Pre Pay Visa.

[redrus]

I read in another thread about others arguments between Travellers Cheques and Credit/Debit Cards.

I got sent this advert mail this morning and it looks to me like a really good way around it.

"Speedcard is a Prepaid Visa Card, which gives you access to your money, when and wherever you want.

You simply pay money into your Speedcard account then access your money worldwide at Cash Machines (ATM's) or by paying for goods and services in shops, or on the web.

With Speedcard, its simple, there are no credit checks. Also you don't get charged at ATM's"

Speedcard

I hope we don't consider this spamming, I just feel if it can help others not lose cash in one way or another, cool....!

[britmaveric]

What happens if card gets fked?

[redrus]

What happens if card gets fked?

From what I understand they sort it all.

*

Monitor all transactions online

*

Your money back if your card is lost, stolen or used fraudulently*

I'm gonna look more into it.

Anyone got experience....?

redrus

[redrus]

Still sounds ok..

Travel

0% foreign exchange fee

Speedcard is perfect for travelling abroad.

Rather than carrying around cash in your pocket or worrying about walking around with Credit Cards, Speedcard is the safe alternative. Because you can top up your account whenever you want, you can use your card to protect your money when travelling.

For example you can use Speedcard to set your daily limit, just go online, deposit money onto your account and leave your cash and Credit Cards in the hotel safe. Speedcard is also a great place to keep “emergency” funds, just in case. But that’s not all.

Because Speedcard is accepted at over 20 million merchants and 800,000 ATM’s world wide, it couldn’t be easier accessing your money, wherever you may be.

Most debit cards and credit cards charge 2.7% foreign exchange fee on transactions. Speedcard charges 0% foreign exchange fee on all transactions, saving you money when you're abroad.

redrus

Nah, still can't wrap quotes, me and Lovejoy not in this clique then.....55555

Edited February 1, 2006 by redrus

[Maestro]

Nah, still can't wrap quotes

Do not despair, Redrus, you almost got it right. Just do it the other way around next time: the one you used to end your quote, use it to start the quote (the one without the slash), and the one with the slash you use to end your quote.

----------------

Maestro

[redrus]

Nah, still can't wrap quotes

Do not despair, Redrus, you almost got it right. Just do it the other way around next time: the one you used to end your quote, use it to start the quote (the one without the slash), and the one with the slash you use to end your quote.

----------------

Maestro

Top man, I'm havin this now,,....!

redrus

*edit, thank f*** it worked.....

Edited February 1, 2006 by redrus

[Rj 81]

Top man, I'm havin this now,,....!

redrus

*edit, thank f*** it worked.....

I think the easiest way is to open a Nationwide Flex account then take the Debit card with you to LOS. No charges and you can draw money anywhere in LOS anytime. Plus if you activate internet banking you can then transfer money to your account from another account you have, whilst in LOS.

[Maestro]

*edit, thank f*** it worked.....

You’re welcome…but I’m not sure if I should pardon your French

--------------

Maestro

[Guest endure]

I read in another thread about others arguments between Travellers Cheques and Credit/Debit Cards.

I got sent this advert mail this morning and it looks to me like a really good way around it.

"Speedcard is a Prepaid Visa Card, which gives you access to your money, when and wherever you want.

You simply pay money into your Speedcard account then access your money worldwide at Cash Machines (ATM's) or by paying for goods and services in shops, or on the web.

With Speedcard, its simple, there are no credit checks. Also you don't get charged at ATM's"

According to their own FAQ you do:

FEE TYPE GBP

CARD APPLICATION FEE 9.95

MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE 2.45

CUSTOMER CALL PER MINUTE National Call Rate

CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45%

BANK DEPOSIT FEE UK Barclays Branches 1% (MIN £1)

BANK DEPOSIT FEE INTERNATIONAL (SWIFT IN) 10.00

ATM WITHDRAWAL 1.20

PURCHASE (POS) Free

INTERNET PURCHASE (POS) Free

OTHER FEES – WHERE APPLICABLE GBP

COURIER DELIVERY (If requested by Cardholder) 15.00

TRANSMISSION INVESTIGATION/ COPY REQUEST 15.00

CHARGEBACK- (following fraudulent activity by

Cardholder) 25.00

ACCOUNT TERMINATION FEE 5.00

REPLACEMENT OF LOST/STOLEN CARD AND/OR PIN 10.00

CARD RENEWAL (EVERY 2 YRS) 9.95

DORMANT CARD ACCOUNT – (Inactive accounts with insufficient funds) 2 Month’s Service charged once funds are available

[redrus]

Top man, I'm havin this now,,....!

redrus

*edit, thank f*** it worked.....

I think the easiest way is to open a Nationwide Flex account then take the Debit card with you to LOS. No charges and you can draw money anywhere in LOS anytime. Plus if you activate internet banking you can then transfer money to your account from another account you have, whilst in LOS.

RJ, how are ya fella good I trust.

Mate, my financial situation dictates that I cannot have many bank items such as debit/credit cards.

This therefore seems the perfect solution.

It also means I can pay for stuff by card in person or over the net, whereas before I could not.

*edit, thank f*** it worked.....

You’re welcome…but I’m not sure if I should pardon your French

--------------

Maestro

Then Maestro, please accept my most humble appologies.....

redrus

*edit, don't ask me why those edits messed up, they wern't mine.

I read in another thread about others arguments between Travellers Cheques and Credit/Debit Cards.

I got sent this advert mail this morning and it looks to me like a really good way around it.

"Speedcard is a Prepaid Visa Card, which gives you access to your money, when and wherever you want.

You simply pay money into your Speedcard account then access your money worldwide at Cash Machines (ATM's) or by paying for goods and services in shops, or on the web.

With Speedcard, its simple, there are no credit checks. Also you don't get charged at ATM's"

According to their own FAQ you do:

FEE TYPE GBP

CARD APPLICATION FEE 9.95

MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE 2.45

CUSTOMER CALL PER MINUTE National Call Rate

CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45%

BANK DEPOSIT FEE UK Barclays Branches 1% (MIN £1)

BANK DEPOSIT FEE INTERNATIONAL (SWIFT IN) 10.00

ATM WITHDRAWAL 1.20

PURCHASE (POS) Free

INTERNET PURCHASE (POS) Free

OTHER FEES – WHERE APPLICABLE GBP

COURIER DELIVERY (If requested by Cardholder) 15.00

TRANSMISSION INVESTIGATION/ COPY REQUEST 15.00

CHARGEBACK- (following fraudulent activity by

Cardholder) 25.00

ACCOUNT TERMINATION FEE 5.00

REPLACEMENT OF LOST/STOLEN CARD AND/OR PIN 10.00

CARD RENEWAL (EVERY 2 YRS) 9.95

DORMANT CARD ACCOUNT – (Inactive accounts with insufficient funds) 2 Month’s Service charged once funds are available

Ah, cheers Endure.

It seems all is not as clear as it seems. I'll just have to weigh up weather it add's up or not, with other charges from other methods.

redrus

Edited February 1, 2006 by redrus

[Guest endure]

Nationwide always seems to come out tops as far as cost is concerned.

[redrus]

I can't get proper bank cards fella, so it seems its either this card (so I can pay by card) or the T-cheques.

redrus

[Maestro]

Speedcard

I don’t think the application fee of GBP 9.95 and the monthly fee of GBP 2.45 are justified. After all, the bank can earn money with the cash float, i.e. the money loaded onto the cards but not yet spent. In addition, it says “other usage fees apply” and refers you to lengthy “Terms and Conditions”, which in turn refer you to “fees and tariffs” that are listed God knows where. Oh, yes, there is also mention of “Cash Withdrawal Fees on each Cash Withdrawal shall be charged and debited to your Card Account at the rate applicable in the Fees and Tariffs. In addition you may be charged a separate fee by the ATM operator or any network used and your Card account will be debited accordingly.”

Altogether, I should think, not necessarily the ideal solution for someone going on a foreign vacation for perhaps four weeks once a year.

-------------------

Maestro

[redrus]

I read in another thread about others arguments between Travellers Cheques and Credit/Debit Cards.

I got sent this advert mail this morning and it looks to me like a really good way around it.

"Speedcard is a Prepaid Visa Card, which gives you access to your money, when and wherever you want.

You simply pay money into your Speedcard account then access your money worldwide at Cash Machines (ATM's) or by paying for goods and services in shops, or on the web.

With Speedcard, its simple, there are no credit checks. Also you don't get charged at ATM's"

According to their own FAQ you do:

FEE TYPE GBP

CARD APPLICATION FEE 9.95

MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE 2.45

CUSTOMER CALL PER MINUTE National Call Rate

CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45%

BANK DEPOSIT FEE UK Barclays Branches 1% (MIN £1)

BANK DEPOSIT FEE INTERNATIONAL (SWIFT IN) 10.00

ATM WITHDRAWAL 1.20

PURCHASE (POS) Free

INTERNET PURCHASE (POS) Free

OTHER FEES – WHERE APPLICABLE GBP

COURIER DELIVERY (If requested by Cardholder) 15.00

TRANSMISSION INVESTIGATION/ COPY REQUEST 15.00

CHARGEBACK- (following fraudulent activity by

Cardholder) 25.00

ACCOUNT TERMINATION FEE 5.00

REPLACEMENT OF LOST/STOLEN CARD AND/OR PIN 10.00

CARD RENEWAL (EVERY 2 YRS) 9.95

DORMANT CARD ACCOUNT – (Inactive accounts with insufficient funds) 2 Month’s Service charged once funds are available

So, if you open the account and put in money in a Barclays Bank, it wil cost £1. Lets say you stick in a grand. You are going away for a month. You don't take any cash out of ATM's (take T-cheques for cash), only pay for things by swiping or by internet. Then cancel the card, paying £5 cancel fee, you should come out ok.?

Don't know what, CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45% , means.....?

redrus

[mogoso]

Nationwide always seems to come out tops as far as cost is concerned.

Is Nationwide a bank in the UK? Doesn't do squat if your from elsewhere. Nationwides an Insurance company here.

[redrus]

Nationwide always seems to come out tops as far as cost is concerned.

Is Nationwide a bank in the UK? Doesn't do squat if your from elsewhere. Nationwides an Insurance company here.

It is mate.

redrus

[Rj 81]

redrus, a Nationwide bank IS the best way to draw money in LOS. You don't have to get a credit card, just get a debit card. It's free to open an account and free to draw money.

Just transfer from your normal bank account to the Nationwide one before you go.

You can also use your card to buy things if you have no cash on you, and buy stuff of tin'ternet.

Av a good un!

Edited February 3, 2006 by Rj 81

[redrus]

55555,

Rj, check PM's.

Cheers for the responses so far but, I reckon this card could ok for me. If used right.

redrus

[Carmine6]

I read in another thread about others arguments between Travellers Cheques and Credit/Debit Cards.

I got sent this advert mail this morning and it looks to me like a really good way around it.

"Speedcard is a Prepaid Visa Card, which gives you access to your money, when and wherever you want.

You simply pay money into your Speedcard account then access your money worldwide at Cash Machines (ATM's) or by paying for goods and services in shops, or on the web.

With Speedcard, its simple, there are no credit checks. Also you don't get charged at ATM's"

According to their own FAQ you do:

FEE TYPE GBP

CARD APPLICATION FEE 9.95

MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE 2.45

CUSTOMER CALL PER MINUTE National Call Rate

CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45%

BANK DEPOSIT FEE UK Barclays Branches 1% (MIN £1)

BANK DEPOSIT FEE INTERNATIONAL (SWIFT IN) 10.00

ATM WITHDRAWAL 1.20

PURCHASE (POS) Free

INTERNET PURCHASE (POS) Free

OTHER FEES – WHERE APPLICABLE GBP

COURIER DELIVERY (If requested by Cardholder) 15.00

TRANSMISSION INVESTIGATION/ COPY REQUEST 15.00

CHARGEBACK- (following fraudulent activity by

Cardholder) 25.00

ACCOUNT TERMINATION FEE 5.00

REPLACEMENT OF LOST/STOLEN CARD AND/OR PIN 10.00

CARD RENEWAL (EVERY 2 YRS) 9.95

DORMANT CARD ACCOUNT – (Inactive accounts with insufficient funds) 2 Month’s Service charged once funds are available

So, if you open the account and put in money in a Barclays Bank, it wil cost £1. Lets say you stick in a grand. You are going away for a month. You don't take any cash out of ATM's (take T-cheques for cash), only pay for things by swiping or by internet. Then cancel the card, paying £5 cancel fee, you should come out ok.?

Don't know what, CREDIT CARD LOAD 3.45% , means.....?

redrus

For a month of use on £1,000, it looks like you'd pay the application fee, monthly service charge (probably 2), deposit fee, and termination fee. So, £9.95 + 2.45 + 10.00 + 5.00 = £27.40

That's 2.74% or 2.985% if you incur 2 monthly fees. Not a great deal. And even though there's no "foreign currency fee" it doesn't guarantee you'll get a good exchange rate. I'd think you're better off with extra traveler's cheques.

I believe the 3.45% "Credit Card Load" is what's charged if you use a credit card to load this one.

[Neeranam]

You need a UK address to open a Nationwide account.

[Jimjam]

Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

I got a Speedcard and it Definitely came out cheaper when using it abroad than my debit card or credit card. They charge no foreign exchange fee other than the visa wholesale rate, which as far as I know is better than anywhere else. Also you don't get charged a cash advance fee which you do on a credit card.

I top it up with cash at barclays, which is much cheaper than western union.

Anyway if anyone knows of something cheaper let me know.

www.speedcard.com