Pre-paid Credit Card for youth?

I need some info on pre-paid credit cards for my son, who will be traveling overseas soon. Something I can manage/monitor online, get a replacement card ASAP if need be, add funds if need be. VISA or Mastercard? What about Am Express?

Thanks in advance. I'm off to the sauna :lol:

 

Cleo - check your pm's

 

over seas?! gawd i would be committed from worry! i have panic attacks when they are in another state with grandparents!

You are a good woman Cleo!! 8)

 

The MC or Visa might be a better idea, just because AMEX isn't accepted everywhere like the other 2.

 

Cleo,

If memory serves me right he is going on a well supervised trip. Great, great program. My daughter thought about doing this but thinks she'll go when the trip from CHS goes.

Anyhow, call your bank. I am sure they have everything needed. I have some converters for electrical outlets somewhere around here, if needed.

Sherry

 

Are credit cards safer than debit cards, or does it not matter nowadays?

 

Atleast with a debit card you have to enter the PIN, anyone can swipe your card and go with a credit card.. especially if they don't look for signatures or check an ID. But, overseas, is the debit card system the same for what to them would be a foreign bank??

 

Good point on the PIN number. He is confirming that now. WHY he didn't mention this before... :lol:

 

As we know, debit cards take money directly from your bank account. If someone steals a debit card you lose, not the bank. Visa or MC debit cards can be run as credit card, no pin required.

If someone steals a credit card, you have recourse. If you watch the balances online daily while you (or your child) is traveling you will know what is happening and may be able to stop the charge before it ever gets paid out to any vendor. JMO after personally experiencing credit card theft. Card company knew I wasn't going to pay them so they were happy to help me stop the charges.

Clark Howard hates debit cards. Excerpt from his website www.clarkhoward.com:

"I am not a fan of these "fake" Visa and Master Card cards, as you may know. But if you must use them, you need to use them correctly. First of all, don't use debit cards for online purchases, large purchases or to book trips. They may help you avoid using credit, but thieves or errors can drain money directly from your checking account. I'll tell you about the ongoing pitfalls with these cards and how to get the best use out of them."

Sorry, long post.

 

Kids...go figure! Mine should be finishing up an essay for the FBI camp, whose deadline is fast approaching, but I don't think she is doing that right now. You know...MySpace, friends, swimming, FaceBook, cell phones those things that just get in the way.

Sherry :jester:

 

This is not true for debit cards that carry the VISA logo. With the VISA logo you have the same protection as a credit card. Without the logo you'd have to check with you bank to find their policy.

 

That is what I thought.

Sounds like I better get to the bank. ASAP!!

 

Also - the pre-paid types of credit cards have transaction fees associated with them each time they are used, especially when used overseas.

 

They have lots of fees... if you call and check the balance, $1.50. if you log-in online and check the balance $1.50. If you press "0" to talk to an operator - a real person... $4... The company I work for uses a prepaid debit card for those employees that do not have a bank account, their paychecks are direct deposited onto the card.

 

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