[Finance] Advice/recommendations for pre paid $ debit cards

[Norman Potting]

Youngest Potting is off to the USA to work in a summer camp near Boston for a couple of months. I know that she can use her uk debit card whilst there and that charges will be occurred.

Thinking that as back up she could have a $ pre paid debit card as an alternative and welcome advice/experiences about this and the trip in general. She has arranged things via an agency and is sorted for insurance whilst there.

 

[Icy Gull]

Get a sterling one that gives you a non rip off exchange rate then you/she can top up from a Sterling account. I’d go for Monzo but I believe there is a limit on cash withdrawals but for paying by card is perfect imo

Most debit cards will shaft you on the exchange rate.

 

[Happy Exile]

I've always used Revolut for travel and never had a problem. There may be better available now but I don't know - worth a look though.

 

[sully]

I use Revolut whenever I travel. The only issue I’ve ever had is at petrol stations, as it won’t pre-authorise.
Otherwise, you can use it like any bank account with a debit card and it does the exchange at the current rate. Alternatively, you can store sums in different currencies if you think the exchange rate is likely to go against you.

 

[NorfolkGull]

Chase have launched their app, I joined it yesterday with a referal code from a mate and got £20 for free. it's getting great reviews here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/n...unches-new-saver-account-with-1-5----here-s-/

You can sign up through the app and we'll both get £20 when you join and pay in £20. Get started: https://link.go.chase/emNK/refer?code=zrqSyr7M

You can deposit money onto it and when you spend it'll be at the best rates.

 

[Whoislloydy]

I'd recommend a Revolut card, you can convert your pounds into any currency through the app.

 

[mwrpoole]

If you have time to do it, open a Virgin Money current account. The debit card is free to use abroad, no fees or commission.

 

[Boroseagull]

I've always used Revolut for travel and never had a problem. There may be better available now but I don't know - worth a look though.

Another happy Revolut user. I've used it in Japan, India, USA, Canada, Costa Rica and the rest of Europe without any problems.

 

[Marty___Mcfly]

I have a Starling account- the debit card is fee free to use abroad and foreign payments are calculated using the bank exchange rate.

I don’t use this as my current account - I just transfer money into it when needed abroad.

Martin has more advice here- Revolut is recommended for pre-pay

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money/

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

I have had a Caxton card for years for travel to the US and other countries.

Never had any issues with it and if you wanted and generally better rates of exchange than other places