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Prepaid cards have some amazing perks: they’re not just safer than carrying cash, but also super easy to obtain, widely accepted, and incredibly handy. Some cards even let you load them with local currency ahead of your trip, helping you save on exchange fees. Plus, since these aren’t credit cards, you don’t need to fret about a credit check or having a high credit score to snag one.
Prepaid cards are tailored for all kinds of travelers and destinations. We’ve checked out the options available today and picked our favorites for the best prepaid cards to use abroad. If you’re planning a trip soon, keep reading to discover some of the top prepaid cards we recommend.
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5 Best Prepaid Cards for American Travelers
While travelers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have been using prepaid travel cards for years, these cards are still relatively new to Americans. This means there are fewer options for American travelers heading overseas.
Let’s take a look at four of the top prepaid travel cards you can find in the U.S., along with their key features:
*Terms and conditions apply. GO2bank™ cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Overdraft fees may apply. Click Apply Now to learn more.
¹Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply.
²Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
³Chime SpotMe is an optional service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.
When you’re looking into prepaid travel cards, it’s important to focus on factors like ATM withdrawal limits, how you can load and reload funds, and any spending caps. Each card has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to do your homework.
3 Best Prepaid Cards for UK Travelers
Travelers heading to the U.S. from the United Kingdom have a lot more options available when it comes to prepaid travel cards. In fact, they can purchase prepaid dollar cards from a variety of sources.
Here are some of the best prepaid dollar cards for Brits planning to visit the U.S.:
1. Caxton Currency Card

- Card fee: None
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: None abroad; £1.50 domestic
- Other fees: Charges a dormancy fee of £2 per month if the card has a balance but hasn’t been used in 12 months.
2. FairFX Multi-Currency Card

- Card fee: None
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: £1.00 domestic and abroad
- Other fees: 2.25% out-of-currency fee for purchases outside of its 20 supported currencies. Also, a £2 per month expired card administration fee on expired cards with leftover balances.
3. Post Office UK Travel Money Card

- Card fee: None
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: $2.50 and a daily withdrawal limit of $500 USD
- Other fees: If you load the card with pounds sterling (GBP), you’ll pay a load fee of 1.5%. Also, a maintenance fee of £2 per month applies if any balance is left after 12 months.
3 Best Prepaid Cards for Other European Travelers
Travelers looking to make purchases in Euros also have a range of prepaid card options to help make purchasing easier, many of which charge the same low fees as offered by cards for U.K. travelers.
Here are some of the best deals on prepaid cards for travel around Europe:
1. FairFX Multi-Currency Card

- Card fee: None (when minimum amount is preloaded onto card)
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: £1.00 domestic and abroad
- Other fees: 1.75% out-of-currency fee for purchases outside of its 15 supported currencies
2. Revolut Standard Account Card

- Card fee: None
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: None at more than 55,000 in-network ATMs and 2% after the first £200/month or five withdrawals abroad
- Other fees: None for the Standard Account. You pay $9.99 per month for Premium and $16.99 per month for Metal
3. EasyFX Travel Money Card

- Card fee: None
- Transaction fees: None
- ATM fee: £1.5 for domestic ATMs, free for international ATMs
- Other fees: A £2 monthly fee is applied for each month the card is inactive after 12 months and you must make a £50 deposit to open the account
Enjoy Your Travels!
Prepaid cards are a great option for anyone wanting to closely monitor their spending. More and more travelers, especially those venturing abroad, are opting for these cards to manage their expenses. Surveys indicate that this trend is growing.
If you’re gearing up for a trip to Europe, the UK, or traveling within the U.S., think about using a prepaid travel card instead of carrying cash. These cards help you stay on budget, enjoy better exchange rates, and offer protection against fraud or theft. This way, you can relax and soak up your vacation without financial worries. Bon voyage!
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