Switch Maestro card

[mcal]

I recently tried to buy Disney passes over the phone to the USA, but the operator had never heard of my 'Switch / Maestro' debit card. I got another one of my party to buy the passes using her Visa card instead, but can anybody advise me if I will be able to use my switch card in ATMs over there to get cash, or is it really something that isn't accepted Stateside yet ?? Thanks.

[Magical Dreams]

Just found this for you, Its part of the Mastercard Group


Maestro is widely accepted throughout the United States at merchants in the following categories:
Car Rental
General Retail/Department Stores
Hotels
Petrol Stations
Restaurants
Souvenirs
Tourist Attractions
Travel Agents

This is their ATM locator
http://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp

Hope this helps you!

[Newhomebuyer]

i use my Switch /Maestro when I am over there. No problems

[Snapper]

You should be OK with your debit card if it says Maestro on it. Maestro is one of the international standards for debit cards.

If it says Cirrus on it as well you should be able to withdraw cash from ATMs in the US as well.

There are a couple of things that may have gone wrong with your purchase. The folks in the US almost certainly won't recognise the name Switch and so this might have thrown them. If you are doing the same again try referring to your card just as your Bankcard or perhaps ask them to try it as a Mastercard.

The other issue you may have hit is that lots of US outfits are reluctant to take a card that doesn't bill to a US addres; however this doesn't sound that it's the case if your friends Visa card went through OK.

For theme park tickets the other option you have is to purchase through the link above. It's easier than purchasing from the US and they're shipped by registered post in the UK. They have a couple of specials on offer at the moment too with some tickets carrying an extra day free.

Have a great holiday.

[davy woods]

I used my mastro card at the TM machines last year no problem and mine was a debit card. You will find though that when you go to pay for items bought many places don't recognise maestro.
So the answer is if you just use it to get cash then that's fine but anything else and your struggling. Better to take a master card or visa with you.
Dave

[Madabouttigger]

I would just like to add that some times I have been asked to show photo ID when I used my credit card (but not all the time?), so I would advise having a photo driving license with you if you are going to be using a credit card.

Diane

[mcal]

Thanks to everyone for your replies - I was considering having to set up a new current account just to get a Visa card or something, but won't bother now. Many thanks.

[florida4sun]

Its not widely accepted yet, so I would take a back visa/matercard just in case.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mcal
Thanks to everyone for your replies - I was considering having to set up a new current account just to get a Visa card or something, but won't bother now. Many thanks.
[/quote]

[DiannaUK]

I've found it a bit hit and miss in shops, sometimes the machines they use just don't recognise it. But I've never had problems using it to get cash as it has the Maestro/Cirrus symbol on it. As others have said Visa/Mastercard is useful as a back-up or just pay for things with cash.

Travellers Cheques are also another good option as the shops treat them as cash and you then get lots of cash change to use. None of the hassle you get in europe, you simply hand them over as you would a bank note. Make sure they are dollar TCs though.

Dianna.

[Sharon G]

My mum had just a few problems with hers last November in some of the shops!!....but most did accept it...strange
...just take another card, just in case[msnsmile]