Can't buy ticket on SBB using US credit card

I am trying to buy tickets from Montreaux to Interlaken OST on SBB website but it is not accepting my US issued Credit Card Number.

Any idea how can I buy it ?

Thanks

KRis

Hi Kris,

SBB is the domestic site and known for issues like this with foreign credit cards. Can you try the sites listed on the below page? They're more geared to tourists.

www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland /price

Hi Arno

I have downloaded the SBB app for the trip. Is it more likely to handle foreign credit card or will it only serve as a mechanism for checking schedules and such?

Vishal

Hi Vishal,

I only use it to check the train schedules. I think I only used it for a purchase once, but I don't recall if I used a credit or debit card. I mostly use a debit card when in Switzerland.

For the benefit of khetank:

I just bought train tickets using the SBB app using my US credit card. No problems. Hope it works for you.

Vishal

I wrote my above response as you were writing yours, Arno... I was hoping the app would work because obviously then it is easy to buy tickets on the go.

Thanks for sharing your experience Vishal. Enjoy your trips!

Thanks Vishalg, it looks like mobile app lets u book the tickets only 30 days in advance so i have to wait for 1 more month as i m looking tickets for July 29.

30 days is normal for any SBB trains via the app or website.

Are you wanting to make reservations on the Golden Pass Line (www.myswissalps.com/go ldenpass) between Montreux and Zweisimmen?

You can make reservations including seat selection now at bit.ly/2kaq6Rf. Just change the class of travel, date of travel and start/end points to suit. And click the "e" for English language top right of the page. (where it says "Sprachwahl: d i f e")

I already made my reservation earlier using the same link. Since i have Swiss half fare card i was planing to buy tickets for the same trip.

the SBB website let me book the tickets for July 29 but the mobile does not. I will try the above link to see if i can buy the ticets too on the MOB site.

You are correct the old SBB website limited purchases to 30 days from travel but the newer site has extended that. Having said that you can buy tickets up to the time you actually travel. Tickets don't sell out.

I was finally able to buy the tickets for July 29 at SBB using my CAPITAL ONE card instead of CHASE.

Thanks

It is a crazy world sometimes. I was unable to use my Capital One card recently but AMEX card worked without a problem.

Kay

I was able to use a Mastercard and also a Visa that I have set up with "Verified by Visa". I called Chase and was told that I would need to try to place the order using my Chase Visa. Then when it is rejected, I should call Chase and tell them that I want it to go through. They would approve it and I would then have to enter the order again. I haven't tried this yet. I don't know if I will, it seems like a lot of trouble when my other cards will work without it.

That's indeed not very convenient. Note that you don't have to buy via SBB; that is only one of many options. Your card will probably work just fine when buying at any (SBB or other) station, or from any other website also offering tickets: www.myswissalps.com/tr aintickets/switzerland /price.