I needed the laser which I got but then they tried to charge me the stamp duty for the old card on closure. I had to send a fairly strict letter to them before they refunded me so be prepared to have to insist on same. BTW - When I handed in the card at my branch the teller told me I would not be subject to this SD so dont take their word for it. Check it.
 
Just checked my laser card and my atm card (AIB wouldn't give me a combined one - haven't a clue why), anyway I can't find a cirrus logo only plus and link logos on the atm card and nothing on the laser card. Is plus the same as cirrus and does link work in countries other than England?

When abroad I usually just pre-load my credit card but it would be handier to withdraw from my current account.
 
I have a plus symbol on my AIB Banklink card (separate from laser) and it's always worked abroad. I always thought cirrus was a bank of Ireland thing???
 
ClubMan said:
Not being smart but your regular statements should have shown the stamp duty charge for Laser if you already have it and, if you have it, then presumably you signed up for it at some stage. Hardly a rip-off?
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Your statements are unlikely to show anything because unless you actually use the card there is no Stamp Duty liability.
 
Crunchie said:
Your statements are unlikely to show anything because unless you actually use the card there is no Stamp Duty liability.
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In which case there is no rip-off either.

As far as I know Cirrus/Maestro/Plus+ are similar (identical?) systems which allow ATM access to cash through an ATM card while abroad. Not sure why there are three different brands in this market. Maybe there are some subtle differences between them?
 
What I meant by rip off was that I pay a facility fee for the type of account I have and one of the main benefits is the laser and this was never explained to me - that's all. I'm sorry I ever said it
 
"Maybe there are some subtle differences between them?"

Cirrus is the Mastercard system that allows you to make cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Maestro is also Mastercard but is a Point-of-sale system, same as Laser.
Plus is the Visa equivalent to Cirrus.
 

Cirrus=ATM Access via Mastercard Network
Plus=ATM Access via Visa Network
Maestro=ATM as cirrus but also purchase in shops with PIN

These days nearly all ATM's take both cirrus & plus so the difference is mostly in the backend.
 
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