POST-CHRISTMAS means my credit card use drops dramatically. It's easy for my bank to see this purchasing pattern and that's why they stop online credit card activities that my card tries to make. Without disclosing my specific pattern of use, I always make a counter purchase between a specific number of online purchases. If I disturb this pattern--something that occasionally happens when Amazon charges an item before shipping from pre-order--all of my credit card transactions are declined when the bank is asked for authorisation. I like this practise because if I really need a purchase to go through, I call a number in Ballsbridge and a friendly voice turns my card back on. This practise has also been good for instant overdrafts as well, something that surprised me the first time I tried to exceed my credit card limit. I asked and I got an additional one-time €300 extension to my credit limit. In today's increasingly connected world, I appreciate an occasional real-time conversation that saves me money and keeps me afloat.
Picture of SonyEricsson P1i ready for speakerphone recording.
