Credits to this comment for the inspiration: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/comment/1080682
Mine flags my rent payment literally every month when I buy a money order at the Walmart less than a mile from my house. This has been to the same merchant on the same date for almost four years. Even so, they have never once flagged any of my travel.
I’ve started just using the ATM in Walmart and paying cash, because a $1k ATM withdrawal is fine, and they refund ATM fees.
Several years ago I made an ill-advised trip to the ATM in a strip club. My bank did the smart thing and cut me off, so I called the number on the back of the card but an automated recording told me they’re closed and to call back during business hours. Went home with enough money to still pay rent, but still needed to unlock the account, so I called first thing in the morning. The entire process was automated. “Press 1 if this transaction was from you or 2 if your card was stolen”.
Not sure if the automated system takes the night off, or if there’s just an extra rule that lies about it to help you avoid certain mistakes.
Random account shutdown when you need to transfer money while on vacation is truly something else.
"Nooooo, you can't just freeze my bank account when I need an emergency surgery in a foreign country!"
"Haha account goes [Error, Fraud Detected]"
New fear unlocked. I was pissed I couldn't transfer money to pay for a bus ticket, but in comparisson,fuck that.