Ending the blocked account is in itself a headache, but if it happens to us while we are on vacation miles from home it can be a nightmare.
In practice, having a checking account blocked is like running out of money. The euros are still there, but you can’t touch them. The owner cannot withdraw money, pay with a card, or make transfers. A serious problem if we are traveling and we do not have more money than our account.
In these cases, it is best not to lose your temper and try to talk to the bank, say the experts from the financial product comparator HelpMyCash.com.
But why can banks block our bank account? There are several reasons, HelpMyCash sources explain. Sometimes they can restrict the operation of an account for security if they detect unusual operations such as withdrawals or card purchases in other countries. In that case, it should be enough to explain to the entity that we are on vacation. In a few minutes, the account can be operational again. We can also notify the bank before going abroad that we will use the card outside of Spain.
Although one of the main reasons for blocking is having an expired ID. Banks are obliged to have their clients identified and this implies that every time one’s ID expires, they need to digitize the new one. When this happens, they usually ask the client to go to an office with the new document or to send a photo through the app, but if they ignore these requests, the account may end up being blocked. So if our ID is about to expire, it is convenient to send the new one to the bank, especially before leaving on a trip.
It may also happen that the bank blocks the account if it detects any suspicious operation and needs to verify the origin of the client’s funds. Something difficult to foresee. If this happens, you will have to send the documentation you request, something that can be complicated if we are far from home.
On the other hand, although it is not a block as such, it can also happen that the customer is left without his card while traveling because it is lost, broken, stolen or that the bank suffers a technical incident and online banking or the means of payment stop being operational for a few hours.
To avoid greater evils, it is convenient to always have two accounts with their respective cards, in case one fails, you can use the other. Of course, for this strategy to make sense, the secondary account has to have some money, they explain in HelpMyCash.
Opening a second account is easy and free. Most banks sell commission-free and payroll-free accounts.
ING offers the NoAccount Account with no fees and no strings attached that can be opened as a secondary account and used only when needed. It includes a free virtual debit card that can be used to buy and withdraw money at the bank’s own ATMs if it is linked to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Those who prefer a card in physical format can open the Banco Sabadell Online Account for new customers. It also does not have commissions or requires direct debit of a payroll. The debit card associated with the account has no issuance or renewal fees and allows you to withdraw money for free at thousands of ATMs.
It has three extra advantages: firstly, it returns 3% of all purchases paid with the debit card until September 30, secondly, it has a return of 2.5% APR up to 30,000 euros, so it is They can earn up to 750 euros gross in interest and, finally, customers who direct a salary, pension or unemployment of at least 700 euros get 200 euros as a gift.
Those looking for an account to withdraw money and pay for commission-free purchases abroad have more options. For example, the N26 checking account has no commissions or conditions and allows you to withdraw money for free three times a month at any ATM in the eurozone. On the other hand, it does not charge a commission for paying in another currency. The free debit card is virtual.
Another useful account for travelers is the Revolut Standard Account. It also has no commissions or ties and allows you to withdraw money for free five times a month or up to a maximum of 200 euros at any ATM in the world and does not charge commissions for currency exchange up to a limit of one thousand euros per month. The card has no maintenance fees.
