11 Best Prepaid Cards to Use Abroad (June 2023)

The advantages of prepaid cards are obvious: they’re safer than cash, easy to get, universally accepted and convenient to use. Some prepaid cards can even save you on exchange fees if you pre-load them with the local currency before you leave home. Finally, since a prepaid travel card isn’t a credit card, it requires no credit check or top-tier credit score.

There are prepaid cards designed for all types of travelers and destinations. We’ve explored the many offerings available today and compiled our choices for the best prepaid cards to use abroad. So, if you’re traveling abroad in the near future, keep reading for what we believe to be some of the top prepaid cards out there.

US Travelers | UK Travelers | Euro Travelers

While travelers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East have been using prepaid travel cards for years, they are a relatively new phenomenon for American travelers. As such, there are fewer prepaid card choices available for Americans traveling abroad.

Here are four of the best and most widely available prepaid travel cards available in the U.S., along with their primary features:

1. Brinks Prepaid Mastercard

at Republic Bank & Trust Company'ssecure website

PREPAID RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

3.7/5.0

Our Review »

• Brink’s gives you the peace of mind you deserve. Securing cash and valuables since 1859.
• With Brink’s Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster* than a paper check.
• No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
• Use the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App to manage your account on the go and get text message or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply.)
• *Card issued by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Mastercard Debit cards are accepted. “Apply Now” for full details.
• See additional Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard® Details.

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
N/A	N/A	N/A	Variable Monthly Fees	Not applicable

2. NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card

at NetSpend'ssecure website

PREPAID RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

3.5/5.0

Our Review »

• With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
• No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
• Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
• Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
• Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
• See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
N/A	N/A	N/A	Variable Monthly Fee	Not applicable

3. NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card

at NetSpend'ssecure website

PREPAID RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

3.8/5.0

Our Review »

• With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
• No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
• Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
• Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
• Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
• See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
N/A	N/A	N/A	Up-to $9.95 monthly	Not applicable

4. PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®

at The Bancorp Bank'ssecure website

PREPAID RATING

★★★★★

4.7

OVERALL RATING

3.8/5.0

Our Review »

• Move money from your PayPal account to fund your prepaid card account.
• Earn cash back and personalized offers, just for using your card.
• With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
• Card issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
• Click PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® for additional features & program details, and to request a Card.

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
N/A	N/A	N/A	Variable Monthly Fee	Not applicable

5. Greenlight – Debit Card For Kids

at the issuer'ssecure website

PREPAID RATING

★★★★★

4.6

OVERALL RATING

4.2/5.0

Our Review »

• Greenlight is a debit card for kids, managed by parents
• Parents set flexible controls and receive real-time alerts while kids monitor their balances, set goals, and learn how to manage money
• Feel secure knowing Greenlight blocks unsafe spending categories
• Receive Mastercard’s Zero Liability Protection
• Upload a photo of your choice to create a unique custom card
• Debit cards are FDIC-insured up to $250,000
• Easily turn your Greenlight card on or off and receive real-time spending notifications

• See application, terms and details.

Intro (Purchases)	Intro (Transfers)	Regular APR	Annual Fee	Credit Needed
N/A	N/A	N/A	See Pricing	Not applicable

When considering one of these prepaid travel cards, it’s also important to consider things like maximum ATM withdrawal amounts, maximum load and reload balance amounts and other spending restrictions. There are advantages and disadvantages to each card type, so you should always do your research carefully.

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. WeSwap

• Card fee: None
• Transaction fees: None
• ATM fee: None for withdrawals up to £200/$200/€200, 2% fee for larger amounts
• Other fees: 2.49% currency conversion fee

2. Caxton Currency Card

• Card fee: None
• Transaction fees: None
• ATM fee: None abroad; £1.50 domestic

3. FairFX Currency Card

• Card fee: None
• 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

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 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. Moneycorp Red Explorer Mastercard®

• Card fee: None
• Transaction fees: None
• ATM fee: None
• Other fees: 4.99% foreign exchange fee

3. Moneycorp White Explorer Masterard®

• Card fee: None
• Transaction fees: None
• ATM fee: GB£1.50, EU€1.75, US$2.30
• Other fees: 4.99% foreign exchange fee

Prepaid cards have long been a favorite among budget-minded folks and those who want to gain more control over their finances. Surveys show travelers – especially those who travel abroad – are using prepaid travel cards more frequently during their journeys.

Whether you’re traveling to Europe, the United Kingdom or here in the U.S., consider a prepaid travel card instead of carrying cash. Prepaid travel cards can keep you on budget, get you a better exchange rate and protect you from fraud or theft. That lets you spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about your money. Bon voyage!

Photo credits: deanza.edu, dvlotterystategov.us, hawaii-all-inclusive.net