Mastercard debit card transactions blocked in Spain

I always favor use of a credit card rather than a debit card. There are more consumer protections (at least for US folks) when you use a credit card. I only use the debit card to get money out of ATMs, so I haven't run into the problem you're facing.

I generally keep the equivalent of $50 cash in my pocket thanks to an ATM card. Beyond that I run on a credit card. If I were worried about the credit card balance, I could just transfer the money using my cell phone and bank application. With modern technology none of this is worth fretting over these days. It just comes down to preference.

My comment is the same as acraven. We only use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. When using an ATM we try to use the credit card company’s foreign partner, e.g., for Bank of America in Spain it’s Deutche Bank. We always have some Euros for those rare cases when cash is needed.

iw3kids, some years ago our bank didn't allow certain transaction in Rome, because of an outbreak of credit card fraud there. Perhaps this is something similar? But with debit cards?

Thanks for the suggestions and JamesE makes a good point. You can essentially use your credit card like a debit card with online banking and the app on my phone.

Another question: Do most restaurants and vendors accept cash just as easily as a card? If so then I think this is not a real problem.

I haven’t been since covid, but prior to it both cash and credit card we’re accepted equally. It also may depend on other factors such as, large or small town, chain hotel/restaurant/store or mom and pop hotel/restaurant/store. Hopefully one of our posters who live in Spain will chime in.

It is mostly the Scandinavian areas, parts of north Europe, that are going cash less. The general recommendation for years has been not to use a debit card for routine transactions. If it is compromised your bank account can be quickly cleaned out and your are stuck with no access to cash. Use your credit cards -- far safer. And use your debit ONLY at bank-owned ATMs. And carry some back up cards -- just in case.

What Frank said!

Your credit card offers more legal protection against fraudulent use than your debit card. I would never present my debit card in a foreign country as a form of payment for anything (I don't use it that way in the US, either). I only use my debit card in a foreign ATM for cash, and only at a secure ATM (inside a bank lobby, etc).

Any transaction abroad, use a credit card or cash, never a debit card. Better yet, use Apple Pay via your cell phone - that offers you the greatest protection against fraud since you do not physically present your card to anyone who could skim your card or copy the CC number. Apple Pay generates a unique, one time number, for every transaction and doesn't reveal your CC number to the merchant. Apple Pay is widely accepted in France and Germany in my experience, and I assume other countries, too. If they don't accept Apple Pay, then present your CC for payment.

I don’t use a debit card except to get cash at an ATM. A debit has no safety features and a thief could empty my bank account too easily. I always use a credit card or cash for transactions.

What about Google Pay or Apple Pay? I wouldn't imagine that you'll have any difficulties paying via either method.

acraven is absolutely correct, get a couple of credit cards. Credit cards you have far more protection from fraud that is not the same for debit cards.

In Spain, especially Barcelona, I suggest wearing a money belt for security from pickpockets.

Two no foreign transaction fee credit cards, usually visa and master card. In addition two debit cards from different financial institutions for ATM transactions only. We have debit cards from our local bank and through a brokerage account. The brokerage account reimburses all fees so that is our main one that we use when traveling.

You can essentially use your credit card like a debit card with online banking and the app on my phone

I would not use a credit card like a debit card.

One additional thing that I did for protection regarding the debit card, was to setup a separate account with limited funds, just in case the card was stolen.

Gail -- all of my accounts have limited funds... so we should be good there! :) LOL!

On a more serious note, thanks everyone for all the advice. Much appreciated.