If you constantly travel abroad for business or pleasure, it is likely that you already own and use an international prepaid card. If you don’t use one yet, it is likely that you have heard about it from friends, family, or colleagues. Those who own international prepaid cards often have their international prepaid cards with them whenever they travel.
Those who use international prepaid cards when they travel abroad can attest that it is very convenient as they are spared from having to carry money wherever they go. More importantly, they can conveniently use their international prepaid cards to do transactions through merchants or online.
Just like other plastic cards such as debit or credit cards, you can use your international prepaid cards to pay for other travel expenses such as air fares, hotel fees, and many others. When you need cash, you can always withdraw money using your international prepaid card at ATMs associated with your prepaid card provider.
Your Quick and Easy Guide to International Prepaid Cards
Regardless if you are already using an international prepaid card or if you intend to get one, it is crucial that you are aware of all the fundamentals about the card and how it should be used so you can take advantage of all it has to offer. While international prepaid cards have been around for some time, not everyone is familiar with it.
Maximise all the benefits you can get from your international prepaid card by keeping the following fundamentals in mind:
- If you are looking to save money in terms of conversion charges, using your international prepaid card is your best option.
- Using your international prepaid card gives you the option to directly load foreign currency on your card. This means that if the rates work in your favor or are to your liking, you have the option to make currency conversions.
- The most offered currencies include Euro, Australian Dollar, British Pound, and the United States Dollar.
- In the event that you deplete the balance that’s available on your card, you’d be happy to know there are other options available at your disposal. For instance, you have the option to load money onto your card through secure online portals or mobile banking. As soon as money has been successfully loaded onto your international prepaid card, you can use your card right away for online and merchant payment transactions and for ATM withdrawals.
- Aside from having the option to avail of the best foreign currency exchange rates, an international prepaid card can put you in charge of your spending. It is important to keep in mind that your spending will depend on the balance that is available on your international prepaid card. In other words, if there is no balance available, your spending stops automatically. However, once the money has been loaded, you can use the card right away.
- You also have the option to load money on your international prepaid card at any time you deem or convenient. You have the options to load money weekly, monthly, or even daily.
- In the event that your prepaid card gets stolen or lose, you can have your international card blocked right away. All you need to do is get in touch with the issuer so the blocking of your card can be implemented right away. The good news is some prepaid card issuers will provide their international prepaid cardholders with another card in case their main one gets lost or stolen.
