Why are payments to you always blocked?

[MeanJim]

Back in February I bought my first modules.  I prefer to use PayPal, Google, etc. because I don't like entering my debit and credit card numbers online.  I first tried PayPal, then Google Pay with my debit card before trying with the credit card and those transactions were denied.  I gave in and tried the Saferpay thing, they denied that too.  These are two different cards from different banks, and they both blocked the transaction.  The next day both cards were locked due to suspicious activity, and I had to call to get them re-activated.

Normally when I pay with PayPal, I can choose any payment method on file, debit, credit or directly from my checking account, but when I pay through PayPal to here, it only lets me use my debit or credit cards.  I was eventually able to pay by calling the bank and having them on the phone while I made the payment and they had to override it as it went through.

I just tried to buy a couple of modules now and it happened again.  I had to call again and get the transaction overridden.  I bet my credit card is now locked.  Like the last time it was locked, the notification didn't come through until the morning.

This has never happened anywhere else except here.  Do need to start buying modules from Steam?  I don't like using Steam if I can buy directly from the source, but I don't want to have to spend 30+ minutes on the phone every time I want to buy a module.

[MAXsenna]

Strange indeed as I've never had any issues. Either with cards directly or through PayPal. I'm in Norway.

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[draconus]

On 12/7/2024 at 10:49 AM, MeanJim said:

This has never happened anywhere else except here.

What country do you buy from? Sounds like for example US banks may block EU transactions as suspicious. Do you perform any other intercontinental transactions?

[MeanJim]

I'm in the US.  I just seems odd that two cards from two banks don't allow transactions to ED.  The payment does show up as going to Switzerland on my account.  In order to get the payment to go through, I have to call the bank, then make the order while on the phone with them so they can override the block as it goes through.  The person said it's blocked because it's an international transfer, but I don't buy that.  I also bought a new HOTAS back in March after getting the modules, which was also an international payment.  It didn't get blocked, but it was held until I called and approved it.  That was quick and automated, unlike when I try to make purchases here, it flat out blocks it and I have to spend ~30 minutes on the phone to get someone to override it.

I'm also wondering why PayPal is setup different here.  It only lets me chose my debit/credit cards and not my bank accounts to pay with like it does everywhere else.

[Slippa]

Sounds a bit odd Jim.

I’m in the UK and don’t have this problem. As Draconus says, maybe it’s a security thing at your bank?

Given the time of year and me being in need of funds you can always test your international transactions with my bank account if you like? I’d be happy to help.

Feel free to send copious amounts on a daily basis, I’ll help you get to the bottom of it. 

[draconus]

32 minutes ago, MeanJim said:

I'm in the US.  I just seems odd that two cards from two banks don't allow transactions to ED.  The payment does show up as going to Switzerland on my account.  In order to get the payment to go through, I have to call the bank, then make the order while on the phone with them so they can override the block as it goes through.  The person said it's blocked because it's an international transfer, but I don't buy that.  I also bought a new HOTAS back in March after getting the modules, which was also an international payment.  It didn't get blocked, but it was held until I called and approved it.  That was quick and automated, unlike when I try to make purchases here, it flat out blocks it and I have to spend ~30 minutes on the phone to get someone to override it.

I'm also wondering why PayPal is setup different here.  It only lets me chose my debit/credit cards and not my bank accounts to pay with like it does everywhere else.

Clearly this is your bank policy and blocking. Nothing ED can do about it.

Try and convince the bank to whitelist your transactions with ED SA Switzerland.

[BIGNEWY]

We do not block anything our end, it maybe worth reaching out to your bank / service. 

thank you 

[freehand]

The store would not except my pay pal for the purchase of the SA map a couple of days ago but I have had this problem before so used another method I think paypal is the problem I am in the UK.

[BIGNEWY]

yes possible paypal do have issues occasionally 

[Hiob]

I can only recommend to stay clear of Paypal.
I know it is convenient - when it works and everything goes well.
But if something goes wrong, you will very soon notice that they have no considerations for rules and regulations regarding your rights as a customer (or seller for that matter), will use your money/goods as "hostage" until an issue is cleared to their satisfaction.
Be especially careful when using paypal in conjunction with ebay!

I'm in a "fool me once" situation with paypal and quit it since. And you know what. You don't need it. At least if something goes wrong with your credit card, you can work it out with your bank, which - at least - is governed by laws and regulations and will usually honor them.

/rant off

sorry if a little ot, but mark my words

[Art-J]

MeanJim, can't you "charge" your Paypal account with certain fixed amount of money via bank transfer, and use that to pay for modules afterwards? I've been doing it for 10+ years to avoid giving Paypal my card number. All my DCS purchases were done this way and I've never had any issues.

It might be slower and complicated method, but that is one extra advantage in itself - it forces you use your brain + commont sense and transfer only the amount needed for chosen aircraft/map module rather than impulse buy with credit card (followed inevitably by financial "post-nut-clarity").

[Beirut]

One of the benefits of Steam - easy payments. 

 

I load up my Steam wallet, the money sits there snug as a bug in a rug, and when I want something, like the Iraq map - which I will buy today after they fix the price and apply the discount - I just hit "add to cart" and it's done. 

[Slippa]

40 minutes ago, Art-J said:

"charge" your Paypal account with certain fixed amount of money via bank transfer, and use that to pay for modules 

Good idea. Might try this way myself next time.