Prepay Credit Cards

Lawn

I am off to America for 4 months at the end of May and have been told that not everywhere will accept debit cards, and as I have no credit card I was looking into gettin a prepay credit card, I was wonderin if anyone could suggest/recommend a good one to get. I graduated from uni last september and do not have a steady income at the mo.

Any help would be gratefully recieved

skyrider007

Before you consider a prepaid card, I suggest you try get a card from the following first:

- your bank
- get an account with Citibank, Halifax or Lloyds and ask for full VISA debit card (if you've already got a Visa debit card then you're good to go)
- Capital One Classic Card*
- Aqua Card (HBOS)*
- Vanquis Card (Provident)*

* Do not borrow on these cards, interests are outrageously high (about 40%)

All cards (credit/debit/prepaid) have at least 2.5% commission charge for foreign transaction with a few exceptions such as Post Office and Nationwide cards.

If you fail (very unlikely) to get a card from one of the issuers above then resort to a prepaid card which have a Master Card symbol on the front. Go to this website to compare different ones:

http://www.what-prepaid-card.co.uk/

I'd avoid prepaid card at all costs unless I absolutely cannot get a credit or debit cards.

moonrakerz

The USA is the land of the Credit Card so you will struggle without one. I would not even contemplate using a debit card anywhere abroad other than in an ATM - too risky !