Pre-paid Charge Card

[mickeyforpresident]

Can anyone reccoment a pre-paid credit / charge card that is fee free for use in the US? I don't want to open a Nationwide account or take out a CC and not too happy about taking cash (even as traveller cheques with us!!) I'm so sorry about all these posts about money - I'm getting a tad stressed with it all!

 

[wickesy]

I, and many others, use FairFX. There is a charge for withdrawing cash from machines but no charges for other transactions.

CaxtonFX is another one that has had good reviews.

 

[Snowy-girls]

I recommend the FairFX card,David above helped me so much with all my questions about this card,
There is NO charge to use it abroad.
There is NO hidden charge once you get back home.
If you order under £500 to start with there is a £9-95 fee for the card,otherwise no fee.Also any extra payments start at £20 minium top up-no charges.
Only charge is $2 to make a cash withdraw from over there(just make sure you take some cash as well so you would'nt have to do this).
Also it is good as in you get the $ rate it advertises on there website when you purchase your money.
I got a card about 2 weeks ago now+purchased £500 at a rate of $1.9575,Sat i purchased some more at $1.9725.

I found Fairfx to have a slightly higher rate than Caxton.

 

[misscrossbee]

I've also got a FairFx card on David's recommendation for my October trip. I wasn't keen on taking out another credit card or opening another bank account. Nor did I want to bother with traveller's cheques.

(The Caxton card, I believe, has a higher charge for ATM withdrawals.)

As I posted on another thread, I'm a pessimist and always believe that the exchange rate will plummet just before my trip. So I like being able to take advantage of the exchange rate there and then and without having to leave the house.

I initially spent £500 and have topped it up since then, including this weekend when the rate peaked. The card is credited immediately and their customer service has been very good when I've had any questions.

 

[mickeyforpresident]

Thanks Guys - I think I will do it!

Do you know if you can have two cards for one "account"?

 

[mickeyforpresident]

Oh - and also - can you get any un-spent money back again at the end of the holiday?

 

[Snowy-girls]

I don't know the answer to your first question about 2 cards for 1 account but i am thinking no-it is a Mastercard chip&pin.x.

As for your second question-Yes there is a cash out charge of £10 to have any remaining money back.Although what you can do(as we are-if there is any left )is leave it on there till your next trip.The card lasts 3 years+after that you can either take your money out or renew your card+have any money left over transferred to your new card.x.

 

[wickesy]

I've also got a FairFx card on David's recommendation for my October trip.

Thanks Guys - I think I will do it!

Oh, I hope neither of you have any problems with your cards I don't want any angry private messages when you get back.

Do you know if you can have two cards for one "account"?

I don't think you can but to be honest it is so easy to get them that you might as well just get one each and split your money between them (depending on how much you are going to put on and whether you are willing to pay two issuing fees of course).

 

[misscrossbee]

Don't worry David, I absolve you of all responsibility!

I don't think you can get two cards on one account as I'd wanted to get my other half one on my account and couldn't.

Then I thought I'd surprise him with his own, but they said because he didn't live at my address (where the debit card I was going to buy the dollars with was registered), I couldn't do that either!

So in a few days, my boyfriend is going to magically move in and I'll try it again!