Travel money cards

BasketCats

There’s so many ! I have no idea what one to pick from, my dad said to use TUI but it has some of the worst reviews and so do sainsburys, Tesco and Asda, I want to use it in the usa, others have said Caxton is the best but will it arrive in time for my holiday in about 3 weeks from today. It says you activate it at a chip and pin machine and ‘should work’ but does that mean I activate it in the U.K. or abroad ? That’s a big risk if it’s when I’m abroad. But my NatWest debit card will get so many extra fees if I use it in the USA, I would really appreciate some help. I looked at fairfx but they’ve had a few bad trust pilot reviews too 

Doshwaster

Pre-paid travel cards served a purpose a few years ago but in the age of challenger banks such as Starling, Revolut and Monzo there really is no need for them. 

I just use Starling as a holiday savings card.  Transfer some spare money onto it each month and then there's a balance to be used for travelling. I then use Clarity as an emergency backup.

eDicky

Forget about any cards from travel agents, supermarkets or the Post Office, their adverse rates and fees will cost as much or more than just using your NatWest debit card. Open a Starling Bank account on your smartphone, the debit card will arrive within days, take your NatWest card as backup.

Neil49

It you want to withdraw cash from an atm in the USA then you should consider opening an account with Chase UK.

As well as excellent exchange rates etc you can also withdraw cash from Chase ATMs in the USA without any additional fees. Note, I understand that they don't have any in Alaska should you be going up there.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/digital-banking/

daveyjp

Starling gives fee free withdrawals from any ATM, no need to find a Chase bank.

NoodleDoodleMan

daveyjp said:

Starling gives fee free withdrawals from any ATM, no need to find a Chase bank.

 A non Chase bank ATM will almost certainly take a fee in the USA from a Starling card.

Would a Chase US machine take a fee from a Chase UK debit card ?

eDicky

daveyjp said:

Starling gives fee free withdrawals from any ATM, no need to find a Chase bank.

Starling charge no fees, but US banks charge a few dollars per ATM withdrawal on any foreign card. A US Chase Bank ATM doesn't charge for use of a Chase UK debit card however.

NoodleDoodleMan

eDicky said:

daveyjp said:

Starling gives fee free withdrawals from any ATM, no need to find a Chase bank.

Starling charge no fees, but US banks charge a few dollars per ATM withdrawal on any foreign card. A US Chase Bank ATM doesn't charge for use of a Chase UK debit card however.

Question answered - thanks.

HogMan

On my last trip to the US in June I was charged a $3 ATM fee when using Starling. It may vary between banks though. 

NoodleDoodleMan

I doubt you'll find many (if any) US banks with ATMs that  don't impose a fee for withdrawals on any UK card in America......................maybe a Chase UK debit card at a Chase USA  hole in the wall as mentioned above by eDickey ?

This should help locate.

https://locator.chase.com/

Is it really worth the hassle hunting around to save 3 bucks per transaction ?

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

We are going to the US and are using Monzo and Revolut cards