Prepaid Travel Cards guide

rome1067

The people on here have researched these cards and Revolut is definitely one of the best. The customer service was really good for me I'm just annoyed I left it too late to get the card.
Don't use the Tesco cash passport whatever you do (think it's sold by other stores too, card is black with a chameleon on it) customer service has been really bad for me and the reload charges are high, fortunately I'm not reloading, I will be binning:)

vinnybhoy68

Hi Just been to USA and hired a car using Martins tips.. I loaded a Caxton fx card with US Dollars and some Canadian as I was also visiting Canada during my trip.. As others have noticed the Caxton fx card does NOT work in petrol garages but will work if you got into the station/booth and use it as a credit card with the attendant. I never had any big deductions set against my card only what I used. I usually filled up $20 worth of fuel.. if not all used you get credited back. When my US dollars were used up it was an easy transaction using the app to transfer some Canadian $ to US... All in all I had few issues with the card. It would have been nice and less embarrassing had Caxton made it clearer that the Cards will not work in Petrol Stations or Toll booths (which I used cash for anyway) but all in all I have few problems with the card and will continue to use it for trips abroad.

NiftyDigits

vinnybhoy68 wrote: »

Hi Just been to USA and hired a car using Martins tips.. I loaded a Caxton fx card with US Dollars and some Canadian as I was also visiting Canada during my trip.. As others have noticed the Caxton fx card does NOT work in petrol garages but will work if you got into the station/booth and use it as a credit card with the attendant. I never had any big deductions set against my card only what I used. I usually filled up $20 worth of fuel.. if not all used you get credited back. When my US dollars were used up it was an easy transaction using the app to transfer some Canadian $ to US... All in all I had few issues with the card. It would have been nice and less embarrassing had Caxton made it clearer that the Cards will not work in Petrol Stations or Toll booths (which I used cash for anyway) but all in all I have few problems with the card and will continue to use it for trips abroad.

https://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-cards/how-they-work

Your prepaid card will not work at automated petrol stations

For security reasons your Caxton FX card will not work at automated petrol stations. We recommend that you avoid using them or you use an alternative card to settle the bill.

Avoid using your prepaid card at Toll booths

Caxton FX prepaid cards require a merchant to seek authorisation before they provide the goods or services. The majority of European toll roads and bridges do not seek an authorisation and therefore you can't use your Caxton FX currency card at most toll booths.

How would you suggest that they made it more clear?

eDicky

mw08 wrote: »

Hi all, newbie so please be nice!
Looking for advice regarding pre-paid card, mum is going to Oz and New Zealand, doesn't have a bank account anymore and receives her pension via Post Office card (btw.. I have nagged her to open an account again but stubborn old bird won't!)
Anyway, upshot is that looking at a prepaid card which would have some load on it prior to travel, Subsequently, I would be topping up from my bank account in the UK while she is away.
It does appear that majority of the previous comments are a selling platform for Revolut (I'm sure it is fab, but fresh eyes seeing the thread for the first time see nothing but the one provider) this isn't an option as if only access is via an app then it's a non starter as I have an older version of android and am happy with my phone!
She's come out of the Post Office with a leaflet for that, any other suggestions or should I just go with that.
Thanks in advance

It sounds like she will be away for more than just a week or two..?

I would let her get the Post Office travel card to keep her happy, but impress upon her that traveling with only one source of funds is definitely asking for trouble. Any card can sometimes be declined, become blocked, or lost. The Kalixa Pay would probably be the best choice, get her one and point out the advantages compared to the PO card, which can serve as a back-up, and try again to get her to open a nice little account with Norwich and Peterborough BS with their totally fee-free debit card for overseas use. Failing that, or in addition, get her to sew a couple of crisp English fifties into something she will usually be wearing.

If you look back to earlier this year in these threads you will see that many of us were very sceptical about Revolut, myself included. I don't think they need a 'selling platform' now, they have plenty of demand.

mw08

Thanks, will certainly look into that card as well. Yes she's going to be away for some time!

NiftyDigits

mw08 wrote: »

Thanks, will certainly look into that card as well. Yes she's going to be away for some time!

Kalixa Pay has an issue fee of £6.95, but you can get a £5 rebate if you are referred by an existing customer.

She should really get a SAGA card if of age or a Halifax Clarity. Travelling without a credit card these days is folly.

you_wot!

rome1067 wrote: »

The people on here have researched these cards and Revolut is definitely one of the best. The customer service was really good for me I'm just annoyed I left it too late to get the card.
Don't use the Tesco cash passport whatever you do (think it's sold by other stores too, card is black with a chameleon on it) customer service has been really bad for me and the reload charges are high, fortunately I'm not reloading, I will be binning:)

I've used Cash Passport many times with no problems whatsoever.

WeSwap card also used on with no problems!

chuckley

NiftyDigits wrote: »

She should really get a SAGA card if of age or a Halifax Clarity. Travelling without a credit card these days is folly.

But why?! I'm baffled...

Coastbev

Hi all

Just wanted to post some feedback on my Revolut experience. Just back from NY and no problems whatsoever, the app is updated instantly. I had no issues using the card and any transactions show straightaway. I was able to withdraw at cash machines, albeit some banks charged. Transferring into the app was seamless. Have to say I am very impressed. My partner was equally impressed with his use of the app and card.

Initial ID verification took a time with my passport but that was my scanning skills, or lack of.

Only one issue that Revolut Official may be able to help with. I have recommended to friends, but no £5, only to be told by the in app support that it has to be done within 10 minutes by your friend. Who is able to sit down and sort it within 10 minutes of receiving a recommendation? Helped a friend go through the full process took longer than that??

riw200

I've got a bill to pay for ski passes for my holiday, with the charge in EUR. However the merchant adds 2.5% fee for paying by credit card (free for debit card). Does a pre-paid card attract the credit card fee, or will the merchant see it as a debit card? Given I'm talking about £1800 worth of ski passes for the group it's worth a little effort in avoiding the charges.

It feels a bit like a trap that is impossible to escape from where I'm going to end up paying a fee somehow. I also have a Nationwide Flex Plus account debit card (no fee free for ATM withdrawls in EUR, but unfortunately charges 2% on purchases) and a Nationwide Select Credit Card (no fee for purchases, but will get the 2.5% fee added from the merchant!).

Any suggestions?