We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

best travel money options?

Options
johnnyroper
johnnyroper Posts: 1,592 Forumite
edited 23 June 2011 at 7:44PM in Flights, currency & car hire
Off to Orlando for 2 weeks in september and was wondering what would be my best/cheapest options for spending money,previously i used my flex account card but now they charge.

I have got a nationwide flex account aswell as halifax easycash with electron card and halifax standard current account with visa debit card.
I also have a fair fx pre pay mastercard.

I dont want to put all eggs in one basket so i will be using this site to take some $ in cash.
am i better to pre load the mastercard or just take money out of my current accounts?

just realised the fair fx card i got a while back is in sterling so could be expensive to use,can it be amended to $us or just chuck it and get a new one?
«1345

Comments

  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    Off to Orlando for 2 weeks in september and was wondering what would be my best/cheapest options for spending money,previously i used my flex account card but now they charge.

    I have got a nationwide flex account aswell as halifax easycash with electron card and halifax standard current account with visa debit card.
    I also have a fair fx pre pay mastercard.

    I dont want to put all eggs in one basket so i will be using this site to take some $ in cash.
    am i better to pre load the mastercard or just take money out of my current accounts?

    just realised the fair fx card i got a while back is in sterling so could be expensive to use,can it be amended to $us or just chuck it and get a new one?

    The FairFx 'Sterling' that you have is better than you think. It is certainly the best option for purchases and is better than your Flexaccount(and the rest of your accounts for that matter) for ATM withdrawals.

    Unless you get an account with Metro Bank or the like, the only better option is the Travelex Cash Passport Globe. Slightly worse than the FairFx for purchases, but with no £1 ATM withdrawal charge; so better than the FairFx for cash withdrawals.
  • johnnyroper
    johnnyroper Posts: 1,592 Forumite
    The FairFx 'Sterling' that you have is better than you think. It is certainly the best option for purchases and is better than your Flexaccount(and the rest of your accounts for that matter) for ATM withdrawals.

    Unless you get an account with Metro Bank or the like, the only better option is the Travelex Cash Passport Globe. Slightly worse than the FairFx for purchases, but with no £1 ATM withdrawal charge; so better than the FairFx for cash withdrawals.

    thanks for the reply,i was looking in to it a bit more this morning and found i would be better getting a new fair fx but as $us as there is no 1.4% fee per transaction.

    i think i am going to get some dollars in cash and load up a fairfx in dollars for purchases and also have some on the travelex passport for ATM withdrawl and just use my bank accounts as a back up.
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    thanks for the reply,i was looking in to it a bit more this morning and found i would be better getting a new fair fx but as $us as there is no 1.4% fee per transaction.

    i think i am going to get some dollars in cash and load up a fairfx in dollars for purchases and also have some on the travelex passport for ATM withdrawl and just use my bank accounts as a back up.

    You'll do better to follow my advice. Remember that you ask here because you want 'expert' advice.
    If you knew better, you wouldn't be asking. ;)
    I have told you what is best. Don't be annoying, listen to the experts. :D
  • johnnyroper
    johnnyroper Posts: 1,592 Forumite
    You'll do better to follow my advice. Remember that you ask here because you want 'expert' advice.
    If you knew better, you wouldn't be asking. ;)
    I have told you what is best. Don't be annoying, listen to the experts. :D

    not being 'annoying' as you put it but i did a bit of searching around after posting.

    the fair fx us dollar card does not charge A % just a straight $2 according to their customer services when i rang to request pin number. The sterling card charges 1.4% on purchases and £1 on top if at ATM.

    also i listened to your advice on the cash passport for ATM withdrawls as this is what i am going to be using along with taking some cash initially.
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    not being 'annoying' as you put it...

    You are not listening.... and I'm not going to repeat myself.
  • dzug1
    dzug1 Posts: 13,535 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    the fair fx us dollar card does not charge A % just a straight $2 according to their customer services when i rang to request pin number. The sterling card charges 1.4% on purchases and £1 on top if at ATM.

    .

    You are missing the point and clearly not understanding the WHY of recommendations.

    Those are the charges when you USE the cards. What about the charges (which can include an exchange rate loading) when you BUY the cards?
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    dzug1 wrote: »
    You are missing the point and clearly not understanding the WHY of recommendations.

    Those are the charges when you USE the cards. What about the charges (which can include an exchange rate loading) when you BUY the cards?

    ....with any left over monies incurring a further loss.
  • abandonded
    abandonded Posts: 308 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    You are not listening.... and I'm not going to repeat myself.

    Hi mate, I'm listening and at the chance of incurring your wrath, can I just ask:
    1 Is Travelex available through banks, travel agents or what? And;
    2 Is it a prepaid card that can be loaded and supplied quickly?
    Abandoned
  • johnnyroper
    johnnyroper Posts: 1,592 Forumite
    You are not listening.... and I'm not going to repeat myself.


    what a patronising individual you are,i was merely pointing out the info i found off fair fx about the fees charged for using sterling card compared to the $ one.
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    abandonded wrote: »
    Hi mate, I'm listening and at the chance of incurring your wrath, can I just ask:
    1 Is Travelex available through banks, travel agents or what? And;
    2 Is it a prepaid card that can be loaded and supplied quickly?

    Travelex Cash Passport Globe Only online. Can be ordered from four hours in advance of pick up.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.9K Life & Family
  • 257.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.