I was using an ATM near my hostel in Japan, & it took my card & never gave it back. No error message, just gone. Has anyone had this happen? Whats the fastest way to get it back? Any advice on who to call or what to do next?
It happened in Fukuoka at an AEON Bank ATM near Hakata Station. The screen just froze and my Santander debit card never came out. I panicked and went to the AEON Mall help desk nearby. They called AEON Bank for me and arranged to have the card collected at their branch two days later. Luckily I had my passport and my friend’s local phone number to help. Definitely call the bank listed on the ATM or go to the nearest branch or help desk. Also, freeze your card temporarily via your banking app in case of fraud.
Same thing happened to me in Nara - MUFG ATM outside a FamilyMart ate my ICICI Travel Card. It was after hours and there was no staff around. I found the ATM operator's contact on the machine (MUFG Card Center: 0120-107-542) and called using Skype with Wi-Fi. They told me the machine locks the card for security and a technician comes only once a day. They couldn't guarantee return unless I could verify identity in person the next day. I ended up blocking the card via ICICI’s app and used my backup Axis Bank card instead. Always carry two cards just in case.
Happened to me at a Japan Post Bank ATM inside a Lawson in Kyoto. My Monzo card got swallowed and never came out. I called the Japan Post helpline (0120-108420) and they had limited English, but they told me the card would be taken to the nearest post office branch. Took my passport and they returned it the next day. Pro tip: if you’re staying near a big station, try to use ATMs attached to staffed bank branches easier to sort out problems than with convenience store machines.
Yes, this happened to me at a Seven Bank ATM in Shibuya Station. My DNB Visa card just disappeared after the transaction failed and the screen went back to the home menu. No error, no receipt. I immediately called the number on the ATM screen (Seven Bank has English support at 0077-78-117). They were polite but said the card could only be retrieved by the bank staff the next day. I had to go to the Seven Bank office inside the station with my passport and they gave it back in 24 hours. Suggest calling the ATM operator ASAP and notifying your bank too.