The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Honduras, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Mastercard taken by a Banco de Occidente ATM in La Ceiba late at night. By the time I went to the branch the next day, they told me the card had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and rely on my Monzo backup. Honduras is very cash-reliant, especially in smaller towns, so it caused problems. Always carry backup USD and a second card when travelling here.
My Wise Visa was taken by a BAC Credomatic ATM in Tegucigalpa. I went to the branch the next morning, and after checking my ID, they returned it in about an hour. Staff were helpful and spoke some English. A friend also had their Monzo returned at Banco Atlántida in San Pedro Sula. If you use machines at bank branches during working hours, you usually have a chance to recover your card in Honduras.
In Honduras, ATMs are mainly operated by Banco Atlántida, BAC Credomatic, and Banco de Occidente. If your card is swallowed, go into the branch with your passport. Banco Atlántida sometimes returns foreign cards if reported quickly, but many banks destroy them within 24-48 hours. Call the hotline printed on the ATM immediately. Honduras is still largely cash-based, so keep lempira or USD handy while waiting to resolve it.
In Tegucigalpa Zona Viva, a Ficohsa ATM kept my card with no receipt. I walked to Ficohsa Boulevard Morazán; staff logged the incident and said the engineer would open the machine after noon. Because I was heading to La Ceiba that evening, I chose to block the card and switch to my spare at BAC Credomatic Multiplaza. If this happens, record the ATM’s bank, address, and time, bring your passport, and ask specifically when that unit is serviced. Carry HNL cash for taxis and buses; many places outside malls don’t take cards, and weekend retrievals are slow.