Years ago when we had a business importing products, my bank allowed a charge from Italy that overdrew my account by $2,300. The company shipped an order we had placed 2-3 months before and just used a card we gave them the year before with no warning. I asked my bank why tf they would allow a purchase from overseas to overdraw my account by over 2,000 (which of course incurred a bunch of fees) and they said they do this “as a courtesy to our customers”. I asked if they could not do that in the future, and they said no. Meanwhile I go and try to buy groceries and if it’s $6 over the limit it’s denied for insufficient funds.

Several years ago I made an ill-advised trip to the ATM in a strip club. My bank did the smart thing and cut me off, so I called the number on the back of the card but an automated recording told me they’re closed and to call back during business hours. Went home with enough money to still pay rent, but still needed to unlock the account, so I called first thing in the morning. The entire process was automated. “Press 1 if this transaction was from you or 2 if your card was stolen”.

Not sure if the automated system takes the night off, or if there’s just an extra rule that lies about it to help you avoid certain mistakes.

I’ve actually usually been impressed with my credit card provider’s ability to detect fraud. I’ll go on a trip overseas without telling them and all is well. They will flag a weird charge at a restaurant in like North Carolina though. Pretty impressive.

Random account shutdown when you need to transfer money while on vacation is truly something else.

I’ve traveled quite a bit. The only time I had a problem I was in Russia. I notified my bank of the trip. Tickets were on the card (debit card), initial cash withdrawal there on the card, restaurants, street vendors, stores, online shopping, all on the card. Needed a bit more cash and the ATM ate the card. Luckily I had a credit card from a small credit union that had no such controls.