If you are looking for the best prepaid card to take on holiday with you, you must remember that what is ‘best’ for you may not be the best one for someone else. The best prepaid card is as individual as you are and choosing it should be based around your own needs and lifestyle.
Many people may opt to use a prepay card when on holiday rather than taking local currency with them. These prepay debit cards can be used just about anywhere that displays the card’s brand name (eg prepaid Visa), such as shops, restaurants and ATMs. Certainly, you may feel safer carrying around just a small amount of cash and a card, rather than a lot of local currency.
And because you can only spend what is on the card, you know that you won’t be tempted to overspend on things you don’t really need (such as a large sombrero or straw donkey!) You will be firmly in control of your finances.
So, what do you need to consider when choosing your prepaid card? The following pointers may help:
- look at where you can use the card (eg is it a prepaid Visa and accepted wherever the Visa sign is displayed?). Obviously, a brand like Visa is recognized globally, meaning that your card can be used anywhere in the World that displays the acceptance mark. This may make it ideal for travelers;
- look at the prepay card fees and your usage to determine which one may be the best prepaid card for you (fees vary among the different providers with some prepaid card companies asking for an application fee; others charging a fee whenever you top up the card and / or when you use it etc). See who offers the deal that may be most suitable for your card usage needs;
- is it easy enough to load up with cash? Again, how you can top up your prepaid cash card will depend on your provider. For example, an activated Speed-e-card can be loaded up via PayPoints, bank transfer and with a payday loan from Speed-e-loans;
- are you able to apply for a card if you have been previously declined for a credit card or bank account? Some prepaid card providers typically do not run credit checks to verify your financial history (as you are not actually borrowing money). So, if you have had financial difficulties in the past, check which prepaid card provider does not insist on a credit check;
- do you have children and want them to benefit from a prepaid card?
- what additional services does the prepay card service offer? For example, some will send you an SMS every time your card is used allowing you to keep track of your balance as well as be potentially alerted to any fraud. How much do these services cost?
So, as you can see, choosing the best prepaid card for your holidays means doing a little research in to the options available to you and then making an educated decision. Happy holidays!