Prepaid Visa

[Limmer]

We are planning a trip with friends for next August. My friend dislikes using credit cards. She wants to know if she can put the cost of the trip onto a prepaid Visa and use that to book with WDW and the airlines. Will they take it at WDW? I have never used one so do not know if it works EXACTLY the same as a regular Visa.

 

[Limmer]

Nobody? If the Disers don't know what will I do?

 

[glendalais]

Prepaid Visa Cards work like any other Visa Card and are accepted anywhere that takes Visa, with several caveats:

• If a transaction is more than the remaining balance on the card, it will be declined.
• Certain Prepaid Cards are valid for domestic use only. These cards will be stamped "Valid only in Canada/Valable au Canada uniquement" somewhere on the card. If so, the card in question cannot be used for transactions outside Canada (including certain online transactions processed abroad).

Fees may apply when using the card for transactions outside Canada and/or not involving Canadian Dollars.

 

[disneylove69]

I think American Express can be used world wide also. Prepaid cards can be used wherever the logo on the card is accepted. Some car rentals do not take them so check to make sure. Also since its virtually like cash write the number down in case it gets lost. Won't be replaced as quick as a regular card so maybe get a few different cards.

 

[sjsjbrook]

I got a master card one for my daughter when she went to New York with her friends. Honestly I would never do it again.

There is a fee when you purchase it, then a monthly fee after the first month.

When she purchased items in the states it was hard to figure out the the amount she actually spent because it was in Canadian dollars, but she was spending american dollars.

When she got home I checked the balance online and it said it was -$75, which didn't make sense, so the echange thing is a little wierd.

Also with these cards if you buy something that is $10 and you only have $5 left it will reject you, but won't tell you why. You have to buy exactly $5 to get the last $5 off the card.

She could always use a travel agent to book with these things and she could then write a check. That is what I would recommend

 

[dancin Disney style]

Since your friend does not like credit cards could you book it on your CC and let her write you a check or pay you in cash????

 

[surfer_ed]

Most of these solutions are really pre-paid Visa/MasterCard/Amex Gift cards. I think it can be done, RBC offers a Visa Gift Card but you alos loose allot in the exchange. I think it would work, just find out what the refund policy is in case it does not and they have loaded all the funds on the card.

It is hard to get away with no credit cards anymore. Do they dislike charge cards? Amex is not a credit card exactly becuase you need to pay the balance in full.

 

[aprestwich]

Have a look at the BMO Prepaid Mosaik MasterCard, they cost $9.95 (or something like that). You get a real card with your name on it that you load cash onto, earn Airmiles. I've never, ever had an issue using it at a hotel or resort in Canada or the USA. The only time I've ever had a wierd thing happen is pay at the pump at Shell it came up as an International Card so I had to pay inside.

Hope that helps!

Andrew

 

[Limmer]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I was thinking of using my card (I did for the room deposit) but I keep my limits really low (I get spendy easily) so I don't think I can book all 7 flights with my limit.

I will pass along the suggestions.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I was thinking of using my card (I did for the room deposit) but I keep my limits really low (I get spendy easily) so I don't think I can book all 7 flights with my limit.

I will pass along the suggestions.

You can prepay your own card...that will give you a credit that is above your limit. So your friend would have to pay you, then you pay your card and then you charge the flight or whatever.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Dancin has it! Plus you would acquire any bonus that goes with your card .. like 2% cash back.

 

[bonjoe07]

We bought a prepaid Visa from money mart and they work fine! They charge us like $2 for depositing money. We use it to make ressies or putting deposits on Disney World or Disney Cruise! but that will be al we use it for. I never had any problems with this prepaid cc.