Are Laser cards worth a crap?

Biggins · 27-04-2009 04:54PM

javaboy wrote: »

PC World in NI wouldn't take my AIB issued Laser.

Weird. PC World in Dundalk took mine when I recently bought another computer and two laptops.

Must be a border thing! I don't know...

Caliden · 27-04-2009 04:54PM

Credit cards are so much handier if you forget money or want to buy something now and know that you will have the cash a few days later.
Never the case though and you end up spending loads. Handy though as you can pay it back in segments instead of one big chunk!

Earthhorse · 27-04-2009 04:55PM

javaboy wrote: »

PC World in NI wouldn't take my AIB issued Laser.

Key word in sentence highlighted.

ejmaztec · 27-04-2009 04:55PM

AnonoBoy wrote: »

Chuggers don't normally want cash though - they just want you to sign up your bank details.

Also - do you let them frisk you or something? Even if you had cash you could just lie (ssshhhhh.... I know they make baby jesus cry but still!) and say you have none.

It depends what they look like and what sex they are.

I'd be so overcome by Catholic guilt, they wouldn't believe me if I said I had no cash.

Novella · 27-04-2009 04:55PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

I think tongue was firmly in cheek when he wrote that.

Though I could be wrong... I tend to give people the benefit of doubt.

You are way too nice then!

But yeah, if your Laser has a Cirrus logo on the back then you can use it to withdraw money from an atm abroad and if it has a Maestro logo you can use it to pay it stores etc abroad, although I hear that this is unreliable!

27-04-2009 04:58PM

Quazzie wrote: »

Are you looking for more ways to get into debt.

if so give MBNA a call. I'm sure they'll be only too happy to help.

Debit cards are for people who can't manage there money but still want to look successful paying for 20 benson in the shop.

Er, did I miss the joke...?

ibarelycare wrote: »

I think spunge was talking about online stores.

I use my laser a good bit if I'm going around town or a shopping centre shopping, because I hate carrying a lot of cash and it saves running to the ATM if you see something you want to buy. It annoys me seeing people paying for a pint of milk and a pack of cigarettes with them though!

The downside to them is that I don't take as much notice of what I'm spending when I'm not physically handing over cash. I started writing down everytime I used it so I could have more control over my finances but that lasted about 3 days!

Aye, I'd only use it for larger purchases and the relief of not having to queue at an ATM all the time is brilliant.
I also keep a budget but I've managed 2 months writing it down, you should try doing it again and just getting in the habit ! it's very handy

Cellar_Door · 27-04-2009 04:58PM

Biggins wrote: »

This is true. Internet purchases at the mo have to be done through the credit card system.
However banking abilities are currently being adapted as we speak. American sales sites do accept their American bank laser cards issued. Its a matter of time when the Laser becomes more on-line usage.
The credit card companies/banks DON'T like this idea however for obvious reason and are trying to delay the current progress for pure interest profit reasons.

Interesting. Could you summarise, in a sentence or two, the profit motives? Is it because it might detract from the profit made from charging interest on credit cards? I'm not too savvy about these things.

Earthhorse wrote: »

Yeah, I think they're pretty handy for making big purchases. And yes I have a credit card and know how to use it but I prefer to use my Laser card.

Is there a limit to the money you can spend online, using Laser? Or a limit to individual transactions in themselves?

Biggins · 27-04-2009 04:59PM

Novella wrote: »

You are way too nice then!

But yeah, if your Laser has a Cirrus logo on the back then you can use it to withdraw money from an atm abroad and if it has a Maestro logo you can use it to pay it stores etc abroad, although I hear that this is unreliable!

Again. Last week in France - had no problem doing either.
My AIB card has both Laser and Maestro abilities. Even paid my hotel bills including accommodation with it, besides taking money out direct from my back in Ireland through a street card machine.

27-04-2009 04:59PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

Interesting. Could you summarise, in a sentence or two, the profit motives? Is it because it might detract from the profit made from charging interest on credit cards? I'm not too savvy about these things.

Yeah, maxed out CCs = lots of yummy interest charges for banks

Is there a limit to the money you can spend online, using Laser? Or a limit to individual transactions in themselves?

I thought it was the amount written on the card itself however I paid for my insurance in one go from it, 850 euro, so I guess there isn't

herya · 27-04-2009 04:59PM

Biggins wrote: »

Thats strange. ALL the shops in my town accept them, all the shops in Dublin has taken and used it and well as England, and I'm just back from France where ALL the shops there accepted them.

You must be living in one weird/fussy town!

He said online stores and I agree, apart from Ireland based online stores Laser cards are generally not accepted. You won't pay for anything in continental Europe based online store or airline site, for example. I buy quite a lot of stuff from the US and again Laser won't work. If I remember well Paypal won't take it either. I had to get Halifax debit Visa for all this (I refuse to get a credit card and most Irish banks give you Laser or credit choice only).

Quazzie · 27-04-2009 04:59PM

Novella wrote: »

Oh yeah, you're only successful if you charge things to your Visa or Mastercard because that means you're grown up enough to handle a bill. Ooooooh.
It's a bit pathetic you actually posted that. Maybe you think paying with a card looks better than cash or having a credit card makes you feel great but that's pretty sad.

No, me being grown up enough to handle a bill means I can charge things to my credit card. You got that bit backwards there.

Paying with a credit card can be very convenient but unfortunately not everyone can manage it. If you can't then stick to the debit cards. They are a totally different concept. One lets you spend your money in a lot of locations. The other lets you spend other peoples money whenever you want. Some people don't have the self control.

Judging by you "jump tp conclusions post" I shall now include you in this group.

This post is laced with Irony

Snowie · 27-04-2009 05:00PM

lazer cards are handy .....

Biggins · 27-04-2009 05:03PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

Interesting. Could you summarise, in a sentence or two, the profit motives? Is it because it might detract from the profit made from charging interest on credit cards? I'm not too savvy about these things.

If your using the laser card for say €100, your taking that 100 direct from your saved money in your bank account.
If you use the credit card, given enough time the credit card company will charge you interest on that €100 bill before you might pay it off.

If everyone was taking money direct from their bank accounts via Laser, credit card companies would lose serious interest charge revenues. They don't want that so try their darnedest to see that their credit cards are more usable/used.

Cellar_Door · 27-04-2009 05:04PM

Novella wrote: »

But yeah, if your Laser has a Cirrus logo on the back then you can use it to withdraw money from an atm abroad and if it has a Maestro logo you can use it to pay it stores etc abroad, although I hear that this is unreliable!

Can you elaborate a little on this, please?

Biggins · 27-04-2009 05:04PM

herya wrote: »

He said online stores and I agree, apart from Ireland based online stores Laser cards are generally not accepted. You won't pay for anything in continental Europe based online store or airline site, for example. I buy quite a lot of stuff from the US and again Laser won't work. If I remember well Paypal won't take it either. I had to get Halifax debit Visa for all this (I refuse to get a credit card and most Irish banks give you Laser or credit choice only).

Acknowledged and already explained that one. Read back a few posts.

andrew163 · 27-04-2009 05:04PM

Laser cards are great for the simple reason that after you buy something that inevitably costs 21 euro, you aren't left with 9 euro change in your pocket from the 30 euro you had to take out of an ATM machine to pay for it. You then aren't tempted to spend that 9 euro on useless crap.

javaboy · 27-04-2009 05:04PM

Biggins wrote: »

Weird. PC World in Dundalk took mine when I recently bought another computer and two laptops.

Must be a border thing! I don't know...

Well I was responding to a post about using them up the North so em yeah. A border thing all right. Was a PITA. I had plenty of Euro cash and no means to get sterling (banks closed). Eventually found a Centra/Spar type shop that gave sterling change for euro. Had to buy two packets of chewing gum.

Earthhorse · 27-04-2009 05:06PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

Is there a limit to the money you can spend online, using Laser?

Sorry, I don't use it for online purchases. As Biggins says this hasn't really been rolled out yet, you still need to use your Credit Card when shopping online.

Or a limit to individual transactions in themselves?

bluewolf wrote: »

I thought it was the amount written on the card itself however I paid for my insurance in one go from it, 850 euro, so I guess there isn't

There is no amount written on my card. As far as I know the limit is the amount of money you have in your account.

Biggins · 27-04-2009 05:07PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

Is there a limit to the money you can spend online, using Laser?...

My current limit is €20,000 in shops (not on-line) but I'm sure others will be less or more for shops too.
I know I have the option to up it considerably if I want to by the way. The AIB said no problem.

Zangetsu · 27-04-2009 05:09PM

Quazzie wrote: »

Are you looking for more ways to get into debt.

if so give MBNA a call. I'm sure they'll be only too happy to help. Laser to the rescue!

Debit cards are for people who can't manage there money but still want to look successful paying for 20 benson in the shop.

Thats the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard...

I bought a guitar a couple of weeks ago, my bank only lets me take 600 out a day, guitar cost more then that.

Flights can be bought on laser.

Produts online can be bought with laser.

Bank machine empty? Get cash back.

And as for your debt problem, just don't be dumb enough to get an overdraft you can't cover...

Its the exact same as a bank card only with more functionality, or are you the type that keeps his money in a mattress...

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128347587844687500fail.jpg

27-04-2009 05:09PM

Earthhorse wrote: »

There is no amount written on my card. As far as I know the limit is the amount of money you have in your account.

Did I get a special card

My friend has one on hers too

Cellar_Door · 27-04-2009 05:10PM

herya wrote: »

I had to get Halifax debit Visa for all this (I refuse to get a credit card and most Irish banks give you Laser or credit choice only).

What's a Halifax debit Visa? Would I be able to apply for one in Ulster Bank?

Biggins wrote: »

My current limit is €20,000 in shops (not online) but I'm sure others will be less or more for shops too.

Wow, that's an assload of money.

My name is Mud · 27-04-2009 05:10PM

Are laser cards worth a crap?

How much is your crap? Do you eat gold?

Earthhorse · 27-04-2009 05:11PM

bluewolf wrote: »

Did I get a special card My friend has one on hers too

Dunno. Is yours a cheque guarantee card as well, maybe?

Cellar_Door · 27-04-2009 05:12PM

Zangetsu wrote: »

Flights can be bought on laser.

Produts online can be bought with laser.

Very good to know. Besides Aer Lingus, do other airlines accept it online? (If you know)

But would you say that, compared to credit cards, the amount of places where you can buy stuff online is quite small?

Cellar_Door · 27-04-2009 05:13PM

My name is Mud wrote: »

How much is your crap? Do you eat gold?

I eat lightning and crap thunder, yo

27-04-2009 05:14PM

Earthhorse wrote: »

Dunno. Is yours a cheque guarantee card as well, maybe?

Duno. Originally asked for it as I wanted an atm card which would work abroad. bank said they'd send this out and there it was. I don't have any chequebooks so...

My name is Mud · 27-04-2009 05:14PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

I eat lightning and crap thunder, yo

sounds like bohemian crapsody

herya · 27-04-2009 05:15PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

What's a Halifax debit Visa? Would I be able to apply for one in Ulster Bank?

As far as I know these are only issued by Halifax bank. A debit Visa card is technically debit card (you can pay up to the amount on your current bank account) but is treated as Visa credit by online store systems, meaning that you can use it wherever they accept Visa credit cards which is pretty much everywhere. Works with Paypal, all airlines etc and as I don't keep large sums in my current account I'm not afraid of thousand euro scams.
Disclaimer: I don't work for Halifax! But I'm really happy with this service.

herya · 27-04-2009 05:17PM

Cellar_Door wrote: »

But would you say that, compared to credit cards, the amount of places where you can buy stuff online is quite small?

The thing with Laser is that is accepted by Ireland based stores/sites mostly. I'm not sure about UK. Most overseas/international systems won't take it.

Are Laser cards worth a crap?

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