Natwest Maestro/Solo Cards

Nix · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:07

Just a head's up as I was previously unaware of this:

Natwest are completely phasing out their Maestro and Solo cards by the end of this year and are switching over to Visa Debit. Your new card will be sent automatically.

From what I've read, if you don't want to wait, you're able to pop into a local branch and request a Visa card replacement straight away. Your PIN, etc. doesn't change but your long-card number will, so you'll have to change a few saved details if shop online regularly.

http://www.natwest.com/global/visa.ashx

Starting in autumn 2009, we are changing all of our Maestro and Solo cards to Visa Debit cards. We’ll send your new card to you automatically - all you need to do is enjoy the extra benefits you’ll get from Visa Debit.

Ironic Namesake · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:15

Got my Visa Debit a while ago now - not much difference really apart from the fact its not gold like the other one

Nix · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:17

Yeah. Well I've only got a basic Solo/Step account at the moment after some issues with another bank a while ago. I've been meaning to upgrade but couldn't be bothered seeing as Maestro is effectively useless elsewhere.

Think I'll pop down the bank tomorrow, get the upgrade and a nice Visa to go along with it.

Razor-BladE · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:23

Ah. I wondered why i got sent a new card when my current card wasn't to expire for another year. Thanks.

Xenoxide · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:24

Yeah this happened near the end of last year. It's a vast improvement as a Visa debit card can be used anywhere that Visa credit cards are accepted, unlike Maestro, where they must specifically accept Maestro.

Makes ordering from stores based in the US really easy.

crunchman · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:29

Yea HSBC have also been doing the same thing, my VISA looks a lot nicer than my Maestro did

Jacob (: · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:31

Awesome! Thanks for postin

Means i can actually buy stuff from threadless without using my moms card -.-

Maccy · 18 Mar 2010 at 23:50

My Maestro is almost falling apart so may get a new one soon!

Edward01 · 19 Mar 2010 at 00:21

Wow this must mean that Maestro is pretty much dead in the UK now. Wonder why everyone is moving away from it?

Nix · 19 Mar 2010 at 00:23

Visa have a monopoly over the 2012 games, but I think that's probably more of a casual thing rather than causal.

Ahleckz · 19 Mar 2010 at 00:52

If you do get sent a new card, your old card may be cancelled before the date stated on the old card. - Wasn't due to run out until 01/11 but actually ran out at the end of 2009.

This happened to my Maestro with RBS (who are also phasing out Maestros). Make sure to change any bills and what not, I ran up a few months of internet bills because I hadn't changed - and I'd hate to be caught out in a shop.

Will Gill · 19 Mar 2010 at 09:07

Ironic Namesake said:
Got my Visa Debit a while ago now - not much difference really apart from the fact its not gold like the other one

maybe im rather fickle, but the new kiddy bonus saver colour is so well thought out, advantage private card thats the same as my 12 year old nephews.....

Vixen · 19 Mar 2010 at 09:59

Ahleckz said:
If you do get sent a new card, your old card may be cancelled before the date stated on the old card. - Wasn't due to run out until 01/11 but actually ran out at the end of 2009.

This happened to my Maestro with RBS (who are also phasing out Maestros). Make sure to change any bills and what not, I ran up a few months of internet bills because I hadn't changed - and I'd hate to be caught out in a shop.

RBS and Natwest are the same company. It says on the letter that your existing card will be cancelled and to stop using it

.

D1ngd0ng · 19 Mar 2010 at 10:01

Wow this must mean that Maestro is pretty much dead in the UK now. Wonder why everyone is moving away from it?

From a merchant point of view I believe Visa Debit is cheaper; certainly was when I dealt with payments in previous life