Maestro Pre-paid Cards

peterwstacey

Hi all,

On a recent business trip to Switzerland, I found at lunch that my Visa (Credit & Debit) and Mastercard (Revolut Debit) were not accepted. I didn't have any Swiss Francs on me and my boss had to bail me out. The lady in the restaurant said that the fees were too high and they only accepted EuroCard / Maestro.

Since I have to go to Switzerland with work regularly, I would like to know:
- Is the EuroCard that comes with German bank accounts the same / compatible with Maestro?
- Is it possible to still get Maestro pre-paid cards?

I know that Maestro is not common any more in the UK, this is just for use in Switzerland.

Thanks in advance!

Nasqueron

Took me 0.5s on google to find a couple of Masetro pre-paid cards available - Splash and Quidity

eDicky

Nasqueron wrote: »

Took me 0.5s on google to find a couple of Masetro pre-paid cards available - Splash and Quidity

These are both issued by 360money and involve a variety of fees, and still may often be unacceptable for payment in northern Europe. Probably cheaper to withdraw cash with Revolut, even at the 2% fee for excess of £200/mth.

Nasqueron

eDicky wrote: »

These are both issued by 360money and involve a variety of fees, and still may often be unacceptable for payment in northern Europe. Probably cheaper to withdraw cash with Revolut, even at the 2% fee for excess of £200/mth.

Indeed, a card that lets you take out cash without fee would be better or see what card the boss uses...

Roger1

Maestro in Switzerland is most commonly Swiss banks' debit card, with the exception that banks charge to issue them. My wife's costs 20 CHF p.a.

I think you were unlucky. For many years now, I've used Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards without problems, except for the need to ensure that they don't convert to pounds.