Prepaid Travel Cards

Travel Cards Explained

Travel cards function similarly to debit and credit cards. The purchaser loads a balance on to the card and then uses the prepaid travel card for purchases anywhere major credit cards are accepted. There is no bill at the end of the month since the money is drawn directly from the loaded balance. Most companies allow the travel cards to be reloaded as needed, but there are usually fees associated with using the cards.

The big draw to travel cards is that they can be replaced if they are lost or stolen, and the remaining balance can be loaded on to the new card without much hassle. It can be a great way to make sure that your money is safe while you are traveling.

Domestic Travel

Not many travelers feel comfortable with carrying a huge wad of cash in their wallets during vacations. Not only might a fat wallet attract the eye of potential pick-pockets, but cash cannot be replaced if it is stolen or lost. In addition to affording you a sense of security with your vacation money, a prepaid travel card can assist you with your travel expense budget.

International Travel

If you travel abroad while on vacation or for business purposes then you will probably encounter the need to convert cash into the local currency. Although most travelers like to have a little local cash on them for tipping and small purchases, it is becoming easier to utilize credit cards and prepaid debit cards for other purchases. Be sure to check that the prepaid card you use for your international travel does not carry hefty fees for currency conversions. You don't want to wind up paying a large amount of money simply for the privilege of using the travel card.

Find Prepaid Travel Cards Online

Before you purchase a travel card be sure to read the disclosures to make sure your balance won't be eaten up by excessive fees.

• MasterCard Maestro travel cards can be reloaded more than once and can be used for both purchases and cash advances.
• Visa TravelMoney prepaid cards offer additional travel services such as lost luggage assistance and emergency travel support.
• American Express Travelers Cheque Cards are similar to the Travelers Cheques which were once standard fare for travelers. These cards are loaded by the purchaser and are accepted by retailers who accept American Express credit cards.

Prepaid Travel vs. Prepaid Credit

Prepaid cards for travel should not be confused with prepaid credit cards, a similar product which is designed for people who cannot obtain credit cards through traditional means due to a bad credit history. Be sure that the card you are purchasing is designed specifically for travelers otherwise you may wind up with a product that not only comes with massive fees but which also is not accepted at merchants worldwide.

One way to tell if a card is substandard is to check the website which offers the card. If the website proudly proclaims "No Credit Check Needed!" and does not make mention of travel support and benefits, then this card is probably not what you are looking for.

Compare

Not all travel cards are equal. Take the time to compare the various fees associated with the cards in addition to making sure the card will be accepted at the location you will travel to. The last thing you need to worry about on vacation is a rapidly shrinking balance from your prepaid travel card's fees.