Hello,
I'm travelling to Ireland next month, will need to purchase bus tickets from TVM in Ennis bus station. I'm wondering if anyone has experience using Capital One- Venture One card to purchase tickets from a TVM and if a pin is required.
If I remember correctly, a few years ago, I tried to use this card at Berlin Hbf to purchase tickets and was asked to enter a pin, which I did not have (I forgot the pin - I never used it here). I ended up paying the tickets by cash.
Thank you,
In over 9 trips to Europe in past 8 years, I don't think I have ever been asked for the PIN on any of our cards except when we do the occasional ATM withdrawal. I ALWAYS set up the travel notifications for our cards beforehand and am sure I know the PINs.
One thing we have noticed is that about 1 out of 5 or 6 purchases they will require a swipe instead of tap and/or signature. I was told that is an added security measure initiated on the CC vendor side.
I have a Capital One credit card (not Venture) and haven't been asked for a PIN number anywhere in Europe, but that doesn't mean you might not get asked for one. It does help to have more than one credit or debit card on hand just in case. I found my regular debit card (with PIN) works better for some transit systems, but I never knew which until a card didn't work.
You can ask for a PIN from Capital One, here are the instructions. Just know that it could be considered a cash advance which comes with a hefty fee: https://www.capitalone.com/help-center/credit-cards/manage-your-pin-number/
Thanks,
I am not planning to use the pin to get cash advance. I have a debit card and will use to draw cash through ATM if needed.
I know Capital One does not need me to notify them about my travel dates.
It's just that my experience I was not able to purchase tickets from TVM in Berlin Hbf because the machine asked me to enter pin number.
I don't think a purchase through TVM (enter pin number) is considered cash advance.
I will go ahead request a pin number from Capital One, to be safe.
I have used the Venture card for purchases in Europe and they were always fine. Just not sure about the TVM :)
The reason people with a Capital One Venture card are rarely asked for a PIN is because the card is not capable of having a PIN for purchase transactions.
You can get a PIN for use at an ATM for a cash advance, but that is it. You can not use it for purchases, and if you could, it would not be considered a cash advance. Only a transaction that gives you cash, or some form of cash (like chips at a casino), will it be considered a cash advance.
As for purchasing tickets, there are a couple alternatives to having a PIN, the most common would be to find a manned window where your card can be processed and you sign a slip like you usually do. Sometimes, for lower Dollar purchases, the machine and your card will allow the transaction with no authorization, and finally, if the machine has been upgraded to "Tap to Pay", contactless, then you can tap for amounts up to 50 euro with no verification. If you are buying multiple tickets, and the total is over 50 euro, then purchase each ticket individually as a workaround.
I tried to use this card at Berlin Hbf to purchase tickets
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As for purchasing tickets, there are a couple alternatives to having a PIN, the most common would be to find a manned window where your card can be processed
In Germany, given the dwindling number of ticket counters, the easiest way is to install the DB app, register and buy all tickets online. They also sell tickets for most local transport associations. It's similar in other European countries.
the easiest way is to install the DB app, register and buy all tickets online.
I agree, that is actually what I do, but many still travel without an active phone with data, and American cards still are hesitant, for whatever reason, to implement 3DS measures, which causes issues with European Apps. 3DS also requires having an active phone.
But if the app works for you, it is the way to go.
I have 2 capital venture cards,one of which is the X version.
I have had a pin on the non x version for years,mainly to buy train tickets from the machines in the stations in Italy.
Lots of confusion apparently , a train ticket is not processed as a cash transaction.
However if a dire emergency occurred one could use the credit card for cash from an ATM, which is a very bad idea unless all other options are exhausted.
I will go ahead request a pin number from Capital One, to be safe.
Good plan. I do the same on all cards and have never been asked to us the PIN.
the easiest way is to install the DB app, register and buy all tickets
online.
Agree with @Paul that apps are the way to go for trains and local mass transit!
"Chip-and-PIN" has been replaced by "chip."
