I was using an ATM near my hostel in Cayman Islands, & 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?
I had my Monzo Mastercard taken by an RBC ATM in Seven Mile Beach late in the evening. Since it wasn’t attached to a branch, I couldn’t recover it. The hotline told me foreign cards are often destroyed for security reasons. I had to cancel it and rely on my Revolut backup. Cayman is expensive, and some taxis and shops still prefer cash, so it was inconvenient. Always withdraw during business hours at branch ATMs, and bring a backup card or some USD.
My Wise Visa was eaten by a Cayman National Bank ATM in George Town. I went to the branch the next morning with my passport, and they returned it after about 20 minutes. The staff were friendly and explained it happens sometimes with international cards. I was impressed by how smooth the process was. Friends also told me Scotiabank handled it well. If you stick to ATMs linked to banks, getting your card back in Cayman is usually straightforward.
In the Cayman Islands, ATMs are mostly operated by Cayman National Bank, Scotiabank, and RBC Royal Bank. If your card is taken, go straight to the branch during business hours with your passport. Cayman National and Scotiabank usually allow retrieval if you act quickly. If the ATM is standalone, call the hotline number printed on the machine. Cards not collected in time are often destroyed. While waiting, block your card in your bank app to stay secure.
Yes, I lost mine at a Butterfield Bank ATM in George Town. The machine swallowed my card without any error. The bank later confirmed foreign-issued cards are destroyed. Cancel immediately and use a backup. Stick to Butterfield, Cayman National, or RBC ATMs inside branches. Always carry Cayman dollars or USD cash, since taxis, small restaurants, and guesthouses may prefer it.