The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Qatar, 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 Commercial Bank ATM in Al Wakrah late at night. By the time I went the next day, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and rely on my Wise backup. Qatar is very card-friendly overall, but being without my main card was inconvenient. Best advice: withdraw only during branch hours and always keep a second card.
My Monzo Visa was swallowed by a QNB ATM in Doha near Souq Waqif. I went to the branch the next morning, and the staff returned it in about 30 minutes after verifying my ID. They said it was a chip malfunction. A friend had a similar smooth experience with Doha Bank near West Bay. If you use ATMs inside branches, recovery in Qatar is usually easy.
In Qatar, ATMs are run by QNB (Qatar National Bank), Doha Bank, and Commercial Bank of Qatar. If your card is captured, go into the branch with your passport. QNB usually allows retrieval if reported quickly, but some banks destroy cards within 24-48 hours. Always call the hotline number on the ATM immediately. Qatar is very card-friendly, but taxis and small kiosks still sometimes prefer cash, so keep riyals handy.
My debit card was swallowed by a QNB (Qatar National Bank) ATM in Doha’s West Bay district. I went to the branch the next morning, and they explained foreign cards are usually destroyed, not handed back. I canceled it straight away. Thankfully, Doha is very card-friendly-every café in The Pearl and even the metro ticket machines accept contactless. But if you’re relying on one card, losing it at the airport or mall could ruin your trip. Always carry a second card stored separately.