FairFX should I be worried?

n1guy · 22 July 2019 at 5:42PM

I never used a prepaid travel card before but decided to give these guys ago after seeing an offer on MSE.

I'm worried now as after a search they seem to have so many negative reviews, mostly about pin codes not being right and effectively and getting locked out of accounts. Even more worrying seems to be customer service seems shocking.

I'm due to go away next week and worried.

EveryWhere · 22 July 2019 at 5:53PM

Are you dependent on a single card? if so, that is folly.
Have you tested the card in the UK before you leave or will you wait until you are abroad before checking that it works?

n1guy · 22 July 2019 at 5:56PM

EveryWhere wrote: »

Are you dependent on a single card? if so, that is folly.
Have you tested the card in the UK before you leave or will you wait until you are abroad before checking that it works?

I have my UK Credit Card so wouldn't be stuck. Haven't checked the card, would they not charge me a fee in the UK for checking it?

HogMan · 22 July 2019 at 5:57PM

I have had a Fair Fx card for a few years with no issues.
The advice above is spot on.

HogMan · 22 July 2019 at 6:00PM

To check it just use an ATM, check it accepts the PIN and then cancel the transaction.

n1guy · 22 July 2019 at 6:06PM

Thanks for advice all

NoodleDoodleMan · 22 July 2019 at 8:35PM

If you get your skates on you should be able to get a Starling card in time by applying via smartphone or tablet.

If you live near a branch of Metrobank and are holidaying in the Eurozone you can get a card within the hour (so they say) of visiting the branch - if that scenario fits, best make an appointment and remember to take all the appropriate identity and proof of address paperwork.

Both these cards are fee free at ATMs - the former everywhere, the latter, as mentioned, in SEPA countries.

EveryWhere · 22 July 2019 at 8:46PM

n1guy wrote: »

I never used a prepaid travel card before but decided to give these guys ago after seeing an offer on MSE.

I'm worried now as after a search they seem to have so many negative reviews, mostly about pin codes not being right and effectively and getting locked out of accounts. Even more worrying seems to be customer service seems shocking.

I'm due to go away next week and worried.

https://www.fairfx.com/topcardtips

Backbiter · 23 July 2019 at 12:24AM

I've had a FairFx card for a few years. I can honestly say I've never had an issue with it. Top ups are pretty instantaneous. I would certainly recommend them.

Rebecca_C · 27 July 2019 at 4:08AM

I am on holiday in Boston USA but I live in the UK. I am here with my husband and son.
We have preloaded a card from Fair FX with dollars to use on holiday to pay for our hotels and extras.
We wanted to pay for our hotel but the card has been blocked by FairFX as apparently this constitutes usual activity( it begs the question why they would think a currency card may be required if not to pay for things whilst in the country that you preloaded for).
I contacted FairFX to explain that my card was not being accepted by the hotel and asking for this to be resolved. Despite my email,some 12 hours or so later- allowing for differing time zones- FairFX saw fit to send me an email informing me of this ‘unusual activity’ and telling me that my card was now blocked.
Forward to today, several emails and 2 phone calls to FairFX later- no response or assistance available at all apparently.
We have paid for accommodation once again using our usual credit card which is reliable and fortunately does not find paying for a hotel room ‘an unusual activity.’
There is no way that I would ever use FairFX again. I would also caution anyone travelling abroad not to rely on it as their only means of payment. We would have been in serious trouble here if we had no other payment cards with us and Fair FX have offered us no assistance whatsoever.

n1guy · 27 July 2019 at 6:13AM

Rebecca_C wrote: »

I am on holiday in Boston USA but I live in the UK. I am here with my husband and son.
We have preloaded a card from Fair FX with dollars to use on holiday to pay for our hotels and extras.
We wanted to pay for our hotel but the card has been blocked by FairFX as apparently this constitutes usual activity( it begs the question why they would think a currency card may be required if not to pay for things whilst in the country that you preloaded for).
I contacted FairFX to explain that my card was not being accepted by the hotel and asking for this to be resolved. Despite my email,some 12 hours or so later- allowing for differing time zones- FairFX saw fit to send me an email informing me of this ‘unusual activity’ and telling me that my card was now blocked.
Forward to today, several emails and 2 phone calls to FairFX later- no response or assistance available at all apparently.
We have paid for accommodation once again using our usual credit card which is reliable and fortunately does not find paying for a hotel room ‘an unusual activity.’
There is no way that I would ever use FairFX again. I would also caution anyone travelling abroad not to rely on it as their only means of payment. We would have been in serious trouble here if we had no other payment cards with us and Fair FX have offered us no assistance whatsoever.

This was my worry also. I was also planning on using it to pay for my hotel. I have read plenty of reviews like yours which is why I think once I reach my destination I am going to clear out as much as I can from ATM's and just use cash. I hope you get sorted.

FairFX should I be worried?

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