Cards for U18 abroad

glowstars

My 15 year old is off to the USA over the summer. He's only allowed to keep $100 in cash on him at any time, and a similar amount on a card (though we can top up the card from home).

What would be the best card for him to use out there? Ideally something with no transaction/currency exchange fee or cashpoint fee. A tall order, I know, but hopefully someone is aware of something that may fit the bill.

Additionally, are there any customary banking fees he should be aware of out there? He'll probably end up knowing more than any teenager should know about US sales tax but is there anything else to think about?

Thanks!

eskbanker

The MSE guide to prepaid travel cards is more sparsely populated than it used to be and its best buy, WeSwap, doesn't appear to offer an option for under-18s. However, FairFX does: https://www.fairfx.com/familyandfriends - it's quite a long time since my daughter took one of these on a similar USA trip at that sort of age but as I recall it worked fine....

DCFC79

Some options here


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5889402/debit-card-for-junior-on-school-jolly-abroad&highlight=abroad+cards

eDicky

Forget about prepaid card fees and inconvenience, he can have a proper bank account with debit card, fee free for overseas:

https://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/current-accounts/flexone/whats-flexone

No fees and pays some interest, choose the debit card.

Virtually everything can be paid by card in USA, always pay in dollars if terminal offers choice. ATMs charge a few dollars for cash withdrawals so best avoided.