My friend couldn't use her own bank card without her bank's permission.

[quakerboy]

32. The second is less troubling than the first

Some years back, I was able to take my card around the nation, and later across the ocean, without any difficulty. Even in more recent years, I had no trouble taking it to Canada or other states. I've never had it straight up denied anywhere anytime.

Ive gotten those "Your card is being used at x merchant in x state, is this a legitimate use?" calls. 2 out of the three times, it was an unauthorized use. I was darn glad they called me, and the third one didn't bother me at all.

The "why didn't you report it stolen" is a bit presumptuous, and when it turned out she was using her own card, and apology with explanation that they flag any out of state or off pattern purchases would have been in order. Anyone who thinks that the various financial companies involved in their life are not datamining the hell out of us at every possible opportunity is just flat naive.

But if they call to ask, I am glad. That shows they are paying attention and trying to prevent fraud. The first one is a little more problematic. That would piss me off, and I would probably switch banks as well. Due diligence does not include blocking my access to my own funds without a damn good reason.

The one that I wonder about are the touchless cards. Unless its illegal, I would be surprised if they are not at least plotting how to register even walking past a checkout so that they can follow your browsing even when you do not buy.