Overseas spending for 17 year old

sarnie44

Hi, my son is going to Europe soon with friends. As he is 17 he can’t use a credit card, what is the best/safest way for him to take his Euros? Will it have to be cash?

tacpot12

Debit cards can be used abroad, although they usually incur a non-sterling transaction fee.

May sure your son knows to always pay in the local euros and never in sterling if he is offered the chance. Paying in sterling results in much higher charges. 

You might also look at Pre-paid Credit Cards. When I want to send money to my daughter in Denmark, I have a Caxton Card I charge with Krone and have a second card that my daughter uses to spend it. The minimum age for the 2nd card holder with Caxton is 13. 

alwaysskint2020

starling bank have an account for teens with free cash withsdrawal while abroad

eDicky

Avoid the expense and inconvenience of prepaid cards such as Caxton etc.

Both Starling Bank and Monzo, real bank accounts that are easy to open on their smartphone apps without full credit checks if you don't ask for overdraft, are available for 16yr+. Ideal MasterCard exchange rates without fees, except Monzo ATM withdrawals over £200/mth.

You don't mention which countries in Europe - MasterCard is widely accepted in many but in the Netherlands for example it's often necessary to withdraw and use cash.

NoodleDoodleMan

Nationwide Flex One works for a 17 year old, with VISA debit card option that can be used abroad fee free.

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