FairFX Card questions

[Shazzie B]

Been on to Fairfx web-site as their exchange rates are looking good ( certainly better than my bank). With a FairFX card I see you get better rates; is this like a pre-loaded credit card? We are taking more dollars this year as not on DDP (last 3 trips we were!), and we were going to use travellers cheqs for better security - or would you reccomend FairFX card instead. Are there any 'hidden' charges I should be aware of? Can I use in most places, Disney, Golden Coral, Applebees etc, (I know Golden Coral don't accept Travellers cheqs any more - so another plus point for card).

 

[2Tiggies]

I got a FairFX card earlier this year. Rates are great.

The only charges you will have is for ATM withdrawals. FairFX will charge you $2 to withdraw and some ATM operators may charge you on top of it, but if you use it to swipe and sign for your purchases, you will have no fees.

I don't know who does and does not take it, but it is a Mastercard (you're right, it is a prepaid mastercard) so it is unlikely that a place will not accept it if they have the facilities to do so.

 

[Simon06]

there are charges for using at an ATM i think it was $2.50 per transaction, we used it for the first time this year didnt have any problems. Its accepted everywhere a mastercard is. Yes its a preloaded currency card. Downside is not being able to check balance very quick unless you have internet access, also it can take a couple of days for the previous usage to be taken off. Its a lot easier than travellers cheques. I think we only had to sign of the total bill was over $50 or $100

 

[Shazzie B]

Thanks Guys; DH has a couple more questions - what if you have any money left on it (who's he kidding).

Also is it like a normal bank card - only one signatory (might have to get my own)

Will definately consider for DS17 -going to New York with school in Feb

 

[catherine]

Thanks Guys; DH has a couple more questions - what if you have any money left on it (who's he kidding).

Also is it like a normal bank card - only one signatory (might have to get my own)

Will definately consider for DS17 -going to New York with school in Feb

I have money left on mine and I've just left it there for the next trip. I think that you can withdraw any left over money from an ATM.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks Guys; DH has a couple more questions - what if you have any money left on it (who's he kidding).

Also is it like a normal bank card - only one signatory (might have to get my own)

Will definately consider for DS17 -going to New York with school in Feb

You can order additional cards. If you will be spending US$ again in the not too distant future, I think it works out better to just leave extra cash in there. Unlike many of the other similar cards, FairFX has no inactivity fee.

 

[penlanspice]

I swear by mine, we've used it for several years and used it all over the US. We try to use it for everything and not make withdrawals from the atm to avoid the fee.
Only the named person on the card can use it, just like at home, you can apply for more cards but they will have separate accounts.
We nearly always end up putting extra cash on our whilst we're away and it's so easy.
The only down side is as some one mentioned you can only check your balance on-line, we usually just check it every few days.

 

[Shazzie B]

Great Thanks, think I'll go for it - one card will be enough - I just really intend to load 'meal' & 'Shopping' money onto it to avoid need for travellers cheqs or carrying loads of cash.