If you’re traveling abroad, a prepaid credit card can be a great way to get cash while abroad. Travelers who don’t want to use a traditional bank account may benefit from using a prepaid debit card instead of carrying large amounts of cash or using an ATM to access their accounts.
In this guide, we review the Best Prepaid Credit Card For International Travel, prepaid travel card no foreign transaction fee, which prepaid visa cards can be used internationally, and which prepaid card can be used internationally.
Best Prepaid Credit Card For International Travel
The Best Prepaid Debit Cards for Travelers
Many prepaid debit cards can be used internationally, so you’ll want to pick one that’s accepted worldwide. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in countries outside of the US. Some prepaid debit cards can also be loaded with multiple currencies, which will save you money on currency conversion fees.
If you’re planning on traveling abroad with a small amount of cash (under $500), then it might be worth considering getting a prepaid debit card instead. While there are many benefits to having access to credit cards when traveling abroad, there are also some drawbacks: carrying cash makes it easier for someone else to steal it from your backpack or purse; using your credit card at an ATM could lead someone with malicious intentions to steal your information; and exchanging large amounts of cash into another currency is risky because it leaves too much money out in the open for potential thieves (and could result in large foreign exchange fees).
Prepaid debit cards offer several advantages over traditional traveler’s checks: they’re safer than carrying around large amounts of currency; they don’t require any personal information like social security number or bank account number; they can be used at point-of-sale terminals worldwide—even if there isn’t an internet connection available—and they usually have better exchange rates than what’s offered by credit cards (which means less expensive purchases).
Why Use a Prepaid Debit Card?
There are several advantages to using a prepaid debit card for international travel. First, you don’t have to worry about charges for foreign transactions or any other fees that can add up on your credit card bill. Second, since you load the card with money before you leave, it’s easy to monitor your spending and avoid overdrafts (or worse: being charged high interest rates). Thirdly, if your bank won’t issue a new credit card without an address in the U.S., prepaid debit cards are a great option.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of using a prepaid debit card instead of cash is that they’re accepted virtually everywhere worldwide—even at unattended kiosks or automated ticket machines—so long as they have contactless payment capabilities and/or an EMV chip embedded in them (most do).
How to Choose the Best Prepaid Credit Card for Your Trip
Now that you know how to choose the best prepaid credit card for your trip, it’s time to actually pick one. To do this, consider the following:
- Does this card fit my needs? If you’re planning on traveling internationally, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and has no annual fee. If you don’t plan on spending much time abroad or have already booked flights back home from your host country before returning, then perhaps an annual fee isn’t worth it for you.
- Is this company reputable? Check online reviews from real customers. This will help give insight into what kind of customer service is offered by each card provider when things go wrong—or even when things go right!
- How does their fee structure compare with other providers? Some issuers may offer lower interest rates and fewer hidden charges than others; compare them using our comparison table above!
prepaid travel card no foreign transaction fee
Sometimes, when you’re traveling, you find yourself spending way more than you budgeted for. Prepaid travel cards can be fantastic in helping you to control your spending. Plus, when you are abroad it’s always a smart idea to have more than one way to access your money, just in case.
International prepaid cards have gained so much popularity amongst avid travelers and digital nomads recently. This is because they offer many advantages and various options for users.
In this article, I want to introduce you to prepaid debit cards. What are they? How can you use them to your advantage? And which one offers the best deals? Keep reading this article to find out.
What Is a Prepaid Card?
Essentially a prepaid debit card is similar in function to a debit card. You can use it to make ATM withdrawals, payments in stores, and in some cases online purchases. The difference is, you won’t be bothered with an overdraft. This is because you won‘t be able to spend more than you already have on the card. It is more convenient to carry and safer than carrying a lot of cash on you. So the idea is pretty basic. However, prepaid cards can be life-savers abroad. Especially if you choose a card that is suited for digital nomads or avid travelers.
I’ve personally found prepaid debit cards to be excellent budgeting tools. As you can top it up with how much you think you should spend, and literally can’t go overdrawn. This way you will be more careful and think about your spending. Additionally, there should be no extra fees or surprising costs depending on exchange rate fluctuations. Plus, you won’t waste any time looking for a currency exchange office in a foreign environment, giving you more time to have fun on your trip.
How Does a Prepaid Card Work?
Basically, you will pick up your prepaid card before you leave home, and you can top them in dollars online. Then, you will be able to select the currency you need when you are abroad and easily switch your balance. This means that you will know exactly how much you have in foreign currency.
There are also some cards that don’t exchange your dollars before your trip but do it if and when you use it for spending. These are closer to using a regular debit card. However, you won’t be able to see the exchange rates until after the transaction.
One awesome bonus security feature of a prepaid debit card is that it’s not linked to any of your other accounts. This means that in the case of fraud or theft, whoever stole your card won’t be able to access your normal bank balance. This is a huge relief wherever you are in the world.
How To Get an International Prepaid Debit Card?
Getting a prepaid card is usually pretty simple. You can get it from almost any bank in your country. Though there are some banks that offer cards with better benefits than others, as you’ll see later in this article when we dive deeper into the types of debit cards you can acquire.
Generally, the application is free, easy, and straightforward. All you need to do is fill an application form (some banks offer online applications), provide your personal details and proof of identity. Once the application is processed and your identity is verified, the card will be sent to your house. Then, you can load the currency of your choice and start using it. You will often need an app that you can download to use with the card.
Best Prepaid Debit Cards For International Use
Wise Multi-Currency Debit Card
Card: WiseWhere it can be used: UK, Europe, USA, Australia, NZ, SingaporePlans: Find the best Transferwise plans hereAccount opening fees: FreeATM withdrawal fees: Free up to £200 / 30 days – 2% over £200 / 30 daysCurrency exchange fees: 0.35%-2.2% Spend in currencies in your account: Free Competitive advantage: Wide availability and true multi-currency card with over 50+ options. Top Choice
Revolut
Revolut is one of the best international prepaid debit cards that are excellent for residents of the US, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK, or the EEA (European Economic Area). You can hold and exchange between 28 currencies on your card. Additionally, you can spend in over 150 currencies using your linked card.
Generally, you will only pay the mid-market rate for exchange between currencies. However, there is some markup for specific currencies, like the Thai Baht and Ukrainian Hryvnia. Additionally, you will pay a small markup for exchanges over the weekend or large amounts over the course of a month.
Basically, there’s a 0.5% extra fee if you exchange more than $6,500 a month. There’s also a 0.5%-1% for weekend transactions. Also, you might pay a fee on some ATM withdrawals if you draw more than $300 a month.
As of November 2020, the only Revolut account available to US residents is the basic(free) one. Though there are plans to bring premium packages to the US and they are currently available elsewhere.
Card: RevolutWhere it can be used: UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and SwitzerlandAccount opening fees: Free, or Premium €7.99 a month or Metal for €13.99 a monthATM withdrawal fees: Free with Free card for up to £/€200 monthly, £/€400 monthly with Premium and up to £/€600 monthly with Metal. 2% flat rate for the numbers aboveCurrency Exchange fees: Free up to £5,000/€6,000 monthly with the standard card. No monthly limit on Premium and Metal cardsSpend in currencies in your account: Free Competitive advantage: Option to get travel insurance at a cheap cost
N26
N26 is a German online bank and is considered a leader in revolutionizing the banking sector in Europe. Residents of Europe, the UK, or The US can open an account with N26 which offers a smart card option for international spending. N26 is considered to offer one of the best international prepaid debit cards.
What’s cool about N26 is that you won’t necessarily have to exchange your money and hold it in foreign currency. Instead, n26 allows you to spend using the Visa exchange rates without any markups or extra fees. This makes it an excellent option for travelers who prefer not to switch their dollars in advance.
There might be some services to pay such as ATM charges. These fees are not levied by N26 but by other service providers.
Card: N26 Where it can be used: UK, EurozonePlans: Find the best N26 plans hereAccount opening fees: Free, or “You” for €9.90 a month, or, “Metal” for €16.90 a monthATM withdrawal fees: Free cards have a 1.7% fee. “You” and “Metal” options have five free ATM withdrawals a month then a €2 fee appliesCurrency exchange fees: N26 doesn’t charge exchange mark-ups or conversion feesSpend in currencies in your account: FreeCompetitive advantage: Full-service current accounts that can be managed via their mobile app
Ally Bank
Ally is an online bank. It offers accounts and cards that are not exactly the same as the other international prepaid cards on this list. They are, however, used in more or less the same way. You open your account online and top up the amount that you intend to spend while you travel. For convenience, you can use your linked card. This way, you will have the same security as using a prepaid debit card, as the Ally account won’t actually be linked to any of your regular bank accounts.
You will be charged a 1% ATM withdrawal fee online, and there might be other charges imposed by the ATM owners.
Card: Ally BankWhere it can be used: UK, US, Europe Plans: Find the Best Ally Plans hereAccount opening fees: Free ATM withdrawal fees: There is a 1% ATM fee for ATM uses overseas. Additional charges may incur from the ATM operator Currency exchange fees: Ally Bank doesn’t charge exchange mark-ups or conversion feesSpend in currencies in your account: FreeCompetitive advantage: Many options for CD rates, online Savings accounts, and even home loans
NetSpend
Netspend specializes in prepaid debit cards. They offer various cards that offer prepaid spending either at home or abroad. You basically have two options when it comes to cards. You can choose a card with a monthly fee, or a “pay as you go” option. The “pay as you go” option means that you don’t pay a cost fee for services but you pay charges per transaction. This brings you a lot of flexibility when choosing what card you would like, according to your spending habits. However, in the “pay as you go” option, international spending fees can be a bit high, so be sure to study the terms carefully if you choose this card.
The usual foreign transaction surcharge is 4%. This surcharge is added to ATM withdrawals and purchases. What’s great about NetSpend is that there are no specific international ATM fees to cover. Though there might be some charges imposed by the ATM owner.
Card: NetSpendWhere it can be used: USPlans:Find the best NetSpend plans hereAccount opening fees: Pay-As-You-GO is free. A monthly fee of 10$ for the monthly plan but offers free unlimited transactionsATM withdrawal fees: Pay-As-You-GO option has a 4% foreign transaction surcharge on ATM withdrawalsCurrency Exchange fees: Netspend doesn’t have exchange mark-ups or conversion fees Spend in currencies in your account: FreeCompetitive advantage: Pay-As-You-Go account gives you a lot of control over your account
International Prepaid Cards: Country Availability
The ability to convert your dollars to the currency you require prior to departure, thereby locking in the exchange rate, is a useful feature of some prepaid travel cards.
You’ll know exactly how much money you have and should be able to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are the cards that provide that option, listed by the destination country.
Tips For Using an International Prepaid Card
I myself have fallen into a lot of the traps that many new travelers fall into. This is why I wanted to create this to help you avoid some of the pitfalls and make the best of your international prepaid Visa or MasterCard.
Exchange Rate Tips
Exchange rates can be a bit tricky, it is best that you study up on your exchange rates before your trip. Look up the mid-market exchange rate between your currency and the currency of the country you’re visiting. The mid-market exchange rate is really the best benchmark to use when comparing rates provided by card providers and financial services.
When you compare the rate on the mid-market with the one you’ve been offered, you will see what extra mark-ups or fees you are paying the provider. Usually, I use TransferWise because they show you the mid-market rate upfront. This way you can top up your card in advance and not be caught by surprise on your trip.
Exchanging your foreign currency in advance is one of the most essential things that you want to do before heading abroad. I have been burned many times by heading over somewhere and then realizing that the exchange rates are not as I’ve expected at all and had to cut my trip short because I ran out of money.
Backup Plan
I’m a big fan of the adage “better safe than sorry”. You really don’t want to find yourself in the middle of Malaysia with no money because of one reason or another. That would pretty much ruin your trip. This is why you should always have some money or another card, preferably hidden in a different location than your other card. This is why, in case something happens, you will be prepared.
which prepaid visa cards can be used internationally
If you’re traveling abroad, a prepaid credit card can be a great way to get cash while abroad. Travelers who don’t want to use a traditional bank account may benefit from using a prepaid debit card instead of carrying large amounts of cash or using an ATM to access their accounts.
The Best Prepaid Debit Cards for Travelers
Many prepaid debit cards can be used internationally, so you’ll want to pick one that’s accepted worldwide. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in countries outside of the US. Some prepaid debit cards can also be loaded with multiple currencies, which will save you money on currency conversion fees.
If you’re planning on traveling abroad with a small amount of cash (under $500), then it might be worth considering getting a prepaid debit card instead. While there are many benefits to having access to credit cards when traveling abroad, there are also some drawbacks: carrying cash makes it easier for someone else to steal it from your backpack or purse; using your credit card at an ATM could lead someone with malicious intentions to steal your information; and exchanging large amounts of cash into another currency is risky because it leaves too much money out in the open for potential thieves (and could result in large foreign exchange fees).
Prepaid debit cards offer several advantages over traditional traveler’s checks: they’re safer than carrying around large amounts of currency; they don’t require any personal information like social security number or bank account number; they can be used at point-of-sale terminals worldwide—even if there isn’t an internet connection available—and they usually have better exchange rates than what’s offered by credit cards (which means less expensive purchases).
Why Use a Prepaid Debit Card?
There are several advantages to using a prepaid debit card for international travel. First, you don’t have to worry about charges for foreign transactions or any other fees that can add up on your credit card bill. Second, since you load the card with money before you leave, it’s easy to monitor your spending and avoid overdrafts (or worse: being charged high interest rates). Thirdly, if your bank won’t issue a new credit card without an address in the U.S., prepaid debit cards are a great option.
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of using a prepaid debit card instead of cash is that they’re accepted virtually everywhere worldwide—even at unattended kiosks or automated ticket machines—so long as they have contactless payment capabilities and/or an EMV chip embedded in them (most do).
How to Choose the Best Prepaid Credit Card for Your Trip
Now that you know how to choose the best prepaid credit card for your trip, it’s time to actually pick one. To do this, consider the following:
- Does this card fit my needs? If you’re planning on traveling internationally, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and has no annual fee. If you don’t plan on spending much time abroad or have already booked flights back home from your host country before returning, then perhaps an annual fee isn’t worth it for you.
- Is this company reputable? Check online reviews from real customers. This will help give insight into what kind of customer service is offered by each card provider when things go wrong—or even when things go right!
- How does their fee structure compare with other providers? Some issuers may offer lower interest rates and fewer hidden charges than others; compare them using our comparison table above!
which prepaid card can be used internationally
International prepaid cards can be a great resource when you travel, making spending foreign currencies and withdrawing local cash convenient and secure.
This guide looks at which prepaid cards can be used internationally, where to find prepaid reloadable international debit cards, and all about how to use prepaid debit cards for international travel.
We’ll also touch on how Wise’s prepaid debit card can help you save on currency conversion costs while you spend in 174 countries.
In many ways a prepaid card is similar to your regular debit card. You’ll be able to use a prepaid card to make ATM withdrawals or payments in stores, and you’ll avoid overdraft fees because you can’t spend more than you’ve topped up.
Prepaid cards really come into their own when you travel. When you’re in an unfamiliar place, carrying a card is convenient, and safer than having a lot of cash on you.
Depending on the card you choose, a prepaid international debit card may also get you lower fees and a better exchange rate compared to using your normal bank card.
Your prepaid card isn’t linked to any of your other accounts, so even in the unlikely event that you’re a victim of fraud or lose your card and PIN, the thieves wouldn’t be able to get to your regular bank balance. This gives you extra peace of mind, no matter where you are in the world.
You’ll find prepaid cards you can pick up before you leave home, and top up online in dollars. You then select the currency you need when you’re abroad, and switch your balance, so you know exactly how much you have in the foreign currency.
This can make it easier to budget for a trip, as you know exactly what’s available, and there should be no surprise fees or costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations. It also means you don’t have to spend time searching for a currency exchange office in an unfamiliar place — leaving you free to get on with enjoying your trip.
There are also travel cards which don’t switch your dollars in advance of your trip, but do so as and when you use your card for spending. These are rather more like using a regular debit card, but do mean you won’t be able to see the exchange rates used until after the transaction has been processed.
We’ll look in depth at some of the best US prepaid debit cards for international use in just a moment. The good news is, whichever you pick, it’ll be easy enough to get hold of your card before you travel.
Prepaid cards you can use internationally are often available to order online — in which case they’re delivered right to your mailbox. Or you may be able to pick up a card in a store or bank location, top up and get started right away. Easy.
You’ll have a good range of options available if you’re thinking of getting a prepaid travel card for your next trip. Here are a few to consider.
There’s also a handy table at the end showing which of the cards can be used to convert a balance and lock in the exchange rate before you travel to some of the most popular destinations from the US.
When opening a free Wise account online you can get an international prepaid debit card which allows you to keep over 50 currencies and spend like a local in 174 countries.
Because you’re able to add money to be spent directly in any of the currencies you can hold, the Wise card works similarly to any other prepaid card.
The most important difference, though, is that you might have to go through additional verification steps to make sure your money is secure.
On the upside, you’ll be able to convert currencies as needed, using the mid-market exchange rate and for just a low, transparent fee — or have the card’s auto convert feature switch to the currencies you need instantly, for the lowest possible fee¹⁰.
Get a Revolut card and account to hold and exchange 28 currencies, and spend in over 140 currencies using your linked card.
You’ll be able to exchange currencies using the mid-market rate in most cases.
However, there is a currency markup for Thai baht and Ukrainian hryvnia, and you’ll pay a fee for exchanging large amounts over the course of a month, or at a weekend.
There are a few popular cards from Netspend which offer prepaid spending at home and abroad.
You can either choose a card with a monthly fee, or a pay as you go option which doesn’t cost a fixed service charge but which does involve per transaction charges³.
This brings flexibility but fees for international spending are fairly high, so you will want to make sure you’re clear on the terms if you opt for this card type.
The foreign transaction surcharge can be in the region of 3.5%⁴, which is added to purchases and ATM withdrawals. A fee may also apply to the ATM withdrawal, which may be around 4.95 USD depending on the specific card you have.
You can buy a Western Union Netspend card in the US, and use it to spend where you see the MasterCard symbol.
You’ll be able to send or receive payments to the card using Western Union, although there are fees and an exchange rate markup you’ll want to know about.
Log in to your account online to check the specific costs for your transaction.
You’ll be able to get a prepaid card from PayPal, which can be used overseas as well as at home. You can fund the card with PayPal balance if you have it, or top up at a retail location, or online.
It’s worth noting that this card is convenient but does come with fees. There’s a monthly charge of 4.95⁷ USD, and fees for using your card when you travel. You’ll pay a 4% foreign transaction fee, for example. You may also find the exchange rates offered aren’t the best available.
Ally is an online bank. While the cards and accounts offered from Ally are not strictly speaking the same as the prepaid travel cards featured elsewhere on this list, you could open and use an Ally account in a similar way.
Accounts are opened online, so you could top up only what you intend to spend while you travel, and use your linked card for convenience.
This gives the security of a prepaid card, as your Ally account won’t link to any of your regular bank accounts.
Ally charges a 1% fee for ATM use overseas⁹, and there may be additional charges levied by the ATM operators. Check the full terms and conditions online.
There are many prepaid card options out there from banks and online providers. Because Visa and MasterCard are among the most commonly accepted card networks outside of the US, many travel cards are issued on these networks to increase coverage.
Use this guide to find the right Visa prepaid card for your needs, or ask your bank if they offer this product to account holders.
One handy feature of some prepaid travel cards is that you can convert your dollars to the currency you need before you go on a trip, locking in the exchange rate.
You’re then sure what you have to spend, and should be able to avoid any surprise fees. Here are the cards which give that option, by destination country.
Before you head off on your trip, here are another few top tips to make sure you can make the most of your money.
When you’re using a card abroad in a store or ATM, you may be asked if you’d like to pay in your home currency — dollars — instead of the local currency in your destination.
ATM and payment providers claim this is a service which lets you easily see the cost of your purchase in a familiar currency. However, it’s also a good way to hit unnecessary fees, and inflated exchange rates.