{"id":17389,"date":"2025-06-27T21:19:03","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T21:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=17389"},"modified":"2025-06-27T21:19:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T21:19:03","slug":"use-a-prepaid-travel-money-card-to-stick-to-your-budget-on-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=17389","title":{"rendered":"Use a Prepaid Travel Money Card to stick to your Budget on Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\t\tRachel Hazelwood<\/small><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t<\/i> 27th Jun 2025<\/small>
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\t\t\t\t\t\tReading Time:<\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Prepaid travel cards are a great way to budget on holiday. It used to be that part of preparing to go on vacation would involve a trip to your local post office or bank to buy currency and order travellers cheques. You\u2019d then have the worry of carrying that cash around, remembering the code to the hotel safe and making sure you took enough money out with you.<\/p>\n

You might have needed to buy more currency from a local bank or exchange counter or even use your UK bank card because you\u2019d run out of cash \u2013 both of which can involve quite hefty fees. It was really hard not to overspend.<\/p>\n

These days, you can get a prepaid travel card with your currency already loaded on to it. Whatever is left on the card at the end of your holiday can be withdrawn as pounds and paid back into your bank account. They really are a great way to stay in control of your money on holiday!<\/p>\n

Read on to find out more.<\/p>\n

<\/a>What are prepaid travel cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These cards are sometimes called travel money cards or prepaid currency cards. Very simply, they work like a debit card. You can use them in shops or restaurants; at the cashpoint; in a bar \u2013 and most are contactless too.<\/p>\n

Think of it like pay-as-you-go. Choose a card. Use the app to load the card up with the currency (or currencies) you need for your holiday. Use the card like you would your UK bank card and once you\u2019ve used the money on the card you can\u2019t spend any more.<\/p>\n

(However, if you do use all of the money you pre-loaded onto the card, you can use the app to transfer more funds instantly, so you never need to worry about running out of funds.)<\/p>\n

With some cards you can even preload them with sterling which is then converted into the currency of the country you\u2019re in according to the exchange rate that day. Handy if you\u2019re travelling between countries with different currencies.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Why use one?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are lots of reasons to use a prepaid travel card. They are convenient, easy to use and offer peace of mind. But the two most attractive things about these cards are the safety aspect and budgeting.<\/p>\n

Using a prepaid travel card means you don\u2019t have to carry around wads of cash, usually in a slightly sweaty money belt tied around your waist and neither do you have to worry about keeping your travellers cheques safe. (Not to mention finding somewhere to cash them in and remembering to carry your passport, which you need for ID).<\/p>\n

With a prepaid travel money card your money is there, in your purse or wallet, at all times. Should it get stolen you can cancel it immediately.<\/p>\n

The second reason \u2013 budgeting \u2013 is really appealing to a lot of people. Yes, you can add more to the card if you really have to, but if you\u2019re careful and work out what you need beforehand or if you know that you only have a certain amount of spending money, they are a brilliant way to budget.<\/p>\n

You load as much or as little as you want on to the card, check the balance at the end of every day and then budget for the next day. As long as you are strict with yourself, there is no reason to overspend.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Where can you use them?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most travel money cards are underwritten by Mastercard or Visa (some are underwritten by American Express) and will therefore be accepted everywhere Mastercard and Visa are accepted \u2013 that\u2019s over 36 million locations around the world!<\/p>\n

However \u2013 and this is important \u2013 don\u2019t use a prepaid travel card to guarantee things like hotel bookings and car-hire. The company will usually take a payment and hold that in reserve until you check-out or return the car. This could wipe out a big portion of the money you pre-loaded. Use your UK credit card for these \u2013 especially as you have extra protections if you need to raise a refund claim at a later date.<\/p>\n

You also may not be able to use them at pay-at-pump stations or toll booths. Always check before travelling.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Who can get one?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Anyone over the age of 18 can get one. Even if you have a poor credit-rating, as long as you have a stable address and ID (eg passport or driver\u2019s licence) you can get a travel money card.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>What are the fees and charges?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The prepaid travel card firms aren\u2019t offering you their cards out of the goodness of their hearts. Charges will apply. But the charges vary hugely from provider to provider and you should always read up to\u00a0make sure\u00a0you\u2019re getting what you pay for.<\/p>\n

Each card will have different fees so make sure you understand the terms of use before you commit to using one. Please ALWAYS read the terms and conditions!<\/p>\n

Here are a few potential charges you should look out for:<\/p>\n