Goldman Sachs is so useless

[sancho-p]

Got an Apple Card to enjoy the 3% on Apple products. Got $5000 credit. So far so good.

Yesterday, bought 2 iPhones, well within limit. All fine at purchase time, Apple Pay worked, order confirmed.



Then Apple emails: the 2nd transaction didn’t work.

Then the card is restricted.



Called GS, after 10 minutes wait they lift the restriction and I retry the purchase while they’re on the phone.



Card become restricted again.

They can’t tell me why!! (I suspect larger than usual transaction) and tell me now I must wait for someone to call me back!

They can’t tell me when, “it’s another department.”



Called back this morning, same story need the call back, can’t tell me when, sorry, bye bye.





Feels like Soviet bureaucracy. Why did Apple associate with a company that doesn’t know how to run a credit card business!!! Would have been solved right away with any other credit card company!



Anyone had the same experience?

 

[gigatoaster]

Post this on social media, maybe they will find a faster resolution.

 

[4sallypat]

OP: Did you buy both phones outright (full amount) ?

I paid for 2 on launch morning using Apple Pay and both were approved (they already charged the taxes on each phone).
But they are both on the 24 month no interest financing thru Citizen's Bank....

 

[sancho-p]

OP: Did you buy both phones outright (full amount) ?

I paid for 2 on launch morning using Apple Pay and both were approved (they already charged the taxes on each phone).
But they are both on the 24 month no interest financing thru Citizen's Bank....

Yes full amount outright. Lucky you didn’t use Apple Credit card !!

 

[Weaselboy]

Called back this morning, same story need the call back, can’t tell me when, sorry, bye bye.

Sounds like they put the smackdown on you for two large online transactions back to back, and that is understandable, but I agree they should have been able to quickly lift the block once you called in. I have had this happen with my Bank of America VISA a couple times and a quick phone call resolved it. They even had me stay online while I completed the purchase just to make sure everything was fixed up.

I recently signed up for a security service BofA offers where if they see an odd transaction, they will send me a text alert and I can reply with a "YES" and the transaction will go through.

 

[Strelok]

Sounds like they put the smackdown on you for two large online transactions back to back, and that is understandable, but I agree they should have been able to quickly lift the block once you called in. I have had this happen with my Bank of America VISA a couple times and a quick phone call resolved it. They even had me stay online while I completed the purchase just to make sure everything was fixed up.

I recently signed up for a security service BofA offers where if they see an odd transaction, they will send me a text alert and I can reply with a "YES" and the transaction will go through.

Citibank just texts me when they think there’s a fraudulent charge and I can text back whether or not that’s correct. Then I just have to order again and it works. Sometimes it’s really random where it triggers though. I’ve bought stuff from China with no issue but every time I order from EVGA it triggers a fraud alert.

 

[sancho-p]

Citibank just texts me when they think there’s a fraudulent charge and I can text back whether or not that’s correct. Then I just have to order again and it works. Sometimes it’s really random where it triggers though. I’ve bought stuff from China with no issue but every time I order from EVGA it triggers a fraud alert.

Yes and American Express texts you too for large transactions. But useless Goldman Sachs employees can’t even tell you what the problem is, can’t fix it. Some people have been waiting 3 weeks for them to call back...

 

[Weaselboy]

Citibank just texts me when they think there’s a fraudulent charge and I can text back whether or not that’s correct. Then I just have to order again and it works. Sometimes it’s really random where it triggers though. I’ve bought stuff from China with no issue but every time I order from EVGA it triggers a fraud alert.

I think a lot of the anti-fraud detection has gotten better. BofA just rolled out an opt-in feature where I can allow the iOS app to check my location in the background periodically and compare that to where I am using the card. I am assuming if the app shows I am in California and someone tried a purchase in Texas alarm bells will go off.

 

[rugmankc]

Sorry to hear about your problem OP

I only had one call from my credit card company 30 years ago when my son talked me into buying some high end audio. It was just a courtesy call. Nothing else ever.

I have read about similar issues here on MR.

I really like the Card. But, if I have just one issue like yours happens I will cancel the card.

Hope that doesn't happen----

 

[Expos of 1969]

Indeed they are. And people are surprised?

 

[irq987]

I commend you on actually being able to get an Apple Card. I finally tried to apply today. The app kept insisting something was wrong with the scan of my ID despite the fact it was perfectly clear, in-focus, and glare-free. “Unable to verify identity” it said. I finally got it to go through and it was immediately denied for “unable to verify identity.” Contacted Goldman Sachs and the rep said to make sure all the information in the application matched the ID exactly. I had already done that of course. The GS rep then tells me I have to wait 30 days to apply again. No other explanation given, just “try again in 30 days.” So when it fails again in 30 days, I guess they are going to tell me to try again another 30 days after that. Useless.

 

[prestigiouswireless]

I commend you on actually being able to get an Apple Card. I finally tried to apply today. The app kept insisting something was wrong with the scan of my ID despite the fact it was perfectly clear, in-focus, and glare-free. “Unable to verify identity” it said. I finally got it to go through and it was immediately denied for “unable to verify identity.” Contacted Goldman Sachs and the rep said to make sure all the information in the application matched the ID exactly. I had already done that of course. The GS rep then tells me I have to wait 30 days to apply again. No other explanation given, just “try again in 30 days.” So when it fails again in 30 days, I guess they are going to tell me to try again another 30 days after that. Useless.

My 30 days is up tmw so let’s see if they have fixed their ****

 

[rugmankc]

So, today I made gas purchase at BP thru my BP App. My local gas station where I have made several purchases with Apple Card. They always take a 1.00 prior to final transaction. Common, I guess, at most gas stations. I usually get an Instant Notification on the 1.00. But, then usually no Instant Notification on the actual transaction. Does show in Wallet all the time.

Today I got a message back on the BP App that my card wasn't supported, would I like to use another card. I start to back out of App when I get an Instant message from Apple Card that transaction was declined and had me go to Wallet to select whether I made the transaction, or not. I said I made it. I subsequently got two emails about the transaction as suspected fraud. However, when I got back into App, I was able to complete the gas purchase thru the App. However the 1.00 still shows declined in Wallet.

Hope my comments are not too confusing. Never had this happen before. Again, I need to see how the Card performs in these situations to determine if I will keep it.

I can't see how a 1.00 transaction at a normally used gas station can produce a suspected fraud alert.

I had no Fraud Alerts pop up in Wallet under Network Benefits and the Online MasterCard Theft Protection website.

 

[GeekyGrannie]

So, today I made gas purchase at BP thru my BP App. My local gas station where I have made several purchases with Apple Card. They always take a 1.00 prior to final transaction. Common, I guess, at most gas stations. I usually get an Instant Notification on the 1.00. But, then usually no Instant Notification on the actual transaction. Does show in Wallet all the time.

Today I got a message back on the BP App that my card wasn't supported, would I like to use another card. I start to back out of App when I get an Instant message from Apple Card that transaction was declined and had me go to Wallet to select whether I made the transaction, or not. I said I made it. I subsequently got two emails about the transaction as suspected fraud. However, when I got back into App, I was able to complete the gas purchase thru the App. However the 1.00 still shows declined in Wallet.

Hope my comments are not too confusing. Never had this happen before. Again, I need to see how the Card performs in these situations to determine if I will keep it.

I can't see how a 1.00 transaction at a normally used gas station can produce a suspected fraud alert.

I had no Fraud Alerts pop up in Wallet under Network Benefits and the Online MasterCard Theft Protection website.

I have read that when a credit card number is stolen, the thief may try a small purchase first, to see if the card is viable. Then if that works they will follow it immediately with a larger one. It sounds like BP does the same thing. Goldman Sachs doesn't know your history with BP yet, so they put the brakes on until you acknowledged the transaction in Wallet. That allowed you to complete your purchase. I think it is understandable although confusing (and possibly alarming) that Goldman Sachs has a bit of a hair trigger on their fraud alerts. After all, they are new to this game.

 

[rugmankc]

I have read that when a credit card number is stolen, the thief may try a small purchase first, to see if the card is viable. Then if that works they will follow it immediately with a larger one. It sounds like BP does the same thing. Goldman Sachs doesn't know your history with BP yet, so they put the brakes on until you acknowledged the transaction in Wallet. That allowed you to complete your purchase. I think it is understandable although confusing (and possibly alarming) that Goldman Sachs has a bit of a hair trigger on their fraud alerts. After all, they are new to this game.

Agree. That happened to me once in the past. But, my bank caught it quick and I locked the card. Apple Card seems instant on this. A good thing. But, I bought gas at this station several times before with Apple Card. So, didn’t see this purchase being fraud susceptible. I guess time will tell. Also, assume they will fine tune things as time goes by.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

I'd be surprised if my credit card issuer did NOT call me if I made two $1000+ purchases in quick succession right after getting the card.

 

[prestigiouswireless]

It could be the processor too. I’ve worked for several retail companies that would not allow the same amount twice with the same card. It would have to be a different card or case for the 2nd one.

 

[digthewell]

They should have been able to resolve your issue when you called them. Like others have said, likely flagged for large transactions but this is usually resolved in my country (India) by the customer care who calls you immediately asking whether you're the one making the transactions. So it's not even the customer who calls here.

 

[XCrystalMermaidX]

Got an Apple Card to enjoy the 3% on Apple products. Got $5000 credit. So far so good.

Yesterday, bought 2 iPhones, well within limit. All fine at purchase time, Apple Pay worked, order confirmed.



Then Apple emails: the 2nd transaction didn’t work.

Then the card is restricted.



Called GS, after 10 minutes wait they lift the restriction and I retry the purchase while they’re on the phone.



Card become restricted again.

They can’t tell me why!! (I suspect larger than usual transaction) and tell me now I must wait for someone to call me back!

They can’t tell me when, “it’s another department.”



Called back this morning, same story need the call back, can’t tell me when, sorry, bye bye.





Feels like Soviet bureaucracy. Why did Apple associate with a company that doesn’t know how to run a credit card business!!! Would have been solved right away with any other credit card company!



Anyone had the same experience?

Pretty much the exact same thing except mine was a 10 dollar transaction and a 500 dollar one. Im in the same boat now.

They should have been able to resolve your issue when you called them. Like others have said, likely flagged for large transactions but this is usually resolved in my country (India) by the customer care who calls you immediately asking whether you're the one making the transactions. So it's not even the customer who calls here.

That is my experience with my other card as well.(I live in the USA) There is a site that ALWAYS triggers an alert. Its to the point where I have actually received agents more than once. But every time they just verify my personal info and then have me try the charge again on the phone. Hasn't been a problem in almost 10 years. But it seems everyone has had nothing but a nightmare with this.

 

[wxboss67]

Sorry to hear this has been such a hassle for you! Please keep us updated if there are any changes/resolutions.

 

[swandy]

I guess this is hit or miss. My wife and I were at a craft fair in Tarrytown NY and we purchased a ring for $2500. Not only did he jewelers machine take Apple Pay but no issues with the purchase and I was very surprised that no signature was required. I am used to that being the case with my morning bagel and coffee but not for something that costly.

 

[jetsam]

I was very surprised that no signature was required.

Amex, Discover, MC and Visa stopped requiring signatures a year ago. If you're asked to sign a credit card receipt, it's because the merchant has old software/hardware.

 

[bigjnyc]

Citibank just texts me when they think there’s a fraudulent charge and I can text back whether or not that’s correct. Then I just have to order again and it works. Sometimes it’s really random where it triggers though. I’ve bought stuff from China with no issue but every time I order from EVGA it triggers a fraud alert.

Same with Capital one. Usually the transaction goes through with no issues and immediately get a text. I imagine they would cancel it if I respond that i don't know the transaction... but I appreciate the fact that they allow it to go through so i dont have to go through the process of re-buying.

 

[swandy]

Amex, Discover, MC and Visa stopped requiring signatures a year ago. If you're asked to sign a credit card receipt, it's because the merchant has old software/hardware.

Good to know as I have been handed many slips - from both MC and Visa - since then.

 

[jetsam]

Good to know as I have been handed many slips - from both MC and Visa - since then.

Yeah, me too.

It's especially pointless to ask for a signature for an Apple Pay transaction, since not only is there no signature to compare against, but also Apple Pay doesn't transmit your name to the merchant. In such cases, I tend to sign with a totally illegible scribble.

I'll bet the jeweler at the craft fair was using a Square contactless reader. Most small vendors like that tend to use Square equipment, which updates its firmware OTA.