d_claude_bear

We were unable to use our CapitalOne VISA card for internet purchases of TGV tickets for three trips in France when we tried to buy them over the past 10 days. We finally got the tickets (and printed them) using a Citibank MasterCard CC. Here is what happened.

The first ticket request was refused by the TGV-Europe CC processing system, so I called CapitalOne's fraud department--we had previously had them unblock the account for such purchases. The customer service rep said their computer system showed no request for authorization had been submitted by the French railway, and if there had been a request it would have been approved. She had me re-do the ticket request and submit it while she watched her screen. It was again rejected, and it never reached CapitalOne for authorization. I re-did the ticket info and successfully paid with the Citibank CC while a Citibank fraud person watched her screen and saw the request come in and get approved/

For the next two ticked routings, I tried to use the CapitalOne CC, was rejected, and immediately resubmitted (successfully) using the Citibank CC. My later email to TGV-Europe apparently was not understood, since they responded in terms of what to do if I was charged for a ticket I did not receive. I just this morning emailed them again, with a more detailed explanation of the situation. We DO have all the tickets printed and WERE NOT charged for the failed attempts.

Has this happened to anyone else?

benitakaren

Yes, this same thing happened to me several days ago when I tried to make train reservations from Paris to Avignon. My Capital One did not work so called and was told they saw no charges trying to go thru. They said to try again, so I did and it still didn't work. Finally used my Andrews card and went thru immediately. Printed the tickets and now one less thing to do. Although, I am wondering if there are smoking cars and I did not request a non-smoking car. Maybe all trains are non-smoking, It is too late to change anything now but curious about smoking when I make return reservations.

Underhill

Train now are non-smoking, although there might still be a enclosed compartment for smokers somewhere in the train.

MaineGG

I used my Capital One MasterCard twice in January to buy tickets - once for iDTGV tickets, once for TGV tickets. The transactions went right through at first attempt. It's such a mystery why sometimes things go through with no problem and sometimes they don't.

One thing I have done is create an account with SNCF. I had done that prior to the latest ticket purchases. Wonder if that made a difference.

Wish someone could figure out the magic method so everyone wouldn't have such frustrations in the future.

MaineGG

I used my Capital One MasterCard twice in January to buy tickets - once for iDTGV tickets, once for TGV tickets. The transactions went right through at first attempt. It's such a mystery why sometimes things go through with no problem and sometimes they don't.

One thing I have done is create an account with SNCF. I had done that prior to the latest ticket purchases. Wonder if that made a difference.

Wish someone could figure out the magic method so everyone wouldn't have such frustrations in the future.

yestravel

I could not buy TGV tickets on three separate occasions with my Capital One card. Went right thru each time with another card.

Man_in_seat_61

For the record, if you cannot get your card accepted n www.tgv-Europe.com, try www.capitainetrain.com.

It's in French, but really simple to use, same trains, same prices as tgv-Europe.com and no fees. They've been allowed access to SNCF data after a court case accused SNCF of anti-competitive behaviour. Just use Googles Chrome browser to translate. Works fine with US cards according to every report I've had so far.

Another fallback is www.loco2.com - A UK site, with prices in pounds, but they're the European prices and they accept all cards, just make sure you get a self print or collect at station ticket option.