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.
In this post, we review the Best Prepaid Credit Card For Travelling Abroad, travel money card, should i get a prepaid credit card for travel, and can prepaid credit cards be used internationally.
Best Prepaid Credit Card For Travelling Abroad
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.
travel money card
Co-Founder of Monito and money transfer expert, François has been helping Monito’s users navigate the jungle of money transfer fees, bad exchange rates and tricks for the last six years.
A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
Links on this page may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.
From the multitude of bank fees and ATM charges to hidden currency conversion fees, there’s no question that travelling abroad can be costly — and that’s saying nothing of the cost of the holiday itself!
As you prepare for your trip abroad, the golden rule is that you’ll save the most money by using the local currency of your destination. This means accessing local cash with ATMs and using a debit card to access the local currency. Using your British bank debit card that accesses your British pounds, for example, will lose you money to hidden fees at ATMs and local merchants.
In general, we consider Revolut the best travel card all-around as its versatile account and card can be used to spend like a local pretty much anywhere in the world. ✨ Get 3 months of free Revolut Premium as a Monito reader with our exclusive link.
However, if you’re from the EU, UK, or US, here are a few more specific recommendations to explore:
If it’s not possible for you to spend in the local currency when travelling abroad, then spending in your home currency while using a card that doesn’t charge any hidden exchange rate markups from your bank (e.g. only paying Visa or Mastercard exchange rates to convert currency) is still a good bet for most people.
In this guide, we explore cards that waive or lower ATM fees and that hold multiple currencies. Spend on your holiday like a local and enjoy peace of mind after each tap and swipe.
Best Travel Cards
Best Travel Money Cards at a Glance
Don’t Let Banks, Bureaux de Change and ATMs Eat Your Lunch 🍕!
Are you withdrawing cash at an ATM in the streets of Paris? Exchanging currencies at Gatwick airport? Paying for a pizza with your card during a holiday in Milano? Every time you exchange currencies, you could lose between 2% to 20% of your money in hidden fees. Read this guide to make sure you recognize and avoid them.
Currency Exchange Fees Eating My Lunch? What’s That?
You’re often charged a hidden fee in the form of an alarming exchange rate. At any given time, there is a so-called “mid-market exchange rate” – this is the real exchange rate you can see on Google.
However, the money transfer provider or bank you use to exchange currencies will rarely offer you this exchange rate. Instead, you will get a much worse exchange rate. They pocket this margin between the actual rate and the poor exchange rate they apply, allowing the bank or money transfer provider to profit from the currency exchange.
In other words, you or your recipient will receive less foreign currency for each unit of currency you exchange. All the while, the provider will claim that they charge zero commission or zero fees.
So the question now is… how can you avoid them? Thankfully, the best travel money cards will allow you to hold the local currency, which you can access instantly with a tap or swipe. Holding the local currency avoids exchange rate margins on every purchase.
Top Travel Money Tips
Enjoy your holidays with peace of mind and more money in your pocket!
The Best Travel Money Cards in 2022
After researching and reviewing the top travel cards offered by some of the most well-known neobanks, Monito has found multi-currency cards by Wise, Revolut, N26, and Monese to be among the industry’s best. Here, we walk through their products and services and compare them to other options like the Travelex Money Card.
Revolut
Revolut is one of the most well-known neobanks in the world because it offers services across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.
Like Wise, Revolut converts your currency to the local currency of your travel destination at the mid-market rate. In fact, we think it’s the number one way to buy foreign currency.
Their Standard Plan only allows free exchanges for transfers worth £1,000 per month. ATM withdrawals are also free for the first €200. These allowances can be waived by upgrading memberships.
N26
One of the most well-known neobanks in Europe, N26 and its debit card operate in Euros only. However, N26 is a partner with Wise and has fully integrated Wise’s technology so that you never have to pay foreign transaction fees on your purchases outside of the eurozone. While N26 does not have multi-currency functionality, N26 will apply the real exchange rate on all your foreign purchases and will never charge a commission fee — making N26’s card a powerful card for EU/EEA residents who travel across the globe.
This low-fee option for banking is also ideal for travellers who do not belong to a European bank but frequent the Eurozone. For example, N26 is available for residents and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, and other European Economic Area countries who do not run on the Euro.
These citizens, who are in close proximity to the Eurozone, will save each time they spend with an N26 card while in Europe. N26 provides three free ATM withdrawals per month in euros but does charge a 1.7% fee per ATM withdrawal outside of Europe.
Wise Multi-Currency Card
Load up to 54 currencies onto this card at the real exchange rate, giving you access to truly global travel.
Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs, Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your home currency into up to 54 currencies. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise.
An industry-low commission fee per transaction will range from 0.35% to 2.85%, depending on the currency.
Monese
Monese is recommended for UK or EU residents who frequently spend in British pounds, Euros, and Romanian leu because of its spending allowances for those currencies.
On its £1.95 per month Essential Plan, you can spend your British Pounds abroad for a 0.5% fee per transaction. On the £14.95 per month Premium Plan, you can spend as much as you want internationally without incurring a fee, including ATM cash withdrawals.
Your other option is to convert your home currency into pounds, euros, or leu (for travels to the UK, Eurozone, or Romania). If you load up Pounds with your UK bank account, for example, you can move that into your euro or leu account at no extra cost. This is a great plus compared to Wise, which does charge a small fee each time you transfer money from one currency pot into the next.
Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2022 Compared
In the table below, see our comparison summary of the four best travel cards for 2022:
🎉 With Revolut, Monito’s users get the standard card shipped for FREE using our link.Last updated: 03/04/2022
🎉 With Revolut, Monito’s users get the standard card shipped for FREE using our link.Last updated: 03/04/2022
🎉 With Revolut, Monito’s users get the standard card shipped for FREE using our link.Last updated: 03/04/2022
Which Countries, Languages and Platforms Are Supported?
Here, you’ll find information about where each card is available, as well as which language and operating system each supports:
Which Travel Money Card Provider Is the Most Trustworthy?
Find out more about how the travel cards compare with respect to users and trustworthiness:
What Happens If I Have a Problem With My Travel Card?
Below, you can find a summary of the steps to follow in the event that you run into a problems with each of the cards:
Which Multi-Currency Card is the Best?
Travel cards come in many varieties, such as credit cards that charge no foreign transaction fees or cards that waive all foreign ATM withdrawal fees.
What is a Multi-Currency Card?
Multi-currency cards are a specific type of travel card that allows you to actually own all kinds of foreign currencies, which you can instantly access when you pay with your card abroad. By spending the local currency in the region of travel, you bypass poor foreign exchange rates. ATMs and cashless payment machines will treat your card like a local’s card.
We have already mentioned a few multi-currency cards in this review, but we will also introduce Travelex. Travelex’s Money Card also allows you to top up several foreign currencies — albeit at exchange rates slightly poorer than the real mid-market rate.
Wise Multi-Currency Account
Wise has one of the best multi-currency cards available on the market. Read our full review for more details.
Revolut
Revolut is impressive for its vast options in currencies as well as its additional services, such as stock trading, cryptocurrency access, and money management interface. Our in-depth review explores Revolut’s services in full.
Travelex Money Card
Travelex offers a prepaid travel money card that supports 10 currencies and waives all ATM withdrawal fees abroad.
Travelex charges fees, which fluctuate according to the exchange rates of the day, in order to convert your home currency into the currencies that it supports. But once the currency is on the card, you’ll be able to spend like a local. Learn more with our full review.
Best Travel Money Card Tips
When you convert your home currency into a foreign currency, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees:
With these facts in mind, let’s see what practices are useful to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges you may encounter while on your travels.
Tip 1: While Traveling, Avoid Bureaux de Change At All Costs
Have you ever wondered how bureaux de change and currency exchange desks are able to secure prime real estate in touristic locations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Covent Carden in London while claiming to take no commission? It’s easy: they make (plenty of) money through hidden fees on the exchange rates they’re giving you.
Our study shows that Bureaux de Change in Paris charges a margin ranging from 2.15% at CEN Change Dollar Boulevard de Strasbourg to 16.6% (!!) at Travelex Champs-Élysées when exchanging 500 US dollars into Euros for example.
If you really want cash and can’t wait to withdraw it with a card at an ATM at your destination, ordering currencies online before your trip is usually cheaper than exchanging currencies at a bureau de change, but it’s still a very expensive way to get foreign currency which we, therefore, would not recommend.
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.
Smart ATM Choice
Aren’t all ATMs the same? No, not at all. Some of them charge a higher fee for withdrawals. Though you might be notified before you make the withdrawal, you will sometimes end up paying more than you should if you need to get cash quickly.
should i get a prepaid credit card for travel
There are all kinds of concerns when it comes to financing a vacation. We want to make sure we’ve saved enough money, budgeted, and stay safe while spending abroad. This is easier said than done for some people that struggle with money. And that’s where a prepaid debit card may be helpful.
What are prepaid cards and why are they so useful?
A prepaid debit card is a lot like the debit card you use for day-to-day transactions. The main difference is that you can load a specific amount onto the card for a fixed spending limit. This alternative approach can be useful for travelers for the following reasons.
1. Prepaid cards are all about controlled spending
This is essential for travelers with minimal self-control. Self-control is hard to come by when traveling, too. Most travelers throw it out the window once they touch down and find things like duty-free stores. With a prepaid card, you load the card with a specific budget before you travel. This way, you can use it during your vacations and keep things simple. Whatever you have on the card is all that you can spend.
Some travelers will say this is far too restrictive. After all, vacations are about treating ourselves with a few impulse purchases, right? This is true, but the shine on that expensive souvenir soon wears off when we return to credit card debt. Prepaid cards mean that even though there is a limit, you know where that money came from and where it is going.
2. This controlled spending means that there shouldn’t be too many nasty surprises
Prepaid debit cards are great for those that like to keep it simple. You can live entirely in the moment when buying dinner or a ticket to an attraction. There’s no worry about overspending, falling into overdrafts or racking up excessive debt.
But, we must point out the risk of fees. These fees shouldn’t be nasty surprises to anyone smart about their purchases. So be ready to read the fine print. Still, they can add up – as is explained by the Washington Post.
Fees can include all or some of the following:
It all sounds pretty painful when listed like that, but don’t worry too much. Not all card providers charge the same fees or the same rates. This is why it pays to compare options and details before committing to a card.
3. There may be a strict limit on the amount spent, but not on the purchases you can make
There are lots of places that will accept prepaid debit cards. Let’s not forget, they come from reputable providers. Visa and Mastercard, for example, have prepaid cards that you can use around the world. This means easy payments for:
4. The best prepaid cards are easy to use from any location
Some credit cards and debit cards can have a short delay between payments. Hotels and other establishments may allow a payment, but it might not go through for a few days. This can be a problem when planning expenses while on vacation.
These prepaid cards are much faster and more reliable. This, in turn, helps to improve money management and reduce stress. It should also be simple enough to reload the card if needed, thanks to mobile apps and other services.
We don’t want to sway you on a particular company or brand of prepaid card – you need to find the option that suits you. But, we do recommend that you take a look at this video from Visa on YouTube. This video runs through the basics of activating and loading money onto a prepaid card. (We’ve also provided the available options to load cash into a guide for you.)
Visa is a popular choice in prepaid cards because the company is recognized across the world. It’s easy to use the cards for payments in foreign countries, especially at global chains. Most ATMs should also accept these cards for withdrawals without any problems.
5. There are also benefits here for younger travelers
Our kids are growing up fast, and they want to see a little more of the world. Or, perhaps just something beyond state lines. Maybe they want to take a little road-trip with friends, or head to a festival somewhere? Naturally, they will expect the bank of mom and dad to finance the trip.
There are four options here:
The best answer depends on how money-savvy your kids are, and how much you trust them. Are they likely to lose the credit card (which can lead to a whole heap of trouble) or leave the cash behind in a hotel room? Is it too risky to leave them to survive on what minimal funds they have of their own?
Prepaid card expert Curtis Arnold wrote a guide for the Huffington Post back in 2014. The advice on teaching kids about money habits via prepaid cards remains true today. They are a great safety net for teens out on the road for the first time.
Are prepaid debit cards the best option for you?
Many experts advocate prepaid cards as more of a backup plan or secondary option. But, this might not be enough of an incentive to follow a strict budget. It is too easy to reach for the credit card if it is an option.
These prepaid cards aren’t for everyone – not with all those fees involved. Yet, they can teach younger travelers something about money management. And appreciating that vacation money they worked for is a great lesson. Consider this option when budgeting for your next foreign trip. Or, for any teenagers planning a big adventure.
can prepaid credit cards be used internationally
Some international travelers may not be aware that many merchants, restaurants and hotels overseas no longer accept the traditional mag strip credit and debit cards – an International Chip card is now required to make purchases. Altra offers personalized Visa International Chip cards for members that can be ordered online.
How do I order a card?
What is a Global Chip & PIN bank card and authentication?
Chip & PIN, also known as EMV, is an international standard replacing the magnetic stripe on bank cards used for payment transactions. The card can be used with a magnetic stripe or the chip, ensuring that both US and non-US merchants will be capable of accepting the card. EMV PIN transactions are more secure than those requiring a signature, and protect you against fraud.
How does the Visa International Prepaid Card work?
The International Prepaid Card is a reloadable prepaid EMV Visa debit card, which means you can spend up to the value placed on the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted worldwide. You can shop in stores, online, over the phone, and by mail order. You can get cash at Visa ATMs worldwide. Each time you make a purchase, the amount of that purchase is automatically deducted from the card. When used in international markets where merchants authorize with the Chip & PIN on the front of the card instead of the magnetic stripe on the back of the card, the International Prepaid Card avoids unnecessary declines. PLEASE NOTE: Altra Membership is required to order our Visa International Prepaid Card.
How do I check the balance on my Visa International Prepaid Card?
You can check your balance at this website, by calling your local branch, or by calling customer support at (855) 657-8588. Since a merchant may not be able to tell how much money is on the card, keeping track of your balance is a sure way to know how much you have to spend.
Where can my Visa International Prepaid Card be used?
Your card can be used to make purchases at millions of Visa debit locations worldwide and to obtain cash at any Visa ATM worldwide. Even merchants in countries who only accept cards with a Chip will be able to approve your transaction. However, note that some unattended kiosk terminals outside the U.S. such as luggage cart rentals, parking garages, even transit terminals may decline your International Prepaid Card due to the way the authorization is sent.
Are there transaction or reload limits?
However, for the protection of our cardholders, there are limits to the number and dollar amount of reloads, ATM withdrawals and cash advances performed within a certain time period. Cash-back from a Visa merchant is allowed at US Visa merchants only. To learn more about the current limits, please reference your terms and conditions.
Who can order or use the card?
Altra Membership is required to order the Visa International Prepaid Card. This card can only be purchased online by Altra members age 18 or older that have a valid Altra debit or credit card registered in his or her name. View membership eligibility.
The individual purchasing the card is defined as the primary cardholder. The address listed for the primary cardholder must match the billing address for the debit/credit card used to purchase the International Prepaid Card. Primary cardholders can order online up to 4 personalized secondary cards for family members or companions. When purchasing a secondary card for a young person (under age 18) with no card experience, be sure to go over all of the terms and conditions that accompany the card.
Can I purchase a Visa International Prepaid Card as a gift?
No, International Prepaid Cards cannot be given as a gift. You purchase the International Prepaid Card for your own personal use.
How do I get a Visa International Prepaid Card?
Altra Membership is required to order the Visa International Prepaid Card. This card can only be purchased online by Altra members age 18 or older that have a valid Altra debit or credit card registered in his or her name.
Does the cardholder need to sign an agreement?
Each card is distributed with Terms & Conditions. This document fully explains the terms and conditions regarding the use of the card. This document can also be viewed online. The cardholder accepts the terms and conditions by signing the back of the card, using the card, or receiving the card by request.
How do I activate my International Prepaid Card and obtain my PIN?
Your Prepaid card can be activated by clicking on the Activate Card button in the right side navigation bar. An assigned PIN will be displayed. You may also call the customer support number listed on the back of your card to activate your Prepaid Card, an assigned PIN will be spoken.
What happens if my PIN is not working?
It is possible you have forgotten your PIN. Do not make more than 3 attempts if you are receiving a bad PIN error in the terminal. If you try more than three times, you will lock the PIN on your chip located on the front of your card. Before you make any more attempts at purchases, call the customer support number and choose the option “Hear Your PIN” to obtain the correct PIN.
If the PIN gets locked on the chip when the failures occurred at a merchant outside the U.S., this card can no longer be used at merchants outside the U.S. It can, however, still be used at merchants within the U.S. and at any ATM worldwide.
If you need an International Prepaid Card to make purchases at merchants outside the U.S., you will need to obtain a replacement card with a new PIN.
If you lock the PIN while attempting to use it in an ATM, you do not need to replace the card, however, you must wait 24 hours for the system to unlock the PIN. During this waiting period, remember to call customer support to hear your correct PIN.
What happens if I need to return an item?
Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other Visa transaction and may take up to 7 business days to be credited to your International Prepaid Card. The merchant may credit your International Prepaid Card, provide a cash refund or issue a store credit.
What if the purchase is denied?
If a decline occurs, the card’s available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. You may inform the merchant of the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant. Also, please be aware that some merchants – for example, restaurants, car rental agencies, salons, mail-order companies, and cruise lines – preauthorize for an amount slightly higher than your actual transaction to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. This amount is “held” until the transaction settles to your International Prepaid Card. Only the amount you sign for will ultimately be deducted from your card. Use of the card at automated fuel dispensers requires that a specific minimum balance be available on the card, which is determined by the issuer of the International Prepaid Card, in order to complete the transaction. For example, the issuer may require that there is a minimum balance of $75 on the card in order to utilize the card at an automated fuel dispenser. Again, only the actual amount spent will ultimately be deducted from the card.
Can I use the International Prepaid Card to make a purchase that is larger than the balance on the card?
Yes, simply pay a portion of the purchase with the available balance on your International Prepaid Card and then request to pay the balance of the purchase with cash, check, or another credit/debit card.
Can I reload the International Prepaid Card?
Yes, to reload using the funding account(s) registered online, cardholders can visit this website, call the number listed on the back of their card, or visit their local branch. Any applicable fee for reloading via the website or by phone will be charged to their funding source, along with the value being added to their card. Some issuers also allow the ability to have direct deposits set up from an employer, refer to your terms and conditions to confirm this option is available.
Why might my initial load or reload be declined?
Possible reasons your initial load or reload might be declined are: you have not registered any funding accounts on the website; the name/address on file with the debit/credit card issuer does not match the primary cardholder profile on the International Prepaid Card website; the debit/credit card expiration date or 3 digit code listed on the website is incorrect; or the load limit or other applicable limits have been exceeded. First, verify your funding account information and the total number of reloads performed to date. If this does not resolve the issue, call the toll free number on the back of your card to discuss other limits that may have been exceeded.
Can the card ever have a negative balance?
Any authorization request that is greater than the card’s available balance will be declined. However, there can be times when a Visa merchant puts an item through without prior authorization. If an overdraft occurs, the cardholder can dispute the transaction if it was not legitimate, otherwise you will be required to either reload funds onto the card or make a payment to Cardholder Services to cover the negative amount.