This drives me nuts whenever I'm in the UK. I have to schlep to the Vodafone, Virgin, Carphone Warehouse, or other store, in person to top up my phone. I always have problems trying to get train tickets in advance as well. In both cases, I have had an "account" with my actual contact information, but still can't use the card. I haven't tried in the past two years, a friend got my train tickets for me and I reimbursed them. I don't understand why I can walk up to the clerk at the phone store and use my card, or go to the train ticket machine and buy a ticket, but can't do the same on line or via phone. I wonder if it is as difficult for folks from the UK trying to do the same thing here?