My non-elite MC issued by Mitsui/Sumitomo in Japan was refused at HKG airport with the mention call issuing center.
I have been using this card for more than 10 years and have not missed a single payment.
When I called the center in Japan (at my expense of course from HKG) they checked it and said that they routinely unabled cards to oblige the ownwer to react and have them re-activate the card to prevent the growing numbr of thefts.
Has anybody experienced this with MC ?
They could simply contact me and ask if my card was in my possession making sure that it was me by checking my registerred details.
It took all in all an hour to have it re-activated and did not cause too much trouble because it was a purchase in a duty free shop.
What if I miss my plane because at check-out my card is refused ? Have I got to always carry a spare card in case this happens ?
Doe anybody knows if it happens to elite cards like golds ?
Thanks for your input