Why do ATMs and shops in Austria just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
Had no luck in Innsbruck - my Wise card was rejected at all ATMs and shops I tried, including Hypo Tirol Bank and local stores in the old town. Locals said it’s common for prepaid cards to be declined here. Used my Revolut card instead, which worked everywhere. Always have a backup plan.
I actually had success using my Wise card at a Bawag P.S.K. ATM in Graz. I made sure to select EUR, declined currency conversion, and used chip+PIN. It went through smoothly. Also paid at a few supermarkets like Spar without issues. Looks like it depends on the bank and terminal. Prepare your app settings, and you might have luck.
My Wise Visa didn’t work at ATMs in Salzburg, like those at Sparkasse and Volksbank. Tried a few POS payments at restaurants and stores around the old town, but no luck. Contacted Wise, and they said some banks here don’t accept prepaid cards from fintechs. Used cash for most things and a backup Mastercard.
I was in Vienna last month and my Wise Mastercard was declined at several ATMs, including Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Bank near Stephansplatz. Also tried paying at cafes in Neubau and shops in Mariahilfer Straße, but the card got rejected. Locals said some Austrian banks have strict rules on fintech cards. I switched to my traditional Visa and had no problems.