The other day, I needed some quick cash as I do not keep enough money at home for obvious reasons. So I went to the Ħamrun HSBC branch ATM in the evening to withdraw some money but, to my dismay, both my Premier (debit and credit) cards were refused with the message that they were defective. The following morning I tried again at about 7.30 and the same thing happened. When I tried at 9 a.m., when the said bank was open, the ATM gave me the cash I required.
This is happening quite often because the weekend before (Sunday) the same thing had happened not only to me but to a couple of tourists who wanted to withdraw cash from the same ATM. They were really disgusted. I had to take them to the Fleur-de-Lys ATM to withdraw cash.
Some months ago, I was charged €5 to change my card because the ATM was showing the cards as defective, which they weren’t.
When I brought this problem to the attention of the person I believe is the bank manager she said that this was unusual. But this is quite usual and it is happening quite often now. I suggest they get this problem sorted out as soon as possible.