My domestic helper asked for copy of my credit card!

[talktomarty]

I have a full time Filipino domestic helper that's been with me about 4 months now. Late this week her father died so I bought her a return ticket home using my Visa card, she flies out Monday morning. Now on of her friends has told her she will need a photo copy of my Visa card and passport and attach to her ittinarary and embassy leaving certificate to present at immigration. I've never heard of such a thing, is this some sort of scam?

Thanks in advance

[lopburi3]

Believe this has been the rule for many years now for tickets purchased directly through airline.

[Crossy]

Did you book direct with the airline?

Some (if not all) require the presence of the card used for booking when travelling, or, if the cardholder isn't flying a copy of the card itself.

Best to check on the site you booked through, it should be quite clear if it's needed or not.

If you do give her a copy blank out the CVV (the number on the signature strip).

[talktomarty]

Yes I booked directly with Philippine airline direct online. Thanks Crossy I'll check on their website.

[Crossy]

A thought since it's the Philippines.

I would do it anyway (with a blanked out CVV) the Philippines has some odd rules on letting their nationals out of the country and she could get stuck back home

[talktomarty]

I will blank out the credit card number and give her a copy, surely they don't need to see the number at check in

[puffy]

Some airlines have this rule.

You need to blank out the numbers on the front and also if the card has a cv2 number( the last three digits on the back)

blank those out too. I am not sure but you might need to leave the last four digits on the front of the card from being blanked out.

Call the airline to be sure.

[lopburi3]

The odd rules in Philippines are that departure immigration is charged with protecting there citizens from labor scams so they can and do block departures (mostly young women due to prostitution concerns) if evidence can not be presented for real employment or other valid reasons for travel. So any extra paperwork available can be helpful for her return.

[dddave]

Most airlines require this for tickets purchased for 3rd party travel. I encounter this all the time as I fly as a courier and my tickets are purchased online by the Logistics Company making the arrangements. Most airlines are very strict about it. You can go to the airline office with the confirmation number and show them the card used and they will fax a copy to the airport check-in counter. Just a copy of the card may not do the trick...many airlines want to see the card itself or another card with enough credit as back-up. I would suggest you call the airline and find out what options are available. I have been denied boarding several times because of this issue and it is not fun.

[Singharh]

They do request it sometimes but it is not a requirement. They will ask you or send an email if they want it. Just phone the local office and asked them if it has been flagged as a requirement.

[ebcal]

Not only for 3rd party, I get this request every time I buy a ticket online for myself. And they always ask to see the CC used to buy the ticket online, when I check in. This is also stated on the airline website. As others have stated, standard requirements with some airlines. So, good to check the PA's website, as it should be stated there.

[bermondburi]

I've just bought a ticket for my wife and kids to join me in Saudi. I had to go to the Qatar airways office in the city where I live to make a credit card verification form with the airline. Even on the form it doesn't show all the numbers, only the first six, and the last for. Check with the airline and they might have a similar form she can show them.

Or I suggest you copy your card

And black out half the numbers. No need for a CVC code.

[Crossy]

From the Philippine Airlines website;-

4 To avoid fraudulent transactions and to protect credit card holders, Carrier reserves the right to require presentation of the credit card used in purchasing the ticket(s) online at the ticket collection point, upon check-in or in cases of reissuance, rebooking or refund.

5. If the credit card holder is not part of the travelling party, Carrier reserves the right to require presentation of clear frontal photocopies of the credit card used and the valid photo ID of the credit card holder at the ticket collection point, upon check-in and in cases of reissuance, rebooking and/or refund. It is credit card holder’s sole responsibility to ensure passenger(s) compliance with this requirement.

My bold, they will want a copy of your passport too by the looks of it.

[Crossy]

An off topic derogatory post has been removed, any more and holidays await.

[dorayme]

As suggested go to the Philippine Airline office. They will verify and give a letter of verification.

[BudRight]

As other have implied, you can resolve this in advance with the airline yourself without giving anything to your domestic helper. Just go to the airline ticket office so they can see the card and the ticket will be amended to say that the card has been seen.

As far as showing immigration, I think that was a miscommunication and maybe your helper doesn't know the difference between immigration and airline checkin.

[amyreyna]

Last time I bought ticket with my boss credit card, due change of schedule of work suddenly. I was in Switzerland and when I bought the ticket, the airline remind me to bring the copy of the credit card and my employee card (because it is not my credit card).

I am ready when all of those when I am in the airport, but the officer there never check it. I don't know if it just that time that they didn't check it or it never check, just the rules.