What is a prepaid travel card?
A prepaid card for your travels saves you from carrying large amounts of cash abroad. Here’s how they work...
No impact on your credit score. Eligibility criteria, fees and charges apply. Prepaid cards aren’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Suits Me
Essential
Great for
But be aware that
Suits Me
Premium
Great for
But be aware that
Suits Me
Premium Plus
Great for
But be aware that
An everyday prepaid card lets you load money onto a card before you spend it. You can then use it much like a debit card to pay online, shop in-store or withdraw cash—wherever the card is accepted.
Because you can only spend the money available on the card, it can be a useful way to manage your budget without borrowing or using an overdraft.
Once you’ve opened an account, you add money to your card using one of the payment methods offered by the provider. Your purchases and withdrawals are deducted from the balance, and you can top it up again when you need to.
Many prepaid cards also come with an app, helping you check your balance, review transactions and manage your money on the go.
An everyday prepaid card could be worth considering if you:
Want a simple way to control your spending
Don’t have, or don’t want to use a traditional bank account
Would prefer a card that doesn’t offer credit or an overdraft
Want to separate everyday spending from your main account
Have had difficulty opening a standard current account
Prepaid card fees and features vary between providers. Before applying, check for monthly charges, card fees, cash withdrawal costs and any fees for adding money or using the card abroad.
Prepaid cards aren’t credit cards, so using one won’t normally build your credit history. They also aren’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Reviewed on 1 Sep 2026
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).