Maestro cards

[koster]

I've noticed that most UK banks have been switching over from Maestro debit cards to Visa debit cards. HSBC and NatWest issue Visa debit cards, and Metro Bank issues Mastercard debit cards.

In the UK it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to the customer, because retailers generally accept any kind of debit card. However, if I visit the Netherlands it's a different matter. Many retailers do not accept Visa debit cards. You cannot buy a train ticket from a machine with a Visa debit card or a credit card, so, unless you have a Maestro card, you have to withdraw cash from an ATM and buy your train ticket from the desk, which incurs a €0.50 fee.

Are any UK banks staying with Maestro debit cards?

[craft1948]

Mine's a Visa debit card with Santander............

[HowardKennitby]

Don't know. I'm with LLoyds/HBOS who are VISA.

[HowardKennitby]

Looks like they are finished in UK. See third para in Acceptance and Availability section

http://en.wikipedia.o...stro_%28debit_card%29

[ubasses]

I think all the UK Banks changed over from Maestro to Visa debits cards a couple of years ago. The reason was that Visa gives the customer better protection as it has a chargeback system giving similar rights to a credit card which Maestro does not have.

[katdarn79]

Im with Yorkshire Bank, they still use maestro. Not been told of any changes.