Prepaid Credit Card Gift Card ?

[PrincessParty]

My DD (13) is going on a class trip. It is recommended that she take a prepaid charge card instead of cash. I have been looking at them and obviously I don't want to buy too early as they all seem to have a monthly fee. Walmart Visas are the cheapest to purchase at $3.00, but I have to call to submit my personal information to activate it and it takes 7-10 business days. Is there a prepaid visa out there that is truly just a giftcard without turning my 13 year old loose with my info? They are a great group of kids, but they are kids.

Another thought as I type this is AAA anyone have any experience with AAA and visa gift cards?

Thanks for any help/advice.

 

[dd50]

My kids got Amex for Christmas. I think they cost $4.95. Didn't need any info to activate it. It doesn't charge a fee until 1 year after activation.

I always gave my kids cash for school trips and they never lost it.

 

[swmmom]

A lot of banks & credit unions sell pre-paid debit cards that you can put any amount on. They usually have a fee of $4.95. Check your local banks.

There are also the cards you can buy in grocery stores, but they are only in specific amounts i.e. $50.00, $100.00.

 

[roadtrippin2wdw]

We get prepaid cards for our trips to the world every year. Very convenient, no change to deal with! We get them from National City bank (I believe all banks carry them) for $3 and they don't need info to activate them. I call the number on the back every morning to find out the balance. I carry KTTW and this, that's it.

 

[toddlers_mom]

It takes 7-10 business days to receive a personalized card. You can still use the temporary.

 

[codimouse]

We bank with both Chase and Woodforest. Both have prepaid Mastercard gift cards at no fees for those that bank with them or $5 for non members.
No activiation required. We got this for our teen daughter for school trips, Disney, etc.
Credit unions also offer the same as well. HTH!

 

[PrincessParty]

Thank you all for the info. Our bank is a credit union, but out of state. I will check the local banks and the grocery stores. Thanks again.

 

[LISMYLIFE]

We opened checking accounts for our kids. They are free at Chase, and may be at other banks as well.
This way they each have their own debit card. The accounts are hooked to ours. I am able to go on line and transfer money directly to their accounts. I can monitor what the are spending, and only give them as much as they need.
These are also protected unlike a pre-paid card.

 

[toddlers_mom]

Thank you all for the info. Our bank is a credit union, but out of state. I will check the local banks and the grocery stores. Thanks again.

As I said, you can still use the temporary you purchase from Walmart. The 7-10 days is only for the card with your name on it. I've used it to purchase airfare before with no issue.

 

[Delilah Bleu]

Thanks for this thread. I need to look into this as well. My dd is going on a trip and needs spending $ and this is a great idea.