Power of attorney and pre-paid credit cards

catlover32

Hi, I'm hoping someone has experience of this. 

I recently and sadly had to activate my power of attorney for my dad's banking as there was an attempted fraud to his account and sue to a fall earlier in the year he's on a lot of painkiller medication and is unable to manage his finances safely. 

I've been advised by his first direct bank to get him a pre-paid debit card (they don't do one) so he can still have some independence and spend on bits and pieces- things like orders from Amazon or going to the supermarket etc. 

I've looked into cards like Revolut and am getting in a middle and want to ensure I'm doing everything correctly. 

• can I create a pre-pay card in his name? If so can I put my address in it for any correspondence? 

• if not, and it has to be in my name, can he still use it legally?

Thanks! Terrified of doing something wrong. It's such a responsibility and banks aren't always helpful- they just told me to open a pre-paid debit card. 

elsien

I think power-of-attorney stuff works differently for every bank, so you might need to identify a card that looks suitable and then contact them to ask the question. 

If he wants to buy off Amazon, can’t you just top up the gift card balance for him?  

la531983

You can just open one of these, load it, and give him the card

https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb/personal/find-a-card/general-prepaid-mastercard.html

catlover32

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

la531983

catlover32 said:

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

I mean, in theory there is absolutely nothing stopping you getting one on your own name, loading it up, and then giving it to him.

I have a prepaid card amongst others and my name is nowhere on it, and shop staff don't give a toss either. 

thegreenone

I have a Tesco Clubcard+ which is a pre-pay card. Worth a look as it gives clubcard points.

catlover32

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

I mean, in theory there is absolutely nothing stopping you getting one on your own name, loading it up, and then giving it to him.

I have a prepaid card amongst others and my name is nowhere on it, and shop staff don't give a toss either. 

Me again! Do you mind me asking which one you have which doesn’t have a name on it? Thanks! 

la531983

catlover32 said:

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

I mean, in theory there is absolutely nothing stopping you getting one on your own name, loading it up, and then giving it to him.

I have a prepaid card amongst others and my name is nowhere on it, and shop staff don't give a toss either. 

Me again! Do you mind me asking which one you have which doesn’t have a name on it? Thanks! 

I would rather PM you if that's alright. 

catlover32

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

I mean, in theory there is absolutely nothing stopping you getting one on your own name, loading it up, and then giving it to him.

I have a prepaid card amongst others and my name is nowhere on it, and shop staff don't give a toss either. 

Me again! Do you mind me asking which one you have which doesn’t have a name on it? Thanks! 

I would rather PM you if that's alright. 

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

la531983 said:

catlover32 said:

Thanks both. I’m probably best ringing the bank again tomorrow. It would be so much easier if first direct did their own pre paid card! It’s so tricky applying for anything on someone else’s behalf (which I guess it should be!). It seems simple the bank telling me to just get a pre-paid debit card and give it to him but when i actually apply I have no idea what to do!

I mean, in theory there is absolutely nothing stopping you getting one on your own name, loading it up, and then giving it to him.

I have a prepaid card amongst others and my name is nowhere on it, and shop staff don't give a toss either. 

Me again! Do you mind me asking which one you have which doesn’t have a name on it? Thanks! 

I would rather PM you if that's alright. 

Yes of course that’s fine