If you’re using iOS, Apple Wallet has the option to add Passmo (one of the payment options for the Tokyo metro). I did this, and tried transferring some money from my First Direct bank account so I could use the metro.
First Direct flagged this as a fraudulent transaction, and blocked my card. The only way to get it unblocked was to phone them… at a cost of £2.80 a minute. Took the hit- after all, fraud is a massive problem and I’m glad they’re looking for it- got it unblocked, and they said it’d be fine to use again.
It wasn’t. They approved the first 1000 yen transaction so I had some credit on Passmo, but when I went to top up a few days later, that transaction was flagged as fraudulent as well. I had to go through the process again, this time considerably more angry.
There’s nothing like watching the money tick up on your phone bill whilst listening to call waiting music to ruin your holiday.
So, avoid using Passmo and Apple Wallet, at least if you’re a First Direct / HSBC customer.
by PhordPrefect