Hi All
I've never used a prepaid travel card and I am wondering if I should get one for my upcoming trip, as a backup for my ATM and MasterCard.
How does the travel card work, and can anyone recommend a good one?
I am wondering about exchange rates, any fees to use esp. foreign transaction fees, how widely are they accepted, etc
Thanks
Several years ago (early 2019?) there was a thread discussing prepaid Visa. Is that what you’re referring to as prepaid travel card? I vaguely remember since I was planning my first RS tour.
Consensus was don’t since they they don’t work well if at all out of the US. Get a second credit card preferably from a different bank to use as a back up. Be sure your credit cards have no foreign transaction fees to save you money.
This may be something new. One brand I have seen ads for is Wise.
If these cards are secure, have good rates, and are convenient to load then that is a lot better than opening another bank account
I don't think any travel card will be comparable to the exchange rates negotiated by the VISA or Master Card network, provided you get a card with no foreign fees (like Capital One). In addition, credit cards have consumer protections that no prepaid travel card (or debit card) can give you. I would take 2 "no foreign fee" credit cards and a good ATM card (with lowest foreign withdrawal fees possible) and that's enough.
Wise is good for wiring money, I used it. The fees are very low. But I didn't clamor to get their pre-paid travel cards.
I'd love to hear from someone who actually has experience or knowledge about prepaid travel cards. Is anybody out there who would like to reply with the information I asked for?
I already know about foreign trans fees, credit card benefits, opening a second account, etc etc Most experienced travelers know that stuff
