NatWest and RBS debit cards declined due to technical glitch

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/14/natwest-rbs-debit-cards-declined-technical-glitch

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NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland customers have reported having their debit cards declined in shops and at ATMs after the banking group was hit by yet another technical glitch.

The problems emerged at around 12.45pm on Friday, just as many people were popping out to buy a sandwich or do some lunch-hour shopping. The problem coincided with payday for many people, and customers voiced their frustrations on the banks’ Twitter and Facebook pages.

David James Brooks tweeted: “When’s it going to be fixed? I’m currently sitting in a tailors feeling embarrassed as my cards keep being declined …”

Emma O’Reilly tweeted: “Cldnt buy my shopping! So had to walk away I just hope this is fixed by tea time so I can at least buy a takeaway for family!”

Meanwhile, John Paxton wrote: “When will this issue be resolved, I am currently in Palma and unable to get cash out! I don’t feel this is acceptable.

@NatWest_Help when will this issue be resolved I am currently in Palma and unable to get cash out! I don't feel this is acceptable.

And George Acquah said: “Fantastic. Just landed in Frankfurt and can’t get cash from the ATM. System down. Bus company doesn’t accept credit cards. Thanks #NatWest”

An RBS spokesman said: “We are aware that some customers are experiencing issues using their debit card. We are working on resolving this issue and apologise for any inconvenience.”

Fantastic. Just landed in Frankfurt and can't get cash from the ATM. System down. Bus company doesn't accept credit cards. Thanks #NatWest

The problems are affecting customers of NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank, and come a fortnight after Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Commons Treasury select committee, spoke out about bank IT system failures and the impact they were having on customers.

“Banks continue to suffer failures and breaches of their IT systems, exposing millions of customers to uncertainty, disruption and sometimes distress. We can’t carry on like this,” he said. He added that responsibility for good IT systems was often lacking at the highest levels of management, “and ultimately customers pay the price”.

The RBS group has suffered a string of IT glitches and meltdowns during the past few years. On New Year’s Day this year, debit card holders reported having their cards declined at tills and their pins blocked.

In September 2015, NatWest and RBS customers were hit by a technical problem that meant some could not withdraw cash or use their card in branches.

In July 2015, customers were locked out of their online bank accounts for nearly an hour, which RBS blamed on a cyber-attack. A month earlier, many were left without funds over a weekend after 600,000 transactions were delayed for several days.