Prepaid Credit Card for travel

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Forums › Finance and wealth management › Prepaid Credit Card for travel

Xeo

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#104088 14-Jun-2012 16:32

Hello, I'm looking for a prepaid credit card to use when I will be in US.

I own an Air NZ airpoints card that can be used as a DEBIT card (mastercard), details here:
www.airnewzealand.co.nz/onesmart

It seems handy, you load the money in the currency you want (USD in my case) and no conversion fees or withdrawal fees.

My only concern is that it's a DEBIT card and MASTERCARD, and I know that Debit card are not very welcome in some countries, will it be a problem in USA?

I also found the Loaded for travel from kiwibank:
www.loadedfortravel.co.nz/

This is a VISA and CREDIT card but the fees are really expensive!! 6NZD for an ATM withdrawal!!!

So, do you think onesmart will be enough or is better to go for the loaded for travel?
I don't want to be there and be unable to use the card because no one accept it!

thank you!

freitasm

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#640842 14-Jun-2012 16:36

The debit card will work just fine. Just hit the "CREDIT" button when withdrawing cash, etc. Also OneSmart won't charge you an ATM fee, but the ATM provider might still charge their own fee anyway.

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Xeo

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#640848 14-Jun-2012 16:54

freitasm: The debit card will work just fine. Just hit the "CREDIT" button when withdrawing cash, etc. Also OneSmart won't charge you an ATM fee, but the ATM provider might still charge their own fee anyway.

Thanks, I think I will not use the ATM withdrawal very much, I am more concerned about direct payment in stores/cafe etc.
I will also rent a car and I heard that using a debit card could cause you some problems with the rental company.

crazynz101

12 posts

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#640849 14-Jun-2012 16:54

I’ve been using my Onesmart card here in Canada and in the USA for the last 4 months and haven’t had any issues.

freitasm

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#640851 14-Jun-2012 16:57

Xeo: I will also rent a car and I heard that using a debit card could cause you some problems with the rental company.

The problem is not the type of card. The problem is that rental companies and hotels (and prepaid petrol pumps) put a hold on your funds and will only release that when the full payment is made.

Funds on hold are not available for your use.

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Xeo

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#640855 14-Jun-2012 17:02

freitasm:
Xeo: I will also rent a car and I heard that using a debit card could cause you some problems with the rental company.

The problem is not the type of card. The problem is that rental companies and hotels (and prepaid petrol pumps) put a hold on your funds and will only release that when the full payment is made.

Funds on hold are not available for your use.

Ok thanks, So i will probably use the normal credit card for the car.

crazynz101: I’ve been using my Onesmart card here in Canada and in the USA for the last 4 months and haven’t had any issues.

Thanks, this makes me less concerned about it!

Thanks guys!