preloaded debit cards

[slhall]

I thought I saw some postings on this board that recommended the use of preloaded debit cards when traveling in Europe. My sister was at her bank yesterday and was told that the preloaded cards weren't accepted there. Can someone please advise if or which cards you used? Thank you

[kandajones]

Hi there, there are a wide number of these card avaialbe and accepted in Europe, maybe there is a propblem with US card issuers?
The following link shows some of those available,
Compare prepaid cards | Apply for a prepaid card ? moneysupermarket.com
I would have expected companies like Travelex, or ICE to be available globally.

On the next link there is an advert for Mastercard, Visa, and Amex Prepaid cards
Guaranteed Acceptance Prepaid Stored Value Credit Cards & Debit Cards | Poor Credit | Bad Credit & Bankrupts Accepted
Again these are UK based, but as Amex are there, there must be something available Stateside.

Hope these links help,

Alan

[CruiseHut]

Hey,

I use the 02 pre-paid card and find it great, But you need to be one of their customers to apply for one and its FREE.

I would suggest for you to use the Thomson's pre-paid card Thomson Holidays - Thomson Travel Money Card

Available to take away instantly from any store. All you need to do is either provide 2 forms of identification (photo & proof of address) or pass an online verification check.

Hope this helps you!

[lulu48]

Some of the cards carry a hefty fee for using them so be sure to read the fine print.

I opened a separate account and just use that account for travel not linked to any of my savings accounts so if lost/stolen I will not be cleaned out totally

[Ine]

We have a pre-loaded debetcard issued in The Netherlands and use it worldwide. In general in Eruope you need a 4-digit pin to use it.
We cannot pay with the card but can withdraw cash from any bank. Depending the bank there might be a daily or even weekly totalamount you can withdraw since you have "guest-access".