I've been trying to purchase coach tickets through National Express in England on nationalexpress.com, but after I have entered my payment information, every time I am told that there has been a "payment error" and my request cannot be processed, yet my bank account is charged. I have used multiple payment cards, tried emailing them (they haven't emailed back) and calling them (their number won't go through even with proper country codes), to no avail. Has anyone else had this problem and overcame it? Is this the only website where I can purchase National Express tickets?
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
I'd say you need to call your bank(s). I forgot to let my bank know I would be making an international purchase via the National Express website, got the same message you did, and discovered my bank's fraud protection software had put a block on my card. My card wasn't charged though. Are you absolutely sure yours was?
Posted by
OP
Castro Valley, CA, USA
4 posts
Yes I am absolutely sure my card was charged. I have already put a travel advisory on my card, and called my bank once I noticed the charges coming up on my account. Bottom line, I just want my e-tickets and to be charged only one payment.
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Did you check your Spam email folder to see if the ticket email went there instead of to your inbox?
Posted by
OP
Castro Valley, CA, USA
4 posts
Yes, I have called them, as I wrote in my original post. The phone would ring once, then Verizon would say the call couldn't be completed as dialed. There are no emails from the National Express in my spam mail. Thank you all for your ideas!
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Try using their 'Contact Us' form on the right side of the screen at: http://www.nationalexpress.com/help.aspx Select 'Make a complaint' as the enquiry type.
Posted by
OP
Castro Valley, CA, USA
4 posts
I have already done that as well, twice. There has been no response.
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
So, this is going to sound stupid, and I don't mean it to, but are you sure your Verizon plan allows international calls? If yes, try calling Verizon to enquire why the call won't go through. If you get no joy from any quarter, take all your documentation, including proof that you were charged for the tickets, to the ticket window at the National Express Coach station near Victoria Station or at Heathrow and try to get them to give you the tickets. Of course, that won't work if you contest the charges.
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
Rather than using the 08717 number (which is a premium rate line) you could try calling the head office customer service number. They don't advertise this, but I found it with a bit of Googling - 0121 452 8001 - so that would be whatever the code is for overseas calls, then 44 121 452 8001. I just called it and got a recorded message saying I was being held in a queue and would be answered as soon as an agent became available.