Has anyone heard of a prepaid visa card? Someone at work suggested one for my daughter who may be traveling later this summer.
I think those are like the gift cards that they advertise. You just decide how much $$ you want to put on it and they 'load' the card and send it off to you. Most of the offers I've seen (Citibank pushes them pretty hard) have a transaction fee per card - but I don't think it has anything to do with the amount you put on the card. I'm not sure if they'll replace them if they're lost or stolen, though. You might want to consider travellers checks for that reason. Or maybe a combination of both.
Well, the best thing to do would probably check your existing accounts to see if they offer them. I know Citibank USA does so if you have one of their cards you can get one from them.. I also think Chase does. What cards do you have? Try this link for info on gift cards http://www.allinfo.net/citibank/high/usage/gift.htm
http://www.omnigift.com (not preferred) and http://www.webcertificate.com - you might have to call and ask for their mastercard if it isn't on the site (very much preferred...great company to do business with...you can add the funds online...the fee is small where with omni..the card is a one time use and the fee is high IMHO). Hope this helps! Laura
I think what your friend at work meant was perhaps the VISA Buxx programs offered through several banks, most notably, BAnk of America. (Cap1 is not accepting new applicants). It's instant and your teen can get a card in about a week which you replenish for her/him. (My fiance and I use them for our kids). Here's that link for more info. Decide for yourself: http://www.visabuxx.com
www.commerce.net/research/ebusiness-strategies/2k1/2k1_10_r.html Scroll down to bottom of page to find links for all the preloaded cards. Hope this is what you were looking for. Tuit
They have a Breezecard!! How could they steal my name? I think I will sue them. http://www.greenshoe.com/BreezeCard.htm
iGen Mastercard available at most any Rite-Aid pharmacy http://www.igencard.com AAA - You do not have to be a AAA member and their cards are issued by MBNA. Also, they're more privacy friendly since I had a card sent to my PO box and they didn't balk. http://www.storedvalue.aaa.com AAA Global Currencyâ?¢ For all your international travels AAA EveryDay Fundsâ?¢ For college students, teenagers and budgeting AAA Stored Value Cards Each AAA Stored Value card is a prepaid Visa card that carries a dollar amount you set up beforehand. As you use it, the amount you spend is deducted from the card balance. And, when your funds get low on your AAA EveryDay Funds card or AAA Global Currency card, it's easy to reload again and again. There are no credit checks or applications required to purchase the AAA Stored Value cards. It's today's safe, convenient, and flexible way to manage your spending. AAA Global Currency - For International Travelers When making your international travel plans, remember to pack AAA Global Currency, a reloadable prepaid Visa travel card. The card provides you with: -24 Hour cash access at more than 556,000 ATMs worldwide and at more than 600,000 merchant locations that display the Interlink symbol. -Safety and peace of mind since your funds are secure and can only be accessed with your Personal Identification Number (PIN) - unlike other cards. -Complete uninterrupted access to your funds if your card is lost or stolen when you take a second back up card with you. This feature is not available for any of your other card accounts. AAA EveryDay Funds - For your teenager, student, or yourself AAA EveryDay Funds is a reloadable prepaid Visa card that is designed to work like a credit card, but it's prepaid. It's the perfect card for teens and students - a "cool" and safe way to keep allowances, birthday money, extra cash or school funds for everyday spending. -Your teens and students will love the freedom, independence and power this card delivers. -And parents and grandparents will love the card as it teaches teens practical budgeting skills. AAA Gift Card - The Perfect Fit This prepaid Visa gift card lets your family and friends choose the gift they really want, anywhere they want. -Better than a gift certificate or cash. -Use it everywhere Visa is accepted - at more than 18 million merchant locations. -Available in any denomination from $25 to $500.
I know in Oregon and SW Washington they are available at Coinstar machines. Go to www.mycardstatus.com for more info.
