I was using an ATM near my hostel in Jamaica, & 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 Revolut Mastercard taken by an NCB ATM in Ocho Rios late in the evening. When I went to the branch the next day, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and use my Wise backup. Jamaica is still very cash-based for taxis and small shops, so losing a card was stressful. My advice: never use ATMs outside business hours, and always travel with at least two cards and some USD or JMD cash.
My Monzo Visa was swallowed by a Scotiabank ATM in Montego Bay. I went to the branch the next morning with my passport, and they returned it after verifying my details. The staff were professional and explained that foreign cards sometimes trigger errors. NCB in Kingston also has a similar process. I was relieved not to cancel and could continue using my card. As long as you act fast and during branch hours, you can often get your card back in Jamaica.
In Jamaica, the main ATMs are operated by National Commercial Bank (NCB), Scotiabank, and Sagicor Bank. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport. NCB and Scotiabank sometimes release foreign cards if reported quickly, but often they are destroyed within 24-48 hours. Always call the hotline printed on the ATM right away. In the meantime, freeze or block your card in your app until you know whether recovery is possible.
Yes, it happened to me in Kingston near Half-Way Tree, at a National Commercial Bank (NCB) ATM. The card went in and never came back. The branch told me it would be destroyed. In Jamaica, banks almost never return foreign cards. Cancel it and use a backup right away. The safest ATMs are inside NCB, Scotiabank, or Sagicor branches during daytime. Carry some Jamaican dollars - taxis, jerk chicken stalls, and minibuses only take cash.