Barclay can be a bit inconsistent at times

[Anonymous]

Noticed a message yesterday in my account that one of my two Barclaycards "may have been compromised" and they were sending me a new one. It seems unlikely, given that it's only been used twice at a grocery store I regularly shop at, but ok.

No e-mail, no text, no phone call verifying transactions - it was fortunate I noticed the message in my account before using the card.

When I called in, the automated message said that the card "may" have been compromised, that they were issuing another card, but that I could "continue using my current card with confidence" until January 15.

Spoke with a rep directly afterward who at first said ", no, you won't be able to use that card", and then changed it to" well actually, you can use that card, but I wouldn't recommend using it."

I loev the inconsistency. We all know that CS reps don't really know what is going on, but an interesting and rather funny experience.

[Anonymous]

I have had that with another issuer (don't remember which one) and was also initially surprised (if it is compromised then surely THEY should want to cancel it).   But then, it's their money and if they would rather let you charge (and maybe others charge as well) that's their call.

[Anonymous]

Agreed. The really irritating thing is that I have an automatic transaction due to come out of that account in a few days, so who knows how that will play out. It's not something that can be changed at this late juncture.

[creditguy]

Barclays can be a lot of things that's for sure and inconsistent is one the mildest things. But I agree with Longtimelurker if it is compromised than of course they should want to cancel it. What sense would it make to leave it open for further fraud? Geez Barclays asleep at the switch much?

More than likely there was some type of data breach and they are concerned about a certain amount of cards being compromised, so they just do a broad replacement of cards as a precautionary measure. The chances of your individual card being affected was probably small but why take the chance.

However it would have been nice to be contacted about it saving you the hassle of using a card that may or may not be closed without your knowledge. I guess these banks are just too large to be customer focused anymore but who knows. Good luck I hope they resolve this quickly and positively for you.

[tntexans72]

I echo your setiment with barclaycard, there's always something up with them...AA, cards getting compromised, declined, etc...I have 2 of their cards and rarely use them for fear of declined. Just a crappy bank imo, I just hate to close the cards now that I have wasted inquiries already. 

[Anonymous]

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@creditguy wrote:

More than likely there was some type of data breach and they are concerned about a certain amount of cards being compromised, so they just do a broad replacement of cards as a precautionary measure. The chances of your individual card being affected was probably small but why take the chance.

However it would have been nice to be contacted about it saving you the hassle of using a card that may or may not be closed without your knowledge. I guess these banks are just too large to be customer focused anymore but who knows. Good luck I hope they resolve this quickly and positively for you.

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Thanks creditguy. I do think you are correct that they are just selecting a large swath of cards that "may have been" compromised; thus, that is why they are using the "may have been "language" and keeping the card active until January 15.

Yes, it would have been helpful to be contacted. I'm traveling for part of the Christmas holidays, so I would have had no idea if I had not looked at my online account and seen the small banner.

I'm signed up for alerts with Barclay's so I'm not sure why they could not have just sent me an alert.

I'm hoping the automated transaction comes through ok, as I won't have the new card that quickly.

[Anonymous]

Barclay is alright with me. APR reductions, increases, instant approvals = no problem. Plus they leave me alone despite opening a bunch of cards and score plummets. But I tend to judge a lender based on my personal experiences with them and not what I read about others issues.

As far as this situation I think they should have made more of an effort to contact you, definitely dropped the ball on this one. :/ At least send an email.

[PointLager]

In my experience otnly Amex has truly intelligent fraud detection. Even Chase has been to quick to decline a purchase. With Amex. Never. And not once had i called to advise of travel.

[NRB525]

h, you should use the card for a small merchant charge, like a daily coffee. Have another card along in case Barclay is declined, but in order to really test this, and see if the card will be available for your auto transaction, you should use the card.

Alternatively, if there is a known transaction coming up, re-align that payment to use a different card, until the new Barclay card comes in the mail.

[Anonymous]

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@NRB525 wrote:

h, you should use the card for a small merchant charge, like a daily coffee. Have another card along in case Barclay is declined, but in order to really test this, and see if the card will be available for your auto transaction, you should use the card.

Alternatively, if there is a known transaction coming up, re-align that payment to use a different card, until the new Barclay card comes in the mail.

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Thanks NRB. I may try to do that. Unfortnately there is no way to re-align the automatic payment as it is coming out in just a few days and I have been told by the (insurance) company that it can't be changed this close to the date.