Bangkok bank not issuing Visa Debit Cards anymore ONLY Union Pay

[iammike]

Called the BKK Bank call center and was told that Bangkok Bank doesn't issue Visa Debit Cards anymore but now only UNION Pay Debit cards.

This really scuks as Union Pay are IMHO useless, they aren't even accepted at many retailers. Tried at Tops didn't work, had to pay with cash. And yes there is money in the account

Edit: Forgot something

[Starman]

That's been happening at BBK for a longtime.

I changed banks. No problem. Now with Kasikorn.

[iammike]

Thanks Starman.

We are thinking of doing that and close everything at BBL. The 2 of us have 6 accounts at BBL (4x Savings (2 in Pattaya, 2 in Buriram) and 2 Fixed deposit accounts)

Was it difficult to open an account at Kasikorn for a Foreigner ??

Asking for Work Permit and all that kind of hassle ??

And did you get Internet Banking ?

And is it true that you can get a Virtual Credit Card where you can do online shopping (SCB also has one of those, but that one only works WITHIN Thailand)

[Starman]

Thanks Starman.

We are thinking of doing that and close everything at BBL. The 2 of us have 6 accounts at BBL (4x Savings (2 in Pattaya, 2 in Buriram) and 2 Fixed deposit accounts)

Was it difficult to open an account at Kasikorn for a Foreigner ??

Asking for Work Permit and all that kind of hassle ??

And did you get Internet Banking ?

And is it true that you can get a Virtual Credit Card where you can do online shopping (SCB also has one of those, but that one only works WITHIN Thailand)

Kasikorn asked for my passport. They took a copy of the photo page only.No talk of WP or visa status.

I asked for online banking. They set it up and I received login information via SMS within 24 hours.

I have registered my debit card online and can now make purchases online. Not sure about international purchases. If I purchase something from abroad I use my UK card.

Overall a very good service.

[iammike]

Oke thanks again.

I just thought of something, I can't close my Fixed Deposit account at BBL just yet as I am soon starting the process of getting my extension of stay based on Marriage at Buriram Immigration. But as soon as I get my stamp that one will also be closed

One more question, how is the parking situation at Kasikorn Down Town Buriram ?? I believe that it's the only branch in Buriram CITY ?? There used to be in Krasang, but that one closed down recently.

[Starman]

3 Kasikorn banks in Buriram town.

One near the old "Talad Tong" market (past the bus station,turn right at traffic lighs and on the right almost opposite 7/11). One near to the morning fresh market.(Bangkok Bank on left at traffic lights. Turn right. About 200m on the right). One in Taweegit supercentre.

Not far from you is the branch in Prakhonchai. I have heard very good stories of the service there.

[iammike]

Thx !!

But I am way closer to Buriram then Prakonchai. Buriram is a 45 min drive, Prakonchai is 1:20 (when Speeding )

The one in Taweegit Supercentre is handy ! Will go and vist them tmrw.

[Starman]

Which way would you travel from your home(Krasang?) to Buriram or Prakhonchai to make such a difference in journey time?

[iammike]

Buriram I go via Baan Yang (30-35min drive) and then another 10min orso to Buriram.
PrakhonChai, I first have to go to Krasang (30 min drive) and then straight down at least another 45 mins.

Edit: I don't live in Krasang but 18kms (on bad roads) from it.

Edit2: For comparison, I am approx 30-35min from Satuek airport.

[Starman]

Understand.

Kasikorn in Taweegit can be very busy. Be prepared for a wait.

[Pichai]

As of last Friday the Bangkok Bank branch upstairs in Robinson Lifestyle Center in Buriram, did have in stock genuine Bangkok Bank DEBIT cards with the Visa logo and a Rabbit.  I believe the price was either 100 baht  or 300 baht to purchase. The annual fee for most accounts was quoted as 300 baht. This Visa debit card can be verified by Visa at your home or at the bank branch. There is at least one customer service representative at a desk near the tellers who understands and speaks English.  Thank you Mr. Pichai.

[iammike]

Very interesting Mr Pichai,

but on their website (http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/Be1stVisaDebitCard/Pages/B1stnewdefault.aspx ) there is NO mention anymore of the Visa Debit Card, only their UnionPay Cards and even in mails to their Customer Service they are saying "NO more Visa, only UNION Pay".

I wonder what the catch is  with BKK Bank Robinson issuing them !!

When I am in Buriram I will go and ask, because the UnionPay card we have isn't accepted at many Retail Store.

[Freddy]

I joy ever use my visa debit card for ATM services. Does the Union Pay card work the same with ATM.

[BillH52]

Recently got a new bunny card (Visa) after my old Visa card bit the dust.

[SOM LUCK]

Does the Union Pay debit card work pt stations, Big C