U18 going to USA - how to fund spending money?

Dragonboat_Paddler

My 16 y-o son is flying to LA solo in July to stay with a friend of ours for a month. We (parents) are funding his spending money. What’s the best way to kit him out with spending money for the four weeks? Buy him a travel card already funded with dollars? If so, any suggestions regarding which one? Buy a travel card loaded with GBP, and let him spend it with exchange rates on the day? Whichever, we’d want one that we can top up for him, if needed, and that we could also shut down from our end if he lost it or had it stolen. He also has his own bank account with associated debit card, which he uses through Apple Pay, so should we just transfer him money into that and let him use it as he would in UK? Just trying to keep his money safe and minimise  exchange rates/ fee issues. Any thoughts or suggestions, especially if you’ve been in a similar parental situation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

flaneurs_lobster

What bank account does your son have?

Neil49

You could take a look at the Starling Bank Teen account which is designed for 16 to 17 year olds as it can be used in the UK and overseas. Exchange rates are good and it is operated via an app. 

You wouldn't have any control over it (unless he set something up on another phone for you to oversee) but you could easily top it up as necessary.

https://www.starlingbank.com/

silvercar

I like Wise. They will issue a physical card and you can have a digital card. It also has the ability to stop the card temporarily through the app. Ideal for moments where they think they have lost a card only for it to resurface. Using the app you could monitor spending and top up where necessary. You can choose to hold the money in any currency. If your dollar account is empty it just takes from sterling. You have to pre load funds.

RavingMad

We have a Revolut account set up with a teen sub account that my 13 yr old son uses.

He gets a physical card (cost a fiver if I remember correctly) and has it in his digital wallet too

I get notifications every time he uses it so I can top up accordingly 

tacpot12

I'd recommend he has at least two means of payment. A physical card and a digital means on his phone. This gives some resilience if the card or phone is lost while he is abroad. 

It would be as well for you to give him a letter containing your mobile phone numbers and home address that confirms he is travelling with your perrmission, and that you have asked your friend to accommodate him for the whole of his visit (name them and provide their address).

It would also be a good idea to check that he knows and understands that the USA can be very unforgiving of transgressions and that he needs to behave impeccably especially when dealing with Customs Officers, Immigration officials, TSA officials and Police. Ensure he knows that he cannot use or carry any drugs, or consume any alcohol - if he does, he may end up in a situation where neither you nor the UK authorities can help him.

Also ensure he knows that Customs officials can require him to unlock his phone and examine his social media accounts.

NoodleDoodleMan

Although prepaid cards have been superseded in more recent times as best options for travel you might want to look at a Caxton FX card to suit your scenario. 

It allows the principal cardholder to add an additional cardholder(s) - linked with a card of their own for a modest £5 charge. Easy to switch between currencies - only the principal cardholder can add funds.

https://resources.caxton.io/help/personal/how-do-i-apply-for-a-secondary-card

AFAIK it's the only prepaid card with such an option.

Be sure to read up on the T's&C's which need to be understood clearly - their customer service staff are good for advice and guidance in my experience.

You can always ditch it once he returns.

Happy to answer any points if you are interested. 

tacpot12

I use the Caxton Card to send money to my son in Denmark. I'm the primary cardholder and add funds for him to spend using the secondary card. It works well for us.