The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in South Africa, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
My card got swallowed by an Absa ATM in Cape Town, near Long Street. The guard told me the branch won’t hand foreign cards back, as they’re destroyed. I canceled mine right away. South Africa is card-friendly in malls and restaurants, but smaller shops and minibus taxis only take rand. There’s also a risk of ATM fraud here, so I suggest always using ATMs inside malls or bank lobbies. A backup card saved me in this situation.
I live in Durban and this happened to a visiting friend recently. If the ATM is attached to a branch, go inside with your passport as soon as you can. They’ll ask for the card type, your bank name, and maybe a statement or screen photo. If you’re lucky, they’ll retrieve it next day. If it’s not a bank-run ATM, chances are low you’ll get it back - best to call your home bank and block it. Also, avoid using ATMs at night or inside small convenience stores. The bank branch ones are more reliable.
My HSBC card got swallowed in Stellenbosch. I immediately called the number on the ATM - most South African bank ATMs have a helpline printed on them. I also reported it to my bank back home. Since the ATM was at an Absa branch, I walked in the next morning and left my details. They had the card two days later. If it had been at a non-bank location, recovery might’ve been impossible. I now only use ATMs inside actual banks during business hours.
Had the same thing happen in Joburg at a Standard Bank ATM. No error message - it just kept the card. I went to the nearest branch the next day, and they told me the card would be retrieved by their cash team. They asked for ID and the time it happened. Two days later, I picked it up. If it’s your main card, freeze it via your app just to be safe. Always good to carry a backup if you can.
This happened to me outside an FNB branch in Cape Town. I went inside the next morning with my passport, explained what happened, and they were helpful. They said the card would be collected by their team during the daily ATM check, and I could return the next day. They had it. If the ATM was part of a physical bank, go as early as you can. If it was a standalone one (like inside a petrol station), it might be trickier. Screenshot the location and note the time - it helps a lot.