Prepaid CC to use abroad

lindsloo

Hi there

Not sure if this is in the right area. We are getting married in 2016 in Cyprus, I was thinking about the possibility of a prepaid card to use to pay for the wedding costs while we are out there. Does anyone have any advice on what one and where to go? We wanted one with a long life span so we can start adding it to the card now, we're not great with money and I know it makes sense to put it in savings but we intend on giving the card to a close relative and loading it up until holiday time.

Thanks

System

Grumbler

Prepaid cards often don't have the same protection as a bank accounts and money can be lost if the provider has financial problems...

lindsloo

Thanks for the link, I did search the site but couldn't find it albeit I had a 4 year old hanging off me.

Martins link does say money on the card is protected.

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barbaraemmerson

Daughter used a Caxton card while on a uni placement in America for a year. Worked really well. We could load it on line in uk pounds and she could spend it over there in US dollars with no transaction charges. They do them in various currencies. Well done on forward planning if you know you are carp with money!

lindsloo

Thank you Barbara. I found the card you mentioned while searching online but wanted to check with the site first but couldn't find links.

We're not really really bad but private renting in London while saving to buy with two kids while I work full time hours and studying for a degree. Need to keep it simple as anything not about the kids or uni fries my brain lol and I'm not getting in debt over one day. Thank you for your advice, it's much appreciated.

grumbler

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After looking at your signature I can suggest you read this MSE artcile:

• Should I Repay Debts or Save?

bsms1147

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A prepaid CC would be one idea;

Saving in 4-5% accounts (thus making money) may be better;

Alternative credit cards (with far better costs abroad) may be better still.

You're trying to do things without wasting money. Sensible, weddings are expensive. I'd consider other options too to make your money go further.

lindsloo

I've just come back onto the thread before logging in and seen all comments.

My signature is out of date, I've just finished the academic year and these are furthest things on my mind from sorting out, I don't live on the forum and have more important things to do right now than update the signature. I don't have to justify myself to you, you're not God and it's not judgement day.

The reason we intend on leaving the card with mother in law is because having a home and 2 children, emergencies come up ALOT and we want the money kept safe for the wedding. For the sake of £60 over 2 years, we're not worried about interest. I'm also extremely paranoid about leaving anything of value in the house after being burgled last year, but I suppose someone as amazing as you would never have been in the position.

I was the individual with debt, I've worked hard to clear it and now I'm making sure I don't get into debt for 1 day - thanks for the information grumbler but maybe you can save it for another forum victim that makes the mistake for asking for advice in an area you haunt.

I don't expect people to use p's and q's on the website but I certainly don't expect to have to justify my decisions on how I live my life and have snide remarks made on how I choose to save for my wedding 2 years in advance. I asked for help on prepaid cards, that doesn't give you the right to comment like you did.

I'm not perfect, I've made a lot of mistakes and I've paid for them. Now I'm focussing on making the most of mine and my family's life in a way that works for us. I'm sorry if that doesn't meet your approval.

My suggestion is to get some help, bitterness is like swallowing a poisonous pill and expecting someone else to die. Also thank you for making sure that I never EVER post on these forums again. Just to prevent your from dehumanising me any further, I have had a horrendous 2 years from various events that have happened, having a chronic illness that rules my life that is poorly managed and recently coming off antidepressants. Thank you, thank you for the link but definitely no thanks for making me feel like a piece of !!!! when I already feel like a total failure to my family.

THANKS!

lindsloo

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The reason we thought against savings is we have to pay deposits and balances in full before we arrive. The thinking is if it's loaded onto a euro card then we can cut fees and poor exchange rates and use it when we go for the wedding. In between August and November we have to pay out a fair bit in deposits. Neither of us have experience of purchasing overseas apart from the rare holiday, not sure on the way to go.

Thank you for your constructive input.

System

I would suggest a credit card with no loading to pay deposits etc.
I'd rate Capital One, Post Office or Halifax Clarity depending on credit rating.

Pre-pay cards are fine when they work but are a PITA when they don't!

Citibank also offer Euro current and savings accounts that don't charge when you save over 2k

lindsloo wrote: »

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The reason we thought against savings is we have to pay deposits and balances in full before we arrive. The thinking is if it's loaded onto a euro card then we can cut fees and poor exchange rates and use it when we go for the wedding. In between August and November we have to pay out a fair bit in deposits. Neither of us have experience of purchasing overseas apart from the rare holiday, not sure on the way to go.

Thank you for your constructive input.