Prepaid Debit Card USA

[Livstar]

Hi

My partner and I are going to the USA in a few weeks and we already have US dollars. We have looked at Travelcards in Australia, but you can't load US dollars on to them it needs to be AUS dollars.

Are we able to purchase a prepaid debit card when we get there and upload our money? I don't want to carry cash with us the whole time.

They seem to be available through banks to places called Walgreens which I think are chemists

Any advice would be great!!

Cheers
Olivia Barbarich

 

[mella2007]

Hi Olivia, Welcome to AFF

I have the Comm Bank Travel Money Mastercard (debit) when I go to the US and can pre loaded and topped up in US dollars. It costs $10 from the bank and your first deposit is free. I think its around $2 a withdrawal from an overseas ATM...find it terrific to use. You can read all about it on Comm Bank's website.

 

[markis10]

I would not be surprised if the AUD climbs over the next few months, I would be cashing in the USD, getting a Citibank debit card and just withdrawing the cash and getting it converted on the fly for little cost in terms of fees.

 

[Tawita]

When last in the US I had a look at these (available all over, including drug stores like Walgreens and CVS). It appears that, after purchase, you have to go online to activate them, at which time you are required to provide your (US) Social Security number. I do not know how they would deal with purchase by non-US citizens. All of the cards I saw (both Visa and MasterCard) were provided by Green Dot. From their FAQ:

What is necessary to get the Green Dot Card?

All you have to do is visit one of our participating retailers to purchase the Card and call or go online to provide your personal information to activate the Card. You can also order a Card online by clicking here. Federal law requires us to obtain, verify and record your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number when you register a Green Dot Card. If a valid social security number is not provided, a Personalized Card will not be issued.

It seems that they distinguish between a temporary card (which is the physical card you purchase in the store) and a personalised card (which I guess has your name on it). It appears that temporary cards can not be used in ATMs or anywhere a PIN is required. More information at Green Dot's FAQs.