Payments and withdrawals made by bank card are limited by security ceilings. – IStock / City Presse
The world of Bank cards is as extensive as it is varied. There are deferred payment CBs, others with systematic authorization and others still prepaid.
But whether you have opted for a ultra-controlled payment method or for a classic card requiring to monitor your outstanding amount to avoid overdraft, technical constraints restrict your use anyway.
A matter of security
All CBs are subject to withdrawal and payment ceilings, set up for security reasons. The goal is to control the amounts taken from your account per transaction and over a given period, whether it is over the last X days or the current month. If this measure is useful to avoid burning too much and to limit breakage in the event of theft, it can however give you unpleasant surprises since your bank card will be blocked as soon as you have reached this limit.
To avoid this pitfall, you must be vigilant and be well informed, because each bank sets its own rules. Be aware, however, that payment limits are much higher than withdrawal limits.
Lower limits abroad
Depending on the establishment and the formula, you can generally spend between 1,000 and 3,000 euros over thirty days with your credit card, compared to a few hundred euros at ATMs over seven rolling days, in other words over seven consecutive days. If you hit the ceiling on a Tuesday, you’ll have to wait until the next Tuesday to withdraw money again.
Please note, these limits are downward reviews abroad. Before leaving, it is better to check your ceilings and ask your advisor to increase them.
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