The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Argentina, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
Lost my Mastercard in Salta at a Banco Galicia ATM. Went straight to the bank with passport, withdrawal slip, and they returned it the same afternoon. Card recovery from bank-owned ATMs in Argentina is typically possible if reported right away. Standalone, non-branch machines are a no-go. I now only withdraw during banking hours and take photos of ATM codes. Carry backup cards and limit ATM use to regulated bank offices.
My HSBC debit got swallowed by a Banelco ATM in Mendoza, and it was gone. No bank on site, so after calling customer service they told me it wasn’t recoverable. ATM card retention in Argentina depends on the ATM owner. I canceled the card and used cash until a replacement arrived. Lesson learned: only use ATMs inside official bank branches, and avoid machines in public kiosks or outside convenience stores.
I had a similar incident at a Banco Supervielle terminal. The machine shut off mid-transaction and the card vanished. I reported it via their customer hotline and visited the branch with my passport and transaction receipt. They found the card in a holding box and returned it within two days. ATM card recovery in Argentina is usually quick if the machine belongs to a staffed bank. Standalone machines or kiosks are riskier - no guarantees.
My Visa got eaten by a Banco Nación ATM near Palermo. I went to the branch the next morning with my passport. They retrieved it from their internal vault by noon. If an ATM in Argentina swallows your card, visit the bank branch immediately - especially if it’s Banco Nación or Provincia. They typically keep the card for 24-48 hours. I froze mine via the app first, then went in. It was returned later that day after ID verification.