Are the fees charged for using pre-paid VISA cards in Europe the same amount as cards purchased in U.S. about the same? And, are these cards worthwhile vs. regualr VISA cards and debit cards?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
As far as I know there are no prepaid VISA cards that have no fees. Capital One and Schwab (to name two) credit cards have no fees when used in Europe, and my regular old local credit union ATM card gets me cash with no fees. Shop around locally for a best deal, but the short answer is that prepaid cards are no deal.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23276 posts
I don't know of any advantage to using a pre-paid card anywhere over a standard debit card. What advantage do you think there is to a pre-paid card?
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
In the UK there are prepay debit cards that in effect charge no fees ie for setting up, loading/withdrawals etc. The only time there would be a charge on our card is a flat fee for any refunds or if we used it in a non Euro country which, as it is loaded with Euros, is unlikely. Although the issuer makes money on the exchange rate when we load the card, we have found that their exchange rates are better than the usual FX outlets. And definitely cheaper than using our own bank's debit cards to withdraw cash. Obviously we cannot benefit from any improvement in exchange rates while we are travelling but it would have to be a big change to make any significant difference.
It is Mastercard badged so it can also be used as a payment card.
You have to have a UK bank account and be permanently resident to obtain the one we use. I suspect that is the same in other European countries.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Id caution against using an ATM or debit card for anything but cash. The Credit card can protect you if they make an error - but a debit may be harder to get back cash fast. What would you use this debit card for other than ATM? As other mentioned - and mentioned on this board in various places - Capitol One has the no fee card. the fees for ATM at big banks can be nominal and not a big deal - just take a bit mroe out than usual so you dont pay too 5-7$ extra too often.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
"the fees for ATM at big banks can be nominal and not a big deal - just take a bit mroe out than usual so you dont pay too 5-7$ extra too often."
European banks do not charge ATM fees. Your bank might.
Posted by
OP
Encinitas, CA, USA
50 posts
sounds like I better just stick with my own ATM and Credit cards. Thanks for all your input.