Can't Use Visa Card Online Overseas - Need Aus SMS Code

whatgift on 02/09/2023 - 00:03
Last edited 02/09/2023 - 00:04

I bank with ING and have a debit and credit card with them.

I’m doing a long trip in Europe and can’t use my credit card at most online sites here because it requires me to authenticate my card through Visa Secure (used to be called Verified by Visa) using a code sent to my Australian phone number. I cannot use my Aus phone number overseas, roaming isn’t available. I’m using an overseas sim and number during the trip.

I’ve contacted ING and they have indicated there is no way to add another phone number or email address as an authentication method, and that I have to call them every time I want to make an overseas online purchase!

It’s becoming a real problem since many sites only have the option to pay by credit card directly.

Is this problem common with other banks? Is there any workaround?

Travel

Comments

  • Hybroid on 02/09/2023 - 00:14
    +4

    You can create a new bank account with ANZ Plus (not regular ANZ) or WISE or similar whom will immediately issue you a digital card in the app. You can transfer funds from your ING account and use those digital cards to make payments. They're even Apple Wallet compatible for contactless payments when out and about.

    https://www.anz.com.au/plus/support/opening-accounts/add-car…

    https://wise.com/au/virtual-card/

    • alan737 on 02/09/2023 - 05:36

      Is ANZ Plus no foreign transaction fee?

    • whatgift on 02/09/2023 - 05:53

      I’ve signed up for Wise, and it worked on an online site I wanted to use but couldn’t - thanks for the advice!

      Another reply mentions I could just turn on my Aus sim and still receive messages - wish I’d know that earlier!

      • dcep on 02/09/2023 - 11:50

        I cannot use my Aus phone number overseas, roaming isn’t available

        Receiving SMS still requires your sim having connected to a network aka roaming for it work overseas.

        Not sure about VoWiFi.

      • jjjaar on 03/09/2023 - 09:15

        Who is your carrier and where are you?

        I’m with Kogan and my last few trips I didn’t pay the extra roaming add ons. During my trip in 2019, it wouldn’t even show a signal, but my trip in 2022, it would.

        It really depends on the carrier for how they do the roaming thing.

        • whatgift on 03/09/2023 - 16:50

          I’m with Telstra prepaid and in Italy, and I have signal here, I will test whether I can still receive SMS the next time I need to buy something online.

          • jjjaar on 03/09/2023 - 20:52
            +1

            @whatgift: Get someone you know to text you now. Just make sure it goes through as sms not any wifi option (iMessage). If that doesn’t work, then your bank sms also won’t.

  • cheapskatehaggler on 02/09/2023 - 01:30

    get the Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard, no annual fees, no international exchange fees, and the exchange rates that they use are the best.
    https://www.28degreescard.com.au/

    • Enterz on 02/09/2023 - 06:58
      +2

      Still requires sms 2fa for some reason

  • HardQuiz on 02/09/2023 - 03:47
    +1

    My understanding receiving SMS is free while roaming on most telcos, including the cheapest $10 prepaid plans.

    Who are you with and what plan?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/14166525/redir

    • whatgift on 02/09/2023 - 05:39

      It’s Telstra prepaid - even if I pay the extra cost to get roaming, it’s not available in some countries I’ve been/going (like where I am now in Italy).

      Edit: on top of that, I would end up paying a lot extra just so I can get SMS codes and use online sites.

      • HardQuiz on 02/09/2023 - 05:50
        +2

        You don’t need to buy or add-on roaming.

        Did you try checking if your Telstra SIM is connecting to any Italian network? If not at first, go to network selection and try one by one.

        • whatgift on 02/09/2023 - 05:52

          You replied before I edited mine based on the link you provided. It’s worth trying for sure, thanks!

      • kyle on 02/09/2023 - 07:19

        Looking at the telstra site I'm surprised the destination list for prepaid plans is different to my telstra upfront plan where i just roamed for my whole trip

      • payless69 on 02/09/2023 - 11:44

        Telstra had my credit card and charged my $70 for 2 FA's

  • Enterz on 02/09/2023 - 06:57
    +3

    Turn on wifi calling, put home SIM in (but turn off data so not charged for roaming) and you can get sms 2fa for free. I had the exact same issue.

    Dunno if you need to turn on wifi calling before you leave Australia for it to work though

    • whatgift on 02/09/2023 - 16:25

      When you mention turning off data - I can’t see a setting to do that for a particular sim on the iPhone. Is it enough that I have Data Roaming turned off?

      • Enterz on 02/09/2023 - 20:30
        +1

        Yes

  • payless69 on 02/09/2023 - 11:43

    Zero issues with Ubank debit card.

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