The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Faroe Islands, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Revolut Mastercard taken by a Betri Bank ATM late at night in Runavík. By the time I went to the branch the next day, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and rely on my backup card. Although the Faroes are highly card-reliant, losing access to one card was still stressful. My advice: only use ATMs at bank branches during business hours and always keep a spare card.
My Monzo Visa was swallowed by a BankNordik ATM in Tórshavn. I went into the branch the next morning, and the staff returned it after confirming my ID. They were very professional and explained that it was a technical error. A friend also recovered their Wise card at Betri Bank in Klaksvík. If you use machines linked to branches, recovery is usually smooth in the Faroes.
In the Faroe Islands, ATMs are mainly run by BankNordik and Betri Bank. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport. BankNordik often allows retrieval if you act quickly, but foreign cards are sometimes destroyed for security. Always call the hotline printed on the ATM. Until you confirm, freeze or block your card in your app. The Faroe Islands are very card-friendly, but still keep some Danish krone cash as a backup.
Earlier today in Tórshavn, an ATM beside BankNordik near Vágsbotnur kept my card without any message. I walked to the BankNordik, Niels Finsens gøta branch first thing. Staff checked the ATM log and said cards are retrieved when technicians open the machine, usually next business day. They asked for my passport and last four digits, then told me to return at 14:00. While waiting, I used my backup card at the Betri Banki ATM by SMS Shopping Center. If you’re stuck, go to the bank that owns the ATM, bring ID, and ask when that specific unit is serviced. Cancel the card only if you can’t wait.