Maestro Payment Options Removed?
By
aleph_EU,
Posted on: 2008-07-17 15:33 in CoH and CoV General Discussions
[ QUOTE ]
Before breaking out a extra large can of melodrama I have to ask: how many people will this affect?
. Under 18s that can't get credit cards
. People with bad credit ratings that can't get credit cards
. People that do not want credit cards
. People that cannot get time cards
I don't disagree that it looks like poor service by not issuing any sort of warning after Maestro announced the new policy a year ago, but how large a cross section of the player populace is the above?
It's not an ideal situation that could lose a few subscribers, but is it Dooom[tm]?
[/ QUOTE ]
1: I don't earn enough money to get a credit card.
2: Changing my bank details is a lot of hassle for me. I mean, a lot. Plus switching bank would be a lot of hassle too, considering they tend to ask for driving licenses or passports as ID (which I don't have. Whatever happened to the day you could go into a bank with a pound coin and open an account?), or birth certificates.
3: I don't particularly want a credit card after seeing my brothers get into debt with them. I don't even have an overdraft for that reason. While I'm sure I could resist temptation to overspend, not having to means to overspend is a good preventative measure.
4. In order to get time-cards I either have to find a website that sells them and risk the postal service, find a shop which sells them, which means paying an extra £5 to get there thanks to train fares and living in a tiny town with no stores (With no actual hope of finding one. Gamestation, GAME and HMV, I've seen WoW time cards, but no NCSoft ones.)
5. I don't particularly want PayPal. The only thing I have set up like that is ClickandBuy, and I'm happy with that for getting games from Steam. I'd rather not set up another one.
6. Non-recurring billing is a perfectly sensible option, or digital timecard payments from the PlayNC site with Maestro.
I have already been affected by this, hence me making the original post. My second account was cancelled the day before the changes took place. As I had no prior warning I was unable to sort any alternative methosd of payment in time for the DXP weekend. The Customer Service on show (ie zero) has killed off any enthusiasm I had for the game. Looking at the other payment options:
Credit Card: No thanks, never had one and never want one, would rather pay with money I have.
Paysafe: Due to the denominations these come in the price of a subscription would increase, no thanks
Paypal: Jump through hoops and give Paypal access to my bank account, no thanks
Game time cards: Not as widely available as people seem to believe, Several online stores are out of stock and none of the shops in my local town have any (plus it costs train fare for me to get there increasing the price of subs) No Thanks
So, two accounts lost when people are already complaining about lack of people on the server, that can't be a good thing. But anyway I'm enjoying myself playing DDO.
[ QUOTE ]
I have already been affected by this, hence me making the original post. My second account was cancelled the day before the changes took place. As I had no prior warning I was unable to sort any alternative methosd of payment in time for the DXP weekend. The Customer Service on show (ie zero) has killed off any enthusiasm I had for the game. Looking at the other payment options:
Credit Card: No thanks, never had one and never want one, would rather pay with money I have.
Paysafe: Due to the denominations these come in the price of a subscription would increase, no thanks
Paypal: Jump through hoops and give Paypal access to my bank account, no thanks
Game time cards: Not as widely available as people seem to believe, Several online stores are out of stock and none of the shops in my local town have any (plus it costs train fare for me to get there increasing the price of subs) No Thanks
So, two accounts lost when people are already complaining about lack of people on the server, that can't be a good thing. But anyway I'm enjoying myself playing DDO.
[/ QUOTE ]
there are places for people to get time cards or pre-paid cards
help find a pre-paid card
amazon NCsoft 60 Days Game Time Card
GAME NCSoft 60 Day Time Card and at this time they are out of them which not helped my cause to help people >.>
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ok so I'm safe until October because I pay 3 monthly subs but what about those that want to come back and don't have any means to other than using Maestro? What are they to do in the meantime?
[/ QUOTE ]
As noted in my previous reply (bold added):
For those who currently have Maestro on recurring billing, we will be giving advance notice before removing your card from file. We also hope to have alternate payment means available at around the same time (before if possible, ASAP after if not).
[/ QUOTE ]
No offense intended GR but that wasn't the question I was asking. Also I can actually read so you don't need to bold things out for me. I'll rephrase my question for you.
There are people like Death Badger that have already been affected by the change and accounts cancelled because PlayNC no longer accept Maestro. Are those that are already affected going to be compensated for that or are they going to be left in the lurch until you find your payment solution?
[ QUOTE ]
I have already been affected by this, hence me making the original post. My second account was cancelled the day before the changes took place. As I had no prior warning I was unable to sort any alternative methosd of payment in time for the DXP weekend. The Customer Service on show (ie zero) has killed off any enthusiasm I had for the game. Looking at the other payment options:
Credit Card: No thanks, never had one and never want one, would rather pay with money I have.
Paysafe: Due to the denominations these come in the price of a subscription would increase, no thanks
Paypal: Jump through hoops and give Paypal access to my bank account, no thanks
Game time cards: Not as widely available as people seem to believe, Several online stores are out of stock and none of the shops in my local town have any (plus it costs train fare for me to get there increasing the price of subs) No Thanks
So, two accounts lost when people are already complaining about lack of people on the server, that can't be a good thing. But anyway I'm enjoying myself playing DDO.
[/ QUOTE ]
For someone who claims to have lost all enthusiasm and is quite happy playing DDO, you seem to be checking back on the forum a lot?
We know you really DO want to carry on playing, why not see what NC come up with?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have already been affected by this, hence me making the original post. My second account was cancelled the day before the changes took place. As I had no prior warning I was unable to sort any alternative methosd of payment in time for the DXP weekend. The Customer Service on show (ie zero) has killed off any enthusiasm I had for the game. Looking at the other payment options:
Credit Card: No thanks, never had one and never want one, would rather pay with money I have.
Paysafe: Due to the denominations these come in the price of a subscription would increase, no thanks
Paypal: Jump through hoops and give Paypal access to my bank account, no thanks
Game time cards: Not as widely available as people seem to believe, Several online stores are out of stock and none of the shops in my local town have any (plus it costs train fare for me to get there increasing the price of subs) No Thanks
So, two accounts lost when people are already complaining about lack of people on the server, that can't be a good thing. But anyway I'm enjoying myself playing DDO.
[/ QUOTE ]
For someone who claims to have lost all enthusiasm and is quite happy playing DDO, you seem to be checking back on the forum a lot?
We know you really DO want to carry on playing, why not see what NC come up with?
[/ QUOTE ]
my last 2 posts
Re: PlayNC Removed Payment Options? General Discussion Death_Badger Tue Jul 22 2008 05:51 PM
Re: PlayNC Removed Payment Options? General Discussion Death_Badger Fri Jul 18 2008 07:58 PM
Please check your facts before starting with the snide remarks.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have already been affected by this, hence me making the original post. My second account was cancelled the day before the changes took place. As I had no prior warning I was unable to sort any alternative methosd of payment in time for the DXP weekend. The Customer Service on show (ie zero) has killed off any enthusiasm I had for the game. Looking at the other payment options:
Credit Card: No thanks, never had one and never want one, would rather pay with money I have.
Paysafe: Due to the denominations these come in the price of a subscription would increase, no thanks
Paypal: Jump through hoops and give Paypal access to my bank account, no thanks
Game time cards: Not as widely available as people seem to believe, Several online stores are out of stock and none of the shops in my local town have any (plus it costs train fare for me to get there increasing the price of subs) No Thanks
So, two accounts lost when people are already complaining about lack of people on the server, that can't be a good thing. But anyway I'm enjoying myself playing DDO.
[/ QUOTE ]
For someone who claims to have lost all enthusiasm and is quite happy playing DDO, you seem to be checking back on the forum a lot?
We know you really DO want to carry on playing, why not see what NC come up with?
[/ QUOTE ]
Low blow there I feel. He was paying for 2 subs, one got cancelled with no warning and with the resubbing becoming very difficult for him. His other account is still going for now. He let us know that this was happening, and many didn't believe him. He's understandably hacked off at this unexpected shaft.
And all you can say is "for someone who says they have lost enthusiasm, you seem to be on this forum a lot?"
If that had happened to me, and I read that post, I'd be hunting you with an elephant gun!
�How do I like my MMOs? I like them the way Paragon Studios used to make them.� - a fitting tribute from kiasa.org
EU, Union mostly.
Maestro are going the way of American Express, making it an [censored] to support as a company and so people drop them instead. New Maestro policies are:
* Online transactions must use 3DSecure, i.e. requires user interaction to authorise ANY online payment. (If PlayNC are using the store card details system this scuppers them)
* Continuous Authority must be provided with an expiry date, only card provider to insist so is not supported by some payment providers.
Providing a subscription service that works with Maestro AND everyone else suddenly becomes very difficult and you can only support what you payment provider supports. I suspect this caught a few people by surprise as Maestro have historically been poor to notify people of their policies, I still remember having to hastily integrate 3DSecure into our payment systems because their policy wasn't clear last August.
As such, if you have Maestro then time cards are the only real way atm, it's just a shame you can't just make one off payments on the PlayNC site rather than time cards however.
Finally, all these changes by the banks, badged as improved security, what a crock. All they do is shift liability from them and the banks to you, their customers. If a fraudulent transaction occurs that has been 3DSecure authorised wave goodbye to ever seeing that money again. Considering all you need is card number, expiry and date of birth to change the 3DSecure e-mail and password it's a real fake layer of security!
i suspect what they'll offer is the ability to purchase a game time code which you thene nter manualy. They won't be able to do it on a regular, automatic basis.
Sayten is right though, the banks call this security but in relaity if someone has these details then the bank will wash their hands of the complaint as surely you must have either given the details away or allowed them to be used fraudulently. Same with chip and pin. If someone finds out or knows your pin that's your fault, not the banks.
Defiant 50's
Many and varied!
@Miss Chief
Seems odd that people are complaining at NCSoft who have zero control over this, sure they could have said something earlier but ultimate responsibility rests with the people running Maestro and your banks. Perhaps complaining to them might be a slightly better option than complaining at people who can't do anything to really help.
Personally if my bank did this to me I'd find a different bank. If they want to make money off me they'd better provide me with a service that is useful.
[ QUOTE ]
and what about those who don't read the forums? They haven't even got the warning WE have!
[/ QUOTE ]
That's a jolly good point. Hope NCSoft sends out an e-mail warning their users of the issue, unless they're holding out for one or more new alternatives as alluded to by GhostRaptor.
It seems worse because users you know (and forumites no less) are affected, but I'm also confident that NCSoft are keen to give you just as simple means to continue to forking over dosh RSN, no worries.
[ QUOTE ]
No offense intended GR but that wasn't the question I was asking. Also I can actually read so you don't need to bold things out for me. I'll rephrase my question for you.
[/ QUOTE ]
Apologies, I mis-read your post. However, the point I made stands: alternative means of payment are being worked on. They cannot be implemented instantly, however, and I do not currently have any details on which options will become available first. I'll keep you all informed as best I can.
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
and what about those who don't read the forums? They haven't even got the warning WE have!
[/ QUOTE ]
That's a jolly good point. Hope NCSoft sends out an e-mail warning their users of the issue, unless they're holding out for one or more new alternatives as alluded to by GhostRaptor.
[/ QUOTE ]
We're putting together messaging for all current subscribers who use Maestro currently, and it will be sent before before we remove their current Maestro-based recurring billing - along with details of alternative payments as they become available.
This is a policy that Maestro originally intended to enforce from July 1st 2007, however they did not do so and we chose to continue allowing Maestro for recurring billing until such time as the policy became mandatory. That occurred recently (as of July 1st this year) and we are now working on complying with the policy. This is why we no longer accept new subscriptions with Maestro (also applies to reactivations).
[ QUOTE ]
We're putting together messaging for all current subscribers who use Maestro currently, and it will be sent before before we remove their current Maestro-based recurring billing - along with details of alternative payments as they become available.
[/ QUOTE ]
So what about people like the OP, who have ALREADY had accounts closed because their Maestro card was rejected without any kind of notification? I know you guys are trying, GR; I really do. But as you knew this was coming into mandatory enforecement by 1st July, they you should have notified all users BEFORE 1st July.
I personally think you should sent out a notification to all users NOW, and add that other billing options will be made available as soon as possible; rather than make people wait until you have that in place too.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
[ QUOTE ]
This is a policy that Maestro originally intended to enforce from July 1st 2007, however they did not do so and we chose to continue allowing Maestro for recurring billing until such time as the policy became mandatory. That occurred recently (as of July 1st this year) and we are now working on complying with the policy. This is why we no longer accept new subscriptions with Maestro (also applies to reactivations).
[/ QUOTE ]
And yet you still failed to provide any warning that Maestro was no longer an option. The only reason this issue has actually been brought to light is because I happen to have two accounts one of which needed reactivating. The policy change actually took place over 3 weeks ago and yet you failed to actually mention it.
A HUGE PR failure. I wonder how many potential customers reactivating accounts have been lost , I know of 2 others who wanted to reactivate for DXP weekend but couldn't, if there had been some formal News then maybe people could have taken the necessary actions.
[ QUOTE ]
Seems odd that people are complaining at NCSoft who have zero control over this, sure they could have said something earlier but ultimate responsibility rests with the people running Maestro and your banks. Perhaps complaining to them might be a slightly better option than complaining at people who can't do anything to really help.
Personally if my bank did this to me I'd find a different bank. If they want to make money off me they'd better provide me with a service that is useful.
[/ QUOTE ]
Its more the fact that nobody was made aware of the changes beforehand that most of us are peeved at NCSoft now. Yes they have zero control over what Maestro do, but its still bad customer service to not inform players that this change is taking place and that's what I've been getting at personally.
I did try and find an email address to contact Maestro but unfortunately they're not that helpful either. They don't display any contact address other than letter mail which will never get read.
GR, in hindsight, shouldn't NCSoft really have dealt with finding a solution to this long before now? Why wasn't contingency plans put into place before this situation happened?
[ QUOTE ]
So what about people like the OP, who have ALREADY had accounts closed because their Maestro card was rejected without any kind of notification?
[/ QUOTE ]
As I noted above, we're working as fast as we can to get alternative and additional means of payment available. I'm giving you all as much information as I possibly can as I receive it myself.
Unfortunately, due to many factors, I can't quite yet give full details. There are a few details that need to be confirmed before we send messaging to existing Maestro subscribers - such as the exact date that Maestro will be fully removed - however it will be sent as soon as possible.
[ QUOTE ]
And yet you still failed to provide any warning that Maestro was no longer an option. The only reason this issue has actually been brought to light is because I happen to have two accounts one of which needed reactivating. The policy change actually took place over 3 weeks ago and yet you failed to actually mention it.
[/ QUOTE ]
The failure to provide advance notice is something we've already apologised for earlier in this thread. You're absolutely correct, this should have been notified in advance. It wasn't, however we're now working as hard as we can to remedy the situation. I'll provide any new information as soon as I receive it.
Information update:
I can now confirm that - most likely at the end of this month - we will allow unverified UK PayPal accounts for purchasing subscriptions. For those of you willing to use PayPal, this means that you will no longer need to have the account verified. You will be able to provide funds to your PayPal account with your Maestro card and then pay for subscription time with the PayPal account.
This is the first of several changes under discussion.
Also note that Amazon does carry Game Time Cards. They currently have a small number available, although I recognise that Amazon stock levels can fluctuate a lot.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/NCsoft-60-Days-G...8561&sr=8-3
[ QUOTE ]
Also note that Amazon does carry Game Time Cards. They currently have a small number available, although I recognise that Amazon stock levels can fluctuate a lot.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/NCsoft-60-Days-G...8561&sr=8-3
[/ QUOTE ]
Can you guys not sell these on your own online store? Then people wouldn't have to worry so much about finding anywhere that has stock...
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
They sell them at Play.com too, again the stock fluctuates but at least you dont have to pay postage.
I don't wanna save my soul now,
I just wanna lose control,
And even if it takes a lifetime, to learn:
I'll learn!
[ QUOTE ]
They sell them at Play.com too, again the stock fluctuates but at least you dont have to pay postage.
[/ QUOTE ]
Link for the 60 day: http://www.play.com/Games/PC/4-/3344...s/Product.html
We've passed along to the relevant teams internally the current low stock amounts available online through Amazon, Game and Play.
Someone ask for the Maestro email address, well seeing as it's part of MasterCard...
Here is the http://www.mastercard.com/uk/persona...ess_media.html link.[ QUOTE ]
For the latest press releases and comment on any of the subjects below, please do not hesitate to contact MasterCard's public relations advisers.
CONTACTS
Weber Shandwick/MasterCard UK Press Office
Please contact us for media-related issues only. If you are a consumer with a question about MasterCard, please contact your card issuer.
MasterCard UK Press Line: 0870 990 5403
Press Office Fax: 0870 990 5454
Press Office Email: mastercardpressoffice@webershandwick.com
[/ QUOTE ]
And the MasterCard 24 hour contact numbers:
[ QUOTE ]
The contact number(s) you requested are:
Europe
Austria: 0800-21-8235
Belgium: 0800-1-5096
Czech Republic: 800-142-494
Denmark: 8001-6098
Finland: 08001-156234
France: 0-800-90-1387
Germany: 0800-819-1040
Greece: 00-800-11-887-0303
Hungary: 06800-12517
Ireland: 1-800-55-7378
Italy: 800-870-866
Liechtenstein: 0800-89-7092
Luxembourg: 800-2-4533
Monaco: 0-800-90-1387
Montserrat: 1-800-307-7309
Netherlands: 0800-022-5821
Norway: 050-12697
Poland: 0-0800-111-1211
Portugal: 800-8-11-272
San Marino: 800-870-866
Spain: 900-97-1231
Sweden: 020-791-324
Switzerland: 0800-89-7092
Turkey: 00-800-13-887-0903
United Kingdom: 0800-96-4767
Vatican City State: 800-870-866
[/ QUOTE ]
I can see MasterCard/Maestro getting a headache over this issue...
Oh and regarding http://www.mastercard.com/uk/persona...ode/index.html...
[ QUOTE ]
MasterCard, along with your card issuing bank, is concerned about the online security of its cardholders. MasterCard SecureCode enhances your current MasterCard card with a secret code to protect against unauthorized use of your card when you shop online at participating merchants. If your MasterCard credit or debit card or Maestro card is issued by one of the following financial institutions you can register for a MasterCard SecureCode now. If your issuer is not on the list, check back frequently-new issuers are being added all the time.
[/ QUOTE ]
So why are NCSoft getting forced to use this as they are/were not technically a participating merchant?
Nuff Said...
Coolio Wolfus leader of Coolio�s Crusaders on Union.
Tekna Logik leader of Tekna�s Tormentors on Defiant.
Creator of: Coolio's Tech Beacon Replacements
AE arc 402506, 'The Rise and Demise or Otherwise of Tekna Logik...'.
Curious - how many times are you chaps expecting an apology? Despite the ball drop I'm pretty impressed at the turnaround the situation has received. Also - give it up to Ghostraptor for admitting there was a cockup.
Though the situation is a bit weak, today's responses leave me optimistic that the situation is on the way to getting resolved and that with any luck NCSoft have learned a thing or two about scheduling payment system changes.
I'm hoping anyone affected comes back and continues to enjoy CoX (fnarr fnarr).
[ QUOTE ]
Ok so I'm safe until October because I pay 3 monthly subs but what about those that want to come back and don't have any means to other than using Maestro? What are they to do in the meantime?
[/ QUOTE ]
As noted in my previous reply (bold added):
For those who currently have Maestro on recurring billing, we will be giving advance notice before removing your card from file. We also hope to have alternate payment means available at around the same time (before if possible, ASAP after if not).
We have no intention of leaving any of you without the means to pay your subscriptions. Quite the reverse, we're working as fast as we can to offer expanded options.