Currency card for hotel

marc_tweets

Hi

I've booked to stay in New York next month, I am to pay on arrival. The email I received said check in is much faster when paying by card.

I was planning on getting a currency card to put the money on before to pay. Which one am I best using. I've been looking at the ones from the supermarkets as I've picked up leaflets when I've been changing cash over?

Also will the currency cards work ok in the hotel paying a large sum of money?

Thanks for any help

eDicky

Avoid any cards from supermarkets or travel agents. Use fee-free card that holds your money in pounds until you use it

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-travel-cards

You may need to produce a credit card at check-in for them to hold a pre-auth.

Prepaid cards publish their fees and limits; for purchases such as a hotel bill limits are probably a few thousand, as long as you load enough of course.

marc_tweets

Thanks for the help, the only thing I was worried about with them is that what if the exchange rate gets worse between now and then could it not end up costing more?

I've just took your advice though and signed up for one of those Monzp cards anyway. There seems to be quite a few people ahead of me on the waiting list. Does anyone on here know how long people are currently waiting for?

eDicky

The exchange rate is just as likely to get better between now and then, so costing you less.

Did you sign up via the link in the MSE article? Previously this enabled you to avoid the queue, but it's no longer clearly stated except for "You'll receive the card within one to two working days if you go via our link above" - this may have been overlooked for deletion.

WAYT

marc_tweets wrote: »

Thanks for the help, the only thing I was worried about with them is that what if the exchange rate gets worse between now and then could it not end up costing more?

I've just took your advice though and signed up for one of those Monzp cards anyway. There seems to be quite a few people ahead of me on the waiting list. Does anyone on here know how long people are currently waiting for?

If you are worried about the rate changing, sign up for a Revolut account and use the App to buy US$ during a weekday when you think the rate is optimal. When you are due to go on holiday, if the US$ is stronger swap back to the Pound and transfer it back to your bank.

marc_tweets

Thanks. I originally did it straight from the app but now I've done the link I'm all signed up

marc_tweets

One problem I have found when reading more details about the monzo card is tht there is a maximum single card payment of £1000 but I would need more to pay for the hotel.

Would a revolut be better for the hotel and monzo for day to day spending?

eDicky

marc_tweets wrote: »

One problem I have found when reading more details about the monzo card is tht there is a maximum single card payment of £1000 but I would need more to pay for the hotel.

Would a revolut be better for the hotel and monzo for day to day spending?

You could use Monzo in two or more separate payments, or use use Revolut (weekdays) if you don't mind paying £5 for the card, or Starling Bank is also excellent, mobile only with zero overseas fees. It's wise to carry more than one suitable overseas card anyway.