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Travel Cash Card - Simplest and cheapest

Going to India for short trip.  What is the simplest, cheapest cash travel card (I know they widely accept visa/mastercard) to buy?  Over whelmed by the different discussions. and I've read MSE website with options.  I don't mind digital if simplest to get.  All I want to do is load some cash on it and use it during 10 days!!   And then get my money back from surplus??

Comments

  • flaneurs_lobster
    flaneurs_lobster Posts: 8,597 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    What cards/accounts do you already hold?

    What about Chase current account?
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,470 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I have a Chase current account - great for travel,  they only offer single accounts although I suspect that is under review.
    Also a Starling joint current account, also excellent for travel.
    Easy to operate via app on mobile 'phone or iPad etc. Chase only available on one device at present.
     IMO MUCH better than pre-paid money cards - I've ditched mine.

  • flaneurs_lobster
    flaneurs_lobster Posts: 8,597 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I have a Chase current account - great for travel,  they only offer single accounts although I suspect that is under review.
    Also a Starling joint current account, also excellent for travel.
    Easy to operate via app on mobile 'phone or iPad etc. Chase only available on one device at present.
     IMO MUCH better than pre-paid money cards - I've ditched mine.

    What's this need for joint accounts?

    When travelling, surely better to have a mix of accounts with different institutions?
  • silvercar
    silvercar Posts: 50,311 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Academoney Grad Name Dropper
    edited Today at 7:59AM
    I use Wise.

     You preload some cash and can then use it in any currency. Exchange fees are the lowest I’ve seen. Easy to add more by transferring from your main bank account. 

    Back in the UK you use it like any other debit card. You can use Apple Pay or the actual card. There is also the option to create extra virtual cards, so if you think you don’t want to give your card number but need to pay for something as a one off, you just create a new virtual card, use it for the one transaction then remove it and your account is safe.
    I'm a Forum Ambassador on the housing, mortgages & student money saving boards. I volunteer to help get your forum questions answered and keep the forum running smoothly. Forum Ambassadors are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an illegal or inappropriate post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com (it's not part of my role to deal with this). Any views are mine and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.com.
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,470 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I have a Chase current account - great for travel,  they only offer single accounts although I suspect that is under review.
    Also a Starling joint current account, also excellent for travel.
    Easy to operate via app on mobile 'phone or iPad etc. Chase only available on one device at present.
     IMO MUCH better than pre-paid money cards - I've ditched mine.

    What's this need for joint accounts?

    When travelling, surely better to have a mix of accounts with different institutions?
    You are preaching to the converted, we are very well covered - however the Starling card is the "go to" plastic on holiday, never had any issues.
  • Thanks all.  I'm with HSBC - they have a global card but not exactly what I want.  Wise I've read about - the use of viritual card is useful information plus the fact that I can top up from my current account if needed and use when back here!  
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