Do people still recommend the FAIRFX card...

[mickeyforpresident]

I currently have $39 on an expired FairFX card, which I can reactivate... Or is there a better alternative now? Something is telling me that a post office currency card is perhaps a safer option (but I can't explain why or how?)

 

[Elise79]

We use a Post Office credit card and a small amount of cash (around $200).

Don't use prepaid cards at all.

 

[FAIRFX]

I currently have $39 on an expired FairFX card, which I can reactivate... Or is there a better alternative now? Something is telling me that a post office currency card is perhaps a safer option (but I can't explain why or how?)

Hello,

The FAIRFX Currency cards are Chip & PIN secure. They are not linked to your bank account like a credit and debit card are, meaning if you were to lose your card we would cancel the card as soon as you notify us and their is not link to your bank account.

We are FCA regulated.

The Post Office prepaid card is currently offering €1.3000 and FAIRFX are offering £1.3265 to £1, meaning you would be getting more for your money.

 

[wilma-bride]

The Post Office Currency Card is not any safer or more secure at all. in fact, I could be wrong but I believe the PO offering is a cash passport which has all sorts of fees for non0use, meaning that 439.50 you had on it would probably have been eaten up in non-usage fees and the like by now. We still have a Fairfx card and are very happy with it. If you load the card with a certain amount when you renew it, I beleive the renewal is free.

 

[gavvy]

There are fees on Fairfx mind - existing customers have to pay £10 for a new card or a renewal when the old card expired more than 2 months ago, seems a bit unfair to me, they also charge for ATM transactions. The min top up is about £50 too, shame they scrapped lower amounts.

They don't offer the spot rate but they are pretty competitive and are a good way of fixing the exchange rate you buy at, so if you think the rate is going to fall you can buy in advance.

I tend to use the post office credit card now- no fees at all, you get the market rate, only drawback is you never know how the £/$ is going to swing.

 

[penlanspice]

I'm still using my fairfx and have for quite a number of years now and never had a problem, i've used it all over the world too not just the USA. It's usually the best rate and I also have the friends and family card and keep that separate when travelling just in case we lose the main card, that way we have a back up and can just transfer the funds. The main card is usually replaced (when expiring) if you are going to top it up with x amount, I've never paid for a new main card just the friends and family card which is £6.

 

[DLPDreams]

We looked into this and credit cards and as much I was was adamant I didn't want a CC, we ended up getting a Halifax Clarify CC. I note it was recently on Money Saving Expert on their TV program as the best way to spend abroad. Perhaps have a look at their website.

I know CCs aren't for everyone and I was dubious, but I am actually pleased we have it now. We will be using cash and credit card mix.

I personally didn't like the idea of a prepaid card - I have heard about fees for taking money off etc as a pp mentions. This didn't sit well with me.

 

[Tinks1984]

I'm glad I found this - it was only tonight I've been pondering over what to do with my money when we go in May.

Looking towards the Fair FX card now I think - although the Halifax Clarity sounds good, I don't fancy a CC.

 

[Tink2312]

Personally, I would never travel abroad without a CC. It's reassuring to know that if I need it, I have access to that money. I use a combo of Fairfx and Halifax Clarity. I put the majority of planned spends on Fairfx but any larger purchases go on CC - that way I don't have to overload the Fairfx and never come back with hundreds of $ sat on it.

 

[catherine]

We've been using the fairfx card for years and we really like it. I've never had to pay any type of fee for getting the card or renewing it! It's really easy to top up and any money that we have left on it when we get back we just save for our next trip!

 

[Mummycat]

We used Fairfx card last time and will do again this time. We also took out a Caxton pre paid card which we loaded on approx £100. We then used this card to secure car rental pick up and other such things so if a hold was put on anything it wasn't our main card and spending money. Very happy with Fairfx, always up to date with the correct balance and accepted everywhere we tried.

 

[jothp]

I am thinking about getting a fairfx card for some of our spends. I'm a bit concerned about taking a lot of cash but don't want to plan to spend on our credit cards as the two we have are not great for overseas spending and I don't really want to apply for another one.