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A prepaid US dollar card is a card that you load with money to spend while you’re holidaying in the US or other countries that use the dollar.
Much like a debit card, you can use a prepaid US dollar travel card to buy goods and services, but it has the advantage of lower transaction fees.
You can usually top the card up whenever you want, and it can be quickly frozen or cancelled if you lose it, with a replacement card or emergency cash issued depending on its terms.
Prepaid dollar cards are easy to get and easy to use. Here’s how…
Compare and apply online. We’ll show you our best dollar cards and highlight the key features. When you’ve found one you like, just click to apply
Load the card. Add money to your prepaid card through an app, bank transfer, ATM, or phone
Spend abroad. Use your prepaid dollar card just as you would a debit card. And if you run out of money, top up as required
Here are five key ways to choose the best US dollar prepaid card:
Look for a card with minimal charges for usage, top-ups, ATM withdrawals, and currency conversion
Check how easily you can load money onto the card, through bank transfer, debit card, or even cash
Choose a card with favourable exchange rates and no or low foreign transaction fees
Review daily spending, withdrawal, and balance limits to make sure they fit your needs
Ensure the card has fraud protection, the ability to freeze it instantly, and supports app monitoring
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You can usually load funds by linking a bank account, using a debit card, setting up direct deposit, or topping up at retail locations, depending on the card provider.
Most dollar prepaid cards offer balance checks through a mobile app, online portal, text alerts, or by calling the customer service number on the card.
With prepaid travel cards, you can only spend the dollars that you’ve added. Handy if you’re on a budget
You can take advantage of favourable exchange rates in the run up to your visit to the States
You can avoid foreign exchange fees that apply when using a debit or credit card in the US
Some providers charge administration fees. These might include a sign-up fee, monthly charges or top-up fees
Limits sometimes apply on how much foreign currency you can load onto your prepaid Dollar card
Unlike credit cards, you’re not protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong with your purchase
Some prepaid dollar travel cards charge for ATM withdrawals while you’re in America. So if you think you’ll be using it to take out cash from your bank account on a regular basis, try and seek out a card that waives withdrawal fees.
It’s also worth noting that most prepaid cards don’t permit UK withdrawals.
Yes, you can usually use a US dollar prepaid card for online purchases in other currencies. However, currency conversion fees may apply. If you plan to shop internationally or travel often, a multi-currency prepaid card may be a better option – as it lets you load different currencies in advance and avoid extra charges.
Yes, most prepaid dollar cards are issued by regulated financial institutions and protected by security features like chip-and-PIN, encryption and fraud monitoring. However, they’re not always covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), so it’s wise to choose a trusted provider and keep balances modest.
Act quickly. Contact your card provider to freeze or block the card immediately. Most issuers allow this via an app or phone. You can usually order a replacement, and depending on the provider’s policy, recover any funds that haven’t been fraudulently spent.
When you load a prepaid dollar travel card, you often lock in the exchange rate at that moment. This means you’ll avoid future currency fluctuations, but it also means you could lose out if the rate improves later. It offers certainty, though not always the best possible rate long term.
Here are some common fees and charges you might encounter with a prepaid dollar travel card:
A one-time fee for setting up the card
Charges for adding money to the card, often depending on the method
A fee when taking cash out abroad
Charged if spending in a currency other than USD
Applied if the card isn’t used for a certain period
For lost, stolen or damaged cards
Here are some alternatives to a prepaid dollar travel card:
Often accepted worldwide and can offer better exchange rates, but may come with foreign transaction fees
Use your regular bank card abroad, though fees and exchange rates vary by provider
Let you hold and spend in multiple currencies, locking in exchange rates before travel
Useful for emergencies or places that don’t accept cards – just be cautious about carrying large amounts
An older option, less common today, but still accepted in some destinations
Prepaid dollar travel cards can be a smart way to manage your spending abroad – they help you lock in exchange rates in advance and avoid surprise fees from your bank. Just watch out for hidden charges, like ATM withdrawals or inactivity fees, and always check if the card supports your destination.
Tim Heming Personal Finance Expert
Comparing prepaid dollar travel cards is simple. Here’s how…
Our comparison tables show you our best prepaid cards in one place. So you can make an informed decision
We’ll flag all our prepaid dollar cards’ key features and selling points, as well fees and incentives
Found a card that suits you? Good news. Just click through to apply online. It takes just minutes
Just like debit cards and credit cards, prepaid cards are indeed contactless. As part of the activation process, you may need to enter your PIN the first time you use the card
A prepaid card is similar to having travel money. Once you’ve loaded your card with cash, you can use it to buy goods and services in just the same way.
But the crucial difference is that a prepaid card is safer than carrying around a lot of foreign currency in cash or leaving it in your hotel room.
In the event that your prepaid card is stolen, it’s easy to cancel. And if your card goes astray, you can usually get a new one quickly.
If your provider can’t issue a replacement card until you return home, they may even give you cash to see you through your trip.
The other key selling point of a prepaid dollar card is that you can load your card and lock in a good rate before you set off, allowing you to make the most of your money.
Yes, most prepaid dollar cards in the UK are issued by Mastercard or Visa and will work globally wherever these providers are accepted. However, if you spend in a non-dollar currency, you may be charged a foreign exchange fee unless your card supports multi-currency use.
Sometimes. Some hotels and car rental companies don’t accept prepaid cards for deposits as they can’t block off funds like a credit card. Always check with the provider before booking.
Yes. Like most payment cards, prepaid travel cards expire after a few years. You can usually transfer your balance to a new card before expiry or request a replacement if still in use.
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