Using Money Cards on your trip.

[shadowalker47]

My parents are planning a trip out west and they are looking into getting some of the prepaid credit cards. These are the ones you see mixed in with the other gift card and they have a set amount of money on them. The ones I have primarily seen are made by Visa and American Express. I was just wondering if these cards are any good and are they better than taking cash?

 

[patricia27]

Money cards

I am from the UK --I always take a pre loaded money card on vacation. I have a dollar one for my trips to the US and a Euro one for vacations to Europe. I feel happier with one of those as I wouldn`t want to mislay/have stolen a credit card. I also take cash. I do take my credit card as a back up--but leave it in the hotel safe !!
There is a phone number should your card get lost or stolen. Virgin Money gives you a spare card for just such an occasion.

 

[lighteningqueen]

I think you have to read the fine print on them. Some charge you to use them each time for a fee that comes off your card each use. Some charge nothing..I think the wal mart cards don't do that. I think theirs is face value. Can be used anywhere.

 

[patricia27]

Cards

So would you get charged for making a purchase or using an ATM? I only use mine for buying stuff, and don`t get charged.
So can you only use the Walmart cards in a Walmart? or anywhere.

 

[lighteningqueen]

No, some of them are like that so check the rules on them.. No the gift cards on the rack are visa ones can be used anywhere visa is accepted. Dont buy wm cards for walmart only. They are the ones without packaging.

 

[Katherine]

I used the Visa cards you can get at the grocery store/convenience store and they worked really well. It was nice paying for things up front and then not having to worry so much about what I'm spending while I'm there. Plus, what you have left over you just take home with you!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[patricia27]

cards

Yes I like paying up front then you don`t get a big visa bill when you get home!!

 

[Lexi]

I've been getting the visa and amex cards for quite a few years now from family members during Christmas and while they work well almost everywhere there are certain situations where they are not the best option...Restaurants or anywhere they leave the card open to leave a tip can get a little tricky..I will normally tell the server as soon as I hand the card that I will be leaving a cash tip and to close out the bill fully..You have to always remember your balance because people at the stores where you are using the card do not know, you would have to call the number on the back of the card..If you are buying something that is more then the amount on your card you need to tell the person to swipe your card for that exact amount left on your card or it will be declined..other then those few little problem i LOVE getting these cards instead of gift cards to certain stores that my family thinks I still love, even though I haven't shopped there in 5 years :lol: