Topic Wiki

Hello all!
Many of us live, study, or travel to Israel and prefer using US credit cards.
I haven't seen a "master list" anywhere that outlines which stores, sites, government agencies/utilities, or companies decline US cards, so I thought it might be nice to start one.

I've only transitioned my spend to a US card this past week, so there are still plenty of unknowns.
Please reply to the thread and I'll update accordingly!

Here are my experiences thus far:

Declined US card
-BigDeal http://www.bigdeal.co.il (Groupon copycat) (attempted with Chase CSR Visa)
-Club Teva website (if you happen to be a Teva employee  :))) (attempted with Chase CSR Visa)
-Website getit.co.il; Barclays MC declined
-Clal Insurance
-most gas stations (ask them to pre-charge 400 or 500 shekels if you need a full tank on your car, and if you go under the amount the gas station will refund you.) even better if you know the guy well enough and he'll let you fill up without charging your card first.

Tentative
-AIG Insurance declined through call center (rep mentioned that they do not accept any foreign cards).  However, my card successfully registered through their online portal and will wait to see if it gets charged properly.
-Pizza Hut worked online with Amex; CSR was declined

Other
-Cellarix (Israeli social payment app/site).  It let me send money, but Chase categorized it as a cash advance (attempted with Chase Visa)
-Mika gas stations (only lets you fill up 30 shekels worth when paying at the pump, apparently paying inside gets this raised to 200) (attempted with Chase Visa)

golan and other phone companies now charge an additional 30 shekel per month for processing any foreign card.

also you dont have to put in a real 9 digit number 123456789 works fine or put in your 9 digit passport number instead of teudat zehut.
« Last edited by yman on January 09, 2019, 09:58:19 AM »

Author Topic: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards  (Read 57599 times)

Offline moe8555

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1303
  • Total likes: 155
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #40 on: December 13, 2016, 03:09:32 AM »
just used my CSR by a kavim machine, BH posted as as travel

Thanks for the update -- I'll wait for another DP or two before changing the Wiki.
Also, my kid's daycare payment went through, so removed from the Tentative category.

AIG insurance doesn't allow me to update with a US card via call center; it seemed to work through their online portal.  Put in tentative until I see that the charge actually posts.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2016, 03:21:00 AM by moe8555 »

Offline David Smith

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 8075
  • Total likes: 212
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 13
    • View Profile
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #41 on: December 13, 2016, 03:23:35 AM »
Where? Any tricks? I tried mine just today and it was not accepted. Thanks anyway for the boost of confidence regarding the travel classification.
Works for me (I've done Herzel and Shivtei Yisrael stops). Posts as reimbursable travel.
Who do you think you are fooling? You think you are going to pull a quick one on your Creator? Good luck with that.
JTZ

Online Mr. CC

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 658
  • Total likes: 25
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #42 on: December 13, 2016, 01:43:42 PM »
Where? Any tricks? I tried mine just today and it was not accepted. Thanks anyway for the boost of confidence regarding the travel classification.
did it on Tzefania next to Har tzvi
also used my arrival+

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #43 on: December 13, 2016, 03:20:11 PM »
did it on Tzefania next to Har tzvi
also used my arrival+
In Kiryat Sefer I have yet to find a machine that takes foreign Visa or MC. (Like I've said before they accept Discover and Amex.)

Online Mr. CC

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 658
  • Total likes: 25
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #44 on: December 13, 2016, 03:39:34 PM »
In Kiryat Sefer I have yet to find a machine that takes foreign Visa or MC. (Like I've said before they accept Discover and Amex.)
guess you could come visit us in Yerushalayim

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #45 on: December 13, 2016, 04:11:30 PM »
guess you could come visit us in Yerushalayim
I'll first go try at the local Rav Kav office. My CSR statement should be closing on the 20th so I have a few days to get there before resorting to a trip to Yerushalayim.

Offline jmz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 397
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #46 on: December 13, 2016, 04:13:39 PM »
Skyline in that garden hotel place came up as travel on my card.

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #47 on: December 15, 2016, 04:48:30 AM »
I'll first go try at the local Rav Kav office. My CSR statement should be closing on the 20th so I have a few days to get there before resorting to a trip to Yerushalayim.
I finally found a machine in Kiryat Sefer that accepts foreign Visa. moe8555 if you want to update the wiki maybe write something like every machine might be different.

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #48 on: February 05, 2017, 09:02:17 AM »
Just today got hit twice.
Government payment site. (trying to pay for Israeli passport)
Rami Levy mobile - setting up new line.
 :(

Online Mr. CC

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 658
  • Total likes: 25
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #49 on: February 05, 2017, 04:35:45 PM »
Just today got hit twice.
Government payment site. (trying to pay for Israeli passport)
Rami Levy mobile - setting up new line.
 :(
BTW the government just doesn't like receiving payments
try; the'll find any excuse to decline, even Israeli cards

Online ExGingi

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2015
  • Posts: 15620
  • Total likes: 7712
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 19
    • View Profile
  • Location: 770
  • Programs: בשורת הגאולה. From Exile to Redemption. GIYF. AAdvantage Executive PlatinumŽ
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #50 on: February 05, 2017, 04:44:42 PM »
IME gas stations allow up to NIS200 using a US based credit card paying at the pump. They will usually allow an immediate subsequent transaction on same card.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #51 on: February 06, 2017, 08:09:43 AM »
BTW the government just doesn't like receiving payments
try; the'll find any excuse to decline, even Israeli cards
On the government site I first tried my American cards - Visa, Amex, and Discover. When I tried my Israeli Yesh Visa it went right through.

Offline satturn

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 950
  • Total likes: 30
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Old City - Jerusalem
  • Programs: Kotel Security Pass
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #52 on: February 06, 2017, 08:12:24 AM »
I pay Golan with a US CC every month.
+1

Online Mr. CC

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 658
  • Total likes: 25
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #53 on: February 06, 2017, 08:19:46 AM »
On the government site I first tried my American cards - Visa, Amex, and Discover. When I tried my Israeli Yesh Visa it went right through.
guess all your info was perfect
btw you don't have any Master Cards? ;)

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #54 on: February 06, 2017, 08:45:53 AM »
guess all your info was perfect
btw you don't have any Master Cards? ;)
I decided not to try it because it has a foreign transaction fee. (In my experience Visa and MC tend to be in the same boat in these kind of matters.)

Online Mr. CC

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 658
  • Total likes: 25
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Yerushalayim
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #55 on: February 06, 2017, 01:27:42 PM »
I decided not to try it because it has a foreign transaction fee. (In my experience Visa and MC tend to be in the same boat in these kind of matters.)
just kidding, wouldn't suspected

Offline moe8555

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1303
  • Total likes: 155
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #56 on: November 17, 2017, 02:24:59 AM »
Update regarding the Electric Company: I tried paying with my CSR and it would not accept the card (both via mobile app and regular website).
I was only able to pay with my U.S. Amex Plat.  Did not try other Visa/MC besides CSR.

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #57 on: November 17, 2017, 02:49:20 AM »
Update regarding the Electric Company: I tried paying with my CSR and it would not accept the card (both via mobile app and regular website).
I was only able to pay with my U.S. Amex Plat.  Did not try other Visa/MC besides CSR.
Which electric company. I had no problem with chevrat hachashmal
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline moe8555

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1303
  • Total likes: 155
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 11
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Israel
  • Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Sixt Platinum
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #58 on: November 17, 2017, 04:31:03 AM »
Which electric company. I had no problem with chevrat hachashmal

There's only one  ;D
When?

Offline Jack out of the box

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 754
  • Total likes: 70
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: ארצינו הקדושה
  • Programs: Chase UR, BA Avios, AAdvantage, UA Mileage Plus, SPG
Re: Master List: Israeli companies and sites that decline US cards
« Reply #59 on: November 17, 2017, 04:58:26 AM »
Update regarding the Electric Company: I tried paying with my CSR and it would not accept the card (both via mobile app and regular website).
I was only able to pay with my U.S. Amex Plat.  Did not try other Visa/MC besides CSR.
I've done it probably hundreds of times with US cards including CSR. If there is something new I'll find out next week when I pay my bill.