The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Ireland, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Revolut Visa taken by an Ulster Bank ATM in Cork late on Friday. By Monday, when I got to the branch, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and switch to my Wise backup. Ireland is very card-friendly overall, but losing a main card can still be stressful. Always withdraw during branch hours and don’t rely on a single card.
My Monzo Mastercard was swallowed by an AIB ATM in Dublin. I went to the branch the next day, and the staff returned it after verifying my ID. They were friendly and said it happens sometimes with foreign cards. A fellow traveller got their Wise Visa back from Bank of Ireland in Galway. If you use ATMs attached to branches, it’s usually possible to get your card back without cancelling it.
In Ireland, the main ATMs are operated by Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank (AIB), and Ulster Bank. If your card is taken, go into the branch with your passport. Bank of Ireland and AIB typically allow retrieval if you report it quickly, but some ATMs automatically destroy captured foreign cards. Always call the hotline number shown on the ATM immediately. Ireland is highly card-friendly, but keep some euros just in case while sorting it out.
Happened to me outside a Bank of Ireland ATM near Temple Bar in Dublin. Card got pulled in and machine shut down with no message. I walked to the branch the next morning, and they told me they clear the ATMs once a day, so cards are collected. If it’s a bank branch ATM, go straight in when they open. If it’s an independent one (like Euronet), best to block your card immediately-those operators don’t return cards.
Do not use this AIB ATM-it ate my card and didnt return it. Very frustrating.