What's the best way to ensure someone in Germany can access funds from me without a bank account

rarees1

Not really about holidays but I couldn't see better place to ask this question.

My nephew lives in Germany and is struggling for cash. I don't want to transfer into his bank account.  I need to keep any money I send as a back up separate.  Hopefully he may not need to draw on it for months or even ever, but needs it as a back up in case something goes wrong.  What do you suggest... a prepaid card? I'd have to take it out in my name so I could top it up if needed.  Would that be a problem when he came to withdraw?  How do backpackers manage?

Thanks in advance.

eskbanker

rarees1 said:

I don't want to transfer into his bank account.  I need to keep any money I send as a back up separate.  Hopefully he may not need to draw on it for months or even ever, but needs it as a back up in case something goes wrong.

The money is either within his control or yours, rather than there being some sort of 'halfway house' option, so can't you just transfer into his bank account at the point where you're convinced he needs it?

tacpot12

I have a Caxton Card that I took out so I could send money to my son. Caxton allows you to ask for a second card on the account, so he has the second card, I have the primary. I can load money to the account, and he can use it when he needs it.

You can block and unblock the second card at will using the online interface. I've never tried this myself, but the FAQs says that it is possible to block and unblock cards at will. 

rarees1

eskbanker said:

rarees1 said:

I don't want to transfer into his bank account.  I need to keep any money I send as a back up separate.  Hopefully he may not need to draw on it for months or even ever, but needs it as a back up in case something goes wrong.

The money is either within his control or yours, rather than there being some sort of 'halfway house' option, so can't you just transfer into his bank account at the point where you're convinced he needs it?

Sadly,  he's lost his job and is now claiming benefit.  I want to be able to send him some money for new clothes, but the German equivalent of the DWP deducts any amount over 20 Euros that is paid into his bank account from his benefit, in which case there's no point in me sending him more than 20 Euros but he won't be able to buy a new set of clothes for that!.

DoboChopSueyBar

Western Union? (cash pick up)