Originally Posted by JDiver

Ironically, my purchases with Citi have worked - or not, forcing me to call and have a chat with fraud prevention to reactivate the card. There seems to be little consistency with this - sometimes they allow, sometimes they do not. When I called Citi yesterday, as you, I was able to get a release and continue with my purchase immediately.

I also had them send me new cards with chip and PIN functionality so I can use them more easily in Europe, etc. Finally! ^ some US cards are offering chip and PIN - but I don't think many are openly advertising that fact.