Good day Gents,

Andrew here. Me Aunt and Uncle are traveling to the US next week. Me will be giving them 2-3K $ for their use while here (Houston area).

Me was wondering if there is some sorta Prepaid Card which they can put money on for use while here.

They would like to use the card while shopping/dining, as opposed to carrying cash around.

I have seen the Walmart money card but don't know much bout it...maybe that's good or maybe you lads know of others?

Thank You.

Much appreciated,
Andrew

 

There are many prepaid cards available (almost any supermarket that sells gift cards should have them), but they all come with high fees. Why pay $5.95 to spend your own money? I would suggest giving them a debit card for your own account- ask the bank, they can give you a duplicate.

 

I agree. I looked into Travelex myself, but was blown away by the charges - maybe you're wealthy? I've never had an issue with a debit card except for the daily limit imposed by the bank. Just be sure to notify the bank issuing the card of your general itinerary (credit cards as well).

 

Thank You. Me will speak to me bank and find out if they will issue a duplicate debit card.

Will the stores have a problem if my Aunt and Uncle use the card as it will have my name on it?

Thank You
Andrew

 

??? Why don't they just use a credit card and if you want to give them money just pay it to the CC company? A lot less risk than a prepaid card which loses ALL value if lost or stolen.

 

I agree.. if gifting is your intent.. may as well use a cc and rack up some points, or cash in on some upfront bonuses..

 

Last year I bought a GreenDot MasterCard at RiteAid to use for a couple of online transactions where the charges were done in foreign country, figuring the extra cost was worth it not to have my main card's number floating around overseas.

Ended up when I went to register the card online, they offered me a $5 credit to watch a short video, that I let play while I was in the kitchen making dinner.

GreenDot doesn't know who you are, so you can buy the card as a gift, entering someone else's name onto the follow-up card they send out. Caveat: they did ask for a social security number to do this, but I doubt any SS#/name matching goes on.

The small balance that was left over I used to pay part of the bill at a local coffee shop.

 

Not all debit cards will work in all countries, so if you are not US based yourself that may not be the best plan. A credit card with a major logo (say Visa) would perhaps be a better and safer (than pre-loaded cards) option.

 

If you are US based, try a Walmart Visa Debit card for the best prices.

None of the temp debit cards work well for renting cars, by the way.

 

The prepaid and gift cards have some restrictions and of course many have fees associated with them, but they are also an easy way to carry money without carrying around cash.

You can buy them in most any store in the US that sells gift cards, which is pretty much any grocery, drugstore, etc.

Another option are cards from the places like Travelex and American Express, they also sell cards.

 

The risk of losing them far outweighs the benefits imo.. Especially when the currency is only valid at the designated use bought.. May as well carry currency, as currency is flexible and not restrictive..

Best way is ccs, as you get some protection against fraud, and a method of recourse , and added benefits such as insurance, and purchase protection on selected cards..

 

Many cash cards are not just like cash. If you lose cash, it's gone. With many of the prepaid cards, if you lose it or it's stolen, they can be replaced.

Travelex:

Amex (which is fee free)

Not sure why people keep saying you have no protection against lost and theft of prepaid cards. While not all of them offer any protection, at least some in fact do, and will replace both the cards and funds if anything happens to it.

Not really sure who replaces your currency when it's lost or stolen.

 

ime.. a prepaid gift card was lost once.. We were able to get it replaced because the balance was not redeemed.

Maybe prepaid cards offer some sort of protection, in Canada, I just don't see programs offering such protection. Perhaps there are programs of protection for prepaids that I haven't seen before.. Perhaps a link to the T&C of these programs could be provided, that you speak of.. We can give it read and comment..


I don't know about Travelex, but your Amex quote is about the cc.. not prepaid cards AFAIK.. but perhaps prepaying on your Amex cc is an option as well.. That would give you the card benefits and protection..

 

Well once again you would be mistaken, as that is from the American Express Prepaid Card.

Really, I actually do know the difference between a prepaid card and a credit card.

 

Lads,

Thank you for the messages, me appreciate them. Me will look into these options and get back to you chaps with the news.

Thank You,
Andrew