Virgin and Debit cards on Trains when?

[northernrail2009]

I know many months ago Virgin stopped taking Credit and debit cards on trains but i was on one yesterday and heard the shop staff say that they now take them again.

so just wanted to know when they started taking them again and what was the reason they stopped taking them and starting them again?

 

[FManc]

From at least June 2011 according to the training guide I've been issued with at training for Virgin.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

aaaaah another Doh! moment from Virgin lol, every TOC has a Doh! moment when it comes to bright ideas lol

 

[trickyvegas]

I used one on Saturday no probs. The shop guy said they except everything but Electron (obvious reasons) and Amex (Rip-off Merchant fees).

 

[ApAp]

I used one on Saturday no probs. The shop guy said they except everything but Electron (obvious reasons) and Amex (Rip-off Merchant fees).

Diners Club?

 

[AlterEgo]

Diners Club?

Oh come on! Who still has a Diner's Club card?! Lol.

 

[island]

Most Diners cards are now co-branded MasterCard anyway.

Worth noting of course that the guard will accept Amex, just not the shop.

 

[ess]

Why not Electron? I thought Electron ONLY worked IF you have money in the account to pay the transaction?

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Why not Electron? I thought Electron ONLY worked IF you have money in the account to pay the transaction?

but as its not directly linked it will always come up declined as banks will not honour the payments so they are automatically barred.

 

[trickyvegas]

JCB anyone?

 

[island]

Why not Electron? I thought Electron ONLY worked IF you have money in the account to pay the transaction?

but as its not directly linked it will always come up declined as banks will not honour the payments so they are automatically barred.

Pretty much. Electron cards (and some Visa debit cards) have mandatory postive authorisation requirements, so unless the terminal can get online, the transaction won't go through.