I've even had it happen that the hotel takes an approval on my card when I check in (normal practice is to then use the approval to process the payment), and then run a separate payment on check out, this tying up even more funds than they should while I wait for the approval to expire.The OP’s issue, which I’ve encountered myself in the US, is that there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to how or when you’re charged for things like hotels, or when payments go through, or the level of ‘hold’ that required on your card, or when such ‘holds’ are released.
If you have the USD in a vault, you’ve a problem when your hotel randomly tries to charge you for the first two nights at 1am on the Tuesday before you arrive.
The whole payments system in the US is bizarre.
Why not get the hotel to take the payment rather than letting it be a 'hold' on your card.The OP’s issue, which I’ve encountered myself in the US, is that there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to how or when you’re charged for things like hotels, or when payments go through, or the level of ‘hold’ that required on your card, or when such ‘holds’ are released.
If you have the USD in a vault, you’ve a problem when your hotel randomly tries to charge you for the first two nights at 1am on the Tuesday before you arrive.
The whole payments system in the US is bizarre.
Yes, though it tends to vary a lot depending on the hotel (or sometimes even location!) in question. Regardless, your funds are held throughout the duration of the stay and thereafter which can be a right dose if you hadn't bargained on it. Given the time lag with a credit card, it's not an issue at all really.My experience with a Revolut debit card in the US was that it was not that long. Can’t remember exactly but payment reverted within at most 48 hrs of checkout.
You must be living in a well protected bubble to pose that question!Why woukd you feel the need to 'protect' your funds. What do you mean by 'protect'. Protect from what, what do you envisage could happen?.
Suppose better question is - why does having funds with Revolut concern you re 'protection' more so than having your funds in another way?
I think it's a valid statement. Most of the points been made could apply to any debit/credit card. Especially the alleged stories when it's clear that a phone was stolen having been left unlocked in one case.You must be living in a well protected bubble to pose that question!
But what specifically concerns you or the OP about Revolut more so than any other app, bank or way of carrying money. None of them are without flaws.You must be living in a well protected bubble to pose that question!
Following some posts on this website, I now have locks on individual apps on my phone, such as messages and Gmail.Most (admittedly not all) of the revolut scams are applicable to many other cards/online banking and there's a lot of good advice in this thread that would help protect for both. Millions of users, including me, have used revolut perfectly safely for well over 5 years now and in that time have I have faced scams on my AIB credit card and attempts at my BOI debit card but nothing, fingers crossed, yet on Revolut.
One additional general bit of advice is to review what can happen (revolut and others) if people snatch your phone in an unlocked state. e.g. is your email accessible without password protection (this is where many trip up as people can then change passwords, and enter the email to verify etc).
Then general phone safety - do you need to get it out and unlock it on a metro train or can you wait until you get off the train? The number of people I see walking around cities with a €1000+ phone as a map on holiday is mental - literally you may as well advertise you're not local and have something worth stealing!!
Indeed, but I prefer the exchange rate offered by Revolut and the absence of non-Euro transaction fee. Many posters have said they would not keep more than a couple of hundred on their Revolut card. I have several thousand on it and I have been wondering if that's risky. Ironically, my BoI credit card was subject to a spurious charge on my way to the US in February but a phonecall to BoI got it cancelled, at a cost of €18 for the call! However, luckily I had another cc and Revolut to pay my way.Not sure what that means but we did a big holiday in America two years ago without revolut.
There are two risks to be mindful off, having your phone
I don't see a pockets option on basic Revolut account.
- Keep money in pockets / savings accounts so that your balance is low incase card is stolen no transactions can happen
Thanks I see that now. However, to set up a Canadian dollar pocket, I have to fund it from the € acc and pay exchange rate and fair usage plus weekend charge, today and tomorrow only.
- Tap 'Accounts' and 'Add new'
- Select 'Pockets'
- Choose your Pocket type and follow the instructions
Thanks I see that now. However, to set up a Canadian dollar pocket, I have to fund it from the € acc and pay exchange rate and fair usage plus weekend charge, today and tomorrow only.