I keep forgetting to 'notify' my bank when I'm going to be out of town, as per their stupid policy. Two weekends ago, I found myself fueled up in TX on my way to the Spring TX Hill country rally, only to find my debit card denied - AGAIN. Had to stop and borrow the wifes' cell (I don't carry one) and phone them immediately. Luckily it was a Thursday morning, and during banking hours. Every time my bank sees my card in another state, they phone my house. As I'm not there, but instead in another state (with my freakin' card!) I don't answer the phone. They then leave a message at the house informing me of the suspicious activity on my card and that they are blocking further transactions until such time as I can call them back.
WHAT A CROCK OF CHIT THAT IS!
The last time that happened, I was trying to get out of Vegas, during a holiday weekend, and on only Day 4 of a 10 Day vacation. I've had 'the conversation' with them a couple of times this past 3 years, and tried to have my account marked with the fact that I don't carry a cell, and that if I don't answer the home phone, I'm most likely the one using the card somewhere etc. And I'm uncomfy in the thought that someone, heck anyone at the bank with account access, will know exactly when/if I plan to be out of town etc. PITA, is what it can be.
IMO, the contract EVERY RETAILER signs with the CC company regarding ID verification should be adequate protection to the bank, and card holder, that any/all fraud occurring will/should be easily charged back to the retailer. Retailers are contractually required to verify card user's ID, whether it be visually checking a photo ID, or the fact that the card holder has, and used the PIN # associated with the card, or sometimes being required by that merchants' point of sale hardware - to enter in the correct zip code associated with the card.
I like the fact that these people think they are trying to look out for my best interests, but they need to apply better logic, and at the same time, realize that the BIG BANK contracts with the merchants should be the guarantee that protects me, and them, in the event of fraud.