Prepaid Debit card or Travel Credit Card

Peco141

I've always taken Euro's on trips to Spain, and am often concerned it's not safe in the safe or out with me when going for dinner etc....

I therefore wondered if there is a right and wrong answer here in terms of which is best, which is cheapest and most convenient?

1. To preload a debit card and top up as I go?

2. Get a travel credit card with no fees?

daveyjp

Both are 'cheapest' if they have no Forex fees as the cost will be nil.

Starling bank for debit cards, Barclaycard for credit cards.

I prefer credit cards as its simpler than moving money into debit card accounts.  Spend the money and pay weeks later.  That does however require a decent credit limit.

Peco141

Thanks Dave.

I applied for a Revolut card yesterday but I think I’ll apply for the Barclay card too. Makes
sense to not have to worry about it until returning from holiday. 

Thanks

400ixl

Personally you couldn't pay me to use a Revolut card. Know too many people who have worked there (and left) to trust them at all.

Pre-paid cards are really not worth the effort anymore, unless you have a fascination with trying to beat the market on timing exchange rates.

Banks now offer debit cards with the spot exchange rate and zero fees, often with no ATM fees in certain circumstances. Banks such as Starling, Chase do these, with Chase even giving cashback on spending.

Credit cards like Halifax Clarity are likewise for spot exchange rate and zero fees.

Peco141

daveyjp said:

Both are 'cheapest' if they have no Forex fees as the cost will be nil.

Starling bank for debit cards, Barclaycard for credit cards.

I prefer credit cards as its simpler than moving money into debit card accounts.  Spend the money and pay weeks later.  That does however require a decent credit limit.

Not entirely sure what I’ve done here but they are offering me a credit of only £260. 😄

I’m making a meal of this for sure.

NoodleDoodleMan

Try Virgin Money Travel credit card - or Halifax Clarity.

If you live near a Metrobank branch then their card is a good deal in the EU (SEPA to be precise) - but has to be a personal visit with all the relevant paperwork - the good news, if accepted the card is issued there and then.