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
5 Best Prepaid Cards for American 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:
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.
3 Best Prepaid Cards for U.K. 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. 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
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 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
Enjoy Your Travels!
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!
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