Pre-paid cards - which one is recommended?

moneyunwise

I am looking to get a pre-paid credit/debit card so can anyone recommend one for an adult and one for a child? I don't mind if they are different card companies. 

I have read the article https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-cards/ and it seems that the Tesco Bank Clubcard Pay+ is a good one but the information on sites doesn't seem to match. 

Can I use Clubcard Pay+ to buy things in shops which are not Tescos i.e. go into a shop, stick my card in their card reader and enter a pin / tap on the card reader?

The pictures on the sites don't seem to show a name or account number on the card - is that right? I just wondered if shops would accept a card with no details on it.

Alternatively, does anyone recommend another pre-paid card?

Thanks

Zanderman

Pre-paid cards are very definitely a form of debit, not credit, cards.  There are occasional discussions about pre-paid cards on the Bank Accounts board (https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/budgeting-bank-accounts), where you might find more responses than here on the Credit Card board 

moneyunwise

Thanks I will try a post there

pjread

I'm sure you have a reason and maybe it is right for you, but bear in mind most of these prepaid card co's make their money charging you for either topping up, spending or both, or else charge a recurring fee. 

Personally I'd at least think about whether a normal bank account with debit card was right for the child, and either the same or a credit card for the adult.

If you are sure and do want advice on which is best people might be able to advise better with a little more info - would these be used for all daily/regular spending, would they be used for foreign currency spending?  One card might be better for lots of small transactions and another better for occasional larger ones, for example.  And some might be newfangled fintechs which issue "virtual cards" which need a smartphone & don't send a physical card - would that work for you or not?

NoodleDoodleMan

Are these cards for UK use only - or also for travel ?

Ebe_Scrooge

pjread said:

Personally I'd at least think about whether a normal bank account with debit card was right for the child

This is a very good point.  We did exactly this with our kids - an ordinary bank account in their name, with an ordinary debit card, no overdraft facility.  So they can't spend what they don't have, the card is accepted everywhere, and the account is refloated by Mum & Dad as and when (!).  Also makes it very easy for grandparents or whatever to just transfer money straight into their account for birthdays, Christmas etc. if they want to.

Depends why you're looking at a pre-paid card, obviously, but it's definitely worth considering.

Daliah

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Are these cards for UK use only - or also for travel ?

If you want a good debit card for travel, look at Chase UK or Starling Bank. Both are current accounts w/o any hard credit check, and both give you a Mastercard with top exchange rates and no charges.

If you want a good credit card for travel, the Halifax Clarity card is the answer. That's also a Mastercard.

Remember to never travel with just one method of payment. Ideally, you'd want a Mastercard and a VISA card, or one of these with an Amex card.

moneyunwise said:

. 

I have read the article https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/prepaid-cards/ and it seems that the Tesco Bank Clubcard Pay+ is a good one but the information on sites doesn't seem to match. 

Can I use Clubcard Pay+ to buy things in shops which are not Tescos i.e. go into a shop, stick my card in their card reader and enter a pin / tap on the card reader?

Yes, you can use the Clubcard Pay+ with any retailer which accepts VISA - i.e. just about everywhere. What's more, Tesco even pay you cashback in other shops, even after the introductory period inside Tesco finishes. It's a lovely card to have. However, for your first 12 months, you get better cashback with a Chase UK debit card which is also a lovely card to have.

NoodleDoodleMan

Daliah said:

NoodleDoodleMan said:

Are these cards for UK use only - or also for travel ?

If you want a good debit card for travel, look at Chase UK or Starling Bank. Both are current accounts w/o any hard credit check, and both give you a Mastercard with top exchange rates and no charges.

If you want a good credit card for travel, the Halifax Clarity card is the answer. That's also a Mastercard.

Remember to never travel with just one method of payment. Ideally, you'd want a Mastercard and a VISA card, or one of these with an Amex card.

Children can't have a credit card. The OP wants a card for a child.

A "user friendly" debit card, as you suggest, is the best option.

The Starling Kite deal looks ideal.

https://www.starlingbank.com/current-account/kite-debit-card-for-kids/guide-to-childrens-bank-accounts/