Pre-paid cards for Vegas trip

matrix2021

Pre-paid card question (I have posted this message somewhere on the forums so apologies for a duplicated post)

I have what might seem like a really dumb question, but I haven't used a pre-paid card before so bear with me.

If you load a card with say £1000 ($1480) and intend to use it for mainly cash withdrawals in the US, I would assume the CaxtonFX or Travelex Cash Passport card would be the best option (as FairFX charges $2 per withdrawal). So you dont get charged for loading the card with your money, nor do you get charged for ATM withdrawals, but if I considerably underspend on my trip, am I able to easily transfer the money back out of the pre-paid card/account back to my normal bank account without any charges? Example, if I withdraw a total of $1000 and left with $480/£324, am I then able to transfer that balance back without any charges?

Thanks in advance

ferf1223

Most ATMs in the US will charge you - just something to keep in mind...there are a few options in Vegas with low fees - most casino ATMs will charge $4.99/withdrawal.

Caxton FAQ

http://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-cards/for-you/using-your-card/frequent-questions/

Q: Can I have the balance on my Caxton FX card refunded to me?

A: You can redeem the funds on your currency card at any time, in whole or in part. To do so, please either send us an e-mail using the Contact us facility on the website, or contact us by telephone on 0845 222 2639 from the UK or +44 20 7201 0526, requesting redemption and indicating the amount to be redeemed.

If you request redemption of all funds on your currency card, you may keep your card with a zero balance ready to load for your next trip. You will not be charged for keeping your card with a zero balance on it. When we process your redemption request, please note we may need to verify your identity so that we may process your request in accordance with legal requirements. We may also charge a redemption fee if one of the following circumstances applies:

• You are requesting redemption before termination or expiry of this agreement;
• You cancel this agreement before any agreed termination or expiry date;

or

• You request redemption more than one year after the date of termination or expiry of this agreement.

Please see Fees and charges for a summary of fees including redemption fees.

We will not redeem the value of the funds on your card to you if your request for redemption of the funds is more than six years after the date of termination or expiry of this agreement.
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Cash Passport T&Cs

http://www.cashpassport.com/1/Global/UK%20Consumer/UK_BK8146_CP9862_V2_RT_NOPIN_UGTC_300410.pdf


7 Redeeming Unspent Funds7.1

You may redeem any unspent funds on your Card through a Purchase Location.
Payment will usually be in Sterling and the exchange rate will be determined by
the Purchase Location.
7.2

You may also redeem the balance of any unspent funds through Card Services.
Payment will only be made to a UK bank or building society account in your
name. Redeeming the balance of unspent funds will usually be in Sterling at an
exchange rate determined by us. You may redeem the balance of any unspent
funds in the foreign currency of the Card through Card Services. When redeeming
a balance in the foreign currency of the Card, your bank or building society may
apply their own exchange rate to convert the funds into Sterling, unless you have an
account in the currency of the Card.
7.3

A cashout fee may be charged for redeeming unspent funds on the Card at a
Purchase Location or through Card Services if: (i) you redeem unspent funds on
the Card before the Termination Date; or (ii) you redeem unspent funds on the
Card after a period of twelve (12) months from the Termination Date.

NiftyDigits

Why would you change you money in to US$ and then back again at the end of the trip?

Take a look at the Kalixa Card. Load it via Bank Transfer.

Confirm their redemption processing fee with them, as they don't appear to state it in their T&C.

matrix2021

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Why would you change you money in to US$ and then back again at the end of the trip?

Because as I stated I'm going to Vegas where spending is unpredictable, hence why I'm looking for pre-paid options if I spend all my cash - or not for that matter.

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Take a look at the Kalixa Card Load it via Bank Transfer.

Confirm their redemption processing fee with them, as they don't appear to state it in their T&C.

So a registration fee and a redemption fee? I guess that is why this card is not listed in the Cheap Travel article.

ferf1223 thanks for the information, both cards seem quite ambiguous with their wording regarding redemption charges.

NiftyDigits

matrix2021 wrote: »

Because as I stated I'm going to Vegas where spending is unpredictable, hence why I'm looking for pre-paid options if I spend all my cash - or not for that matter.



So a registration fee and a redemption fee? I guess that is why this card is not listed in the Cheap Travel article.

ferf1223 thanks for the information, both cards seem quite ambiguous with their wording regarding redemption charges.

Slow down a little and read again.

I hate having to explain the really simple things.

There is no registration fee with Kalixa at the mo...did you even bother to click through?
As for redemption charges...remember that you won't be paying to convert your money back into Pounds again and then having to pay another redemption fee on top of that as with some of the other cards.

So, check as I told you and make your decision.

m00nie

nifty that card looks like would be ideal for me in spain ??

from what i can see i can get it free atm, and load it free if use internet banking, and so the only fees would be £2.25 per cash withdrawal over there.

only going for a week so even if i withdrawn daily would be £15.75 ??

was looking at the halifax clarity card but htis would save me credit checks etc and cant see it saving me that much more ( as doubt will withdraw every day anyway, can use the card free to pay for things i beleive)

not going till june also so can load it up between now and then