Pre-paid debit cards in Europe (1 Viewer)

Oct 8, 2014
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My Australian Nephew is coming to Europe for his honeymoon. (France & Italy, I think)
I will see him briefly, and wanting to contribute to their holiday, offered to give them some euros. However, I was wondering what you continental travellers do about money? I wondered whether a pre-paid debit card might offer more security than cash, or are there financial penalties?
I would be grateful for any advice.
Thanks, John
 

Southdowners

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We use WeSwap - its a currency exchange card.

You do all the transactions online... decide the amount of sterling you wish to exchange to Euros and the date you wish the swap to happen. The longer notice you give the better the rate. You get a card to use as you would a normal card and there are no charges for doing so, unlike other cards.
 

WynandJean

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And Caxton. Treated by locals as Euro card with no extra charges. Use at ATMs for cash with no charge. Top up online as and when you wish. (y)

Wyn
 

Clickem

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We have a daughter that lives in New Zealand and we have an extra Caxton card, that we have given to her. We can load it with pounds, that she can either draw as NZ dollars cash from an ATM or use to buy items as a MasterCard

We use the main card in Europe to load Euros on if/when the rate is good
 

treetops1

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We use FairFX in Europe buy when the rate is good. Just use like a cash card

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Jul 4, 2016
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And Caxton. Treated by locals as Euro card with no extra charges. Use at ATMs for cash with no charge. Top up online as and when you wish. (y)

Wyn
Hi Wyn

I'm also looking to open an account. Is the Caxton a credit card that gets paid at the end of the month or can you pre load it in euros? The web site is not that clear
Edit, sorry found the details, its a pre load card not credit card
 
Last edited:

John&Kate

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We always take an ASDA pre-pay travel card, its been accepted everywhere that we have used so far through France. :D
 

maxi77

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We use FairFX in Europe buy when the rate is good. Just use like a cash card

Like wise, we have been using them for over 10 years. Good customer service if you need it, twice whilst we have had the cards. They also have an international payment system so you can pay big bills straight into the other persons bank account

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Jammel1980

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We use Revolt never have any problems in France or Spain. It’s easy to use and has a decent app where you can transfer and exchange money on the go, you can also freeze your card if it gets lost or stolen and order a new one all from the app
 

Langtoftlad

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Not really applicable - unless you want to open a bank account for him...

but on my recent trip to Iceland, I was looking for the best way to exchange money into Krona... was advised don't! You can pay for everything by card.
And it was true - 10 days in Iceland, didn't spend a cent in cash - plastic for everything.

also
Metro Bank very impressed with them.
Their debit card carries no commission or other fees, using the Mastercard daily exchange rate... other cards/banks do similar but...
...for me, the standout feature was that their App showed the charge [as pending] almost immediately & the exchange rate.
Really helpful & useful.
 
OP
OP
Revolvor
Oct 8, 2014
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Thank you to all for your prompt and informative replies.
Lots of information for me to follow-up.
John

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GWAYGWAY

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Keep well away from the Post Office card, I have 500 euros stuck in int as it was not accepted when I tried to use it, cannot get a refund of the value without being robbed at an awful rate losing at least £60.. I will cash them all at a bank, and get the full value back in cash when I next go abroad. Wished I didn't bother getting it. Service from the call centre is around avoiding the issue, and not letting you have your money.
 
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Only place I had trouble with post office card was in fuel station pay at pump. Apparently they need to be connected to internet to work so if fuel station is closed there problem not on line.

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Jammel1980

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Yep I meant Revolut, (y) Thanks JJ. Auto correct at it again.
 
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Minxy

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We've tried most of them and now only have a Revolut card for ATM cash withdrawals, easy to use and load and if you don't convert your £ to € you can simply transfer it all back to your bank account without penalty.

For paying in shops we use our Aqua credit card which has a very good exchange rate and also give 0.5% back on all purchases!

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champers

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Another one for Revolut, use it for everything and everywhere UK included , only one or two fuel stations mostly the un-manned ones don't accept it....

Would be lost without it, easy to transfer , send money to family or friends etc

We learnt about Revolut through JJ ...

Kath x
 

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