|
|
Post by gale w on Jun 14, 2016 18:11:13 GMT
My son is going away for a few days next month and will be in another state. He is 17. He'll have an adult with him but he will be responsible for his own meals, drinks, etc. I'm thinking about loading a prepaid visa so he doesn't have to carry as much cash. Anything I need to know about them? I have never used one. thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Jun 14, 2016 18:18:02 GMT
Don't swipe it at a pay before you pump thing, it will place a hold on the card.
Dies he not have a debit card?
|
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Jun 14, 2016 18:20:40 GMT
I don't know if this is still true but the only issue I have with them is that you need to know how much is left on the card if you are making a purchase that is greater than what is left on the card. For example, if you are buying something for $15 and there is only $10 left on the card you need to tell the cashier that so they can ring in $10 otherwise the card will be declined.
I had a nice cashier once when I had $6 something on the card. I didn't know the exact amt. and she kept trying different combinations of $6 something until she finally guessed the correct amt.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 1:17:25 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 18:23:46 GMT
I don't know if this is still true but the only issue I have with them is that you need to know how much is left on the card if you are making a purchase that is greater than what is left on the card. For example, if you are buying something for $15 and there is only $10 left on the card you need to tell the cashier that so they can ring in $10 otherwise the card will be declined. I had a nice cashier once when I had $6 something on the card. I didn't know the exact amt. and she kept trying different combinations of $6 something until she finally guessed the correct amt. That's my biggest grievance with them as well. Hate trying to remember how much is left on the card. Also, keep in mind that some cards charge a monthly fee. |
|
|
|
Post by gale w on Jun 14, 2016 18:24:43 GMT
Don't swipe it at a pay before you pump thing, it will place a hold on the card. Dies he not have a debit card? No, he only has a savings account and no debit card (none in our family at all-we just use credit cards and pay them off every month). He won't be buying gas so that shouldn't be a problem. |
|
|
|
Post by sphmaz on Jun 14, 2016 18:26:06 GMT
Don't get a Visa Vanilla!! We had nothing but problems when both my kids got them for Christmas gifts and customer service was of NO help! We couldn't register the cards and when one finally was, it showed nothing on the card even though we had the receipt that said there WAS cash on card!  I don't know about any other type of Visa card but these really have my staying away all together. And the PP was right, you do need to know how much is left on card as your getting to the end or it gets declined. |
|
|
|
Post by gale w on Jun 14, 2016 18:26:29 GMT
I don't know if this is still true but the only issue I have with them is that you need to know how much is left on the card if you are making a purchase that is greater than what is left on the card. For example, if you are buying something for $15 and there is only $10 left on the card you need to tell the cashier that so they can ring in $10 otherwise the card will be declined. I had a nice cashier once when I had $6 something on the card. I didn't know the exact amt. and she kept trying different combinations of $6 something until she finally guessed the correct amt. That's my biggest grievance with them as well. Hate trying to remember how much is left on the card. Also, keep in mind that some cards charge a monthly fee. Thanks. I would put way more than he needs on it for this trip. Can I add more if I don't have the card with me? |
|
|
|
Post by gale w on Jun 14, 2016 18:27:13 GMT
Don't get a Visa Vanilla!! We had nothing but problems when both my kids got them for Christmas gifts and customer service was of NO help! We couldn't register the cards and when one finally was, it showed nothing on the card even though we had the receipt that said there WAS cash on card! I don't know about any other type of Visa card but these really have my staying away all together. And the PP was right, you do need to know how much is left on card as your getting to the end or it gets declined. Good to know-thanks. I'll avoid the vanilla card. Is it better to see if I can get one at the bank or just go to walmart? |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jun 14, 2016 19:08:33 GMT
Honestly? I would recommend opening a checking account and linking a debit card or CC to the account. Pick one that will instantly return the money if it is hacked. He's 17 and it's a good life experience for him to manage a more grown up way of money while you are there to supervise.
My kids both have bank accts through USAA. I can add money at any time with no fees. It's so convenient to send them to the store for eggs and then just reimburse them the $2.63. All done through the computer in seconds. DS was at school 1,300 miles away this last year. It was easy to add money when he suddenly needed a prescription--I didn't have to wire money or worry how he was going to pay $200 for his prescription. . And I liked that we started him with it his senior year--when he was home and we could monitor and advise his spending. Same thing with DD, who just turned 17. If anything, they spend less because they don't have a lot of cash in their wallets.
|
|
M in Carolina
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,128 
|
Post by M in Carolina on Jun 14, 2016 19:10:25 GMT
I found some great info on prepaid cards at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Getting one from the major credit card companies has a lot more benefits, like fraud protection. Here's a link to a great article on how to detect that someone has put a card skimmer on an atm machine. Card Skimmers Here's another link about the benefits and risks of RFID chip cards. prepaid cards with RFID chips My biggest concern other than fraud protection would be how fast and easily more money could be added and what fees are charged for ATM deductions. When I went away for school my parents had me open a checking account that they could access at their bank. They could easily deposit my monthly "fun money" allowance as well as the extra money I needed for my cardiologist appointments and drug prescriptions. So when I called and told them that I needed $300 for my new heart med, the money was in my account the next day. (my husband's mother took me to my appointments and kept an eye on me) There was a bank branch right next to campus, and the fee for the ATM machine on campus was $2, so it wasn't difficult to get money during the weekend. Do be aware of the fees that both your bank and the Visa card charge for money transfers and getting cash. prepaid cards |
|
|
|
Post by bratkar on Jun 14, 2016 19:11:01 GMT
And just watch at any place like a restaurant that typically puts a hold on it for over what the total is, due to gratuities. So say he has 25.00 left on it, orders dinner out and its 20.00 for dinner it will place a hold and probably deny in the process.... Just another simple thing to be aware of, is all
What about getting a credit card in his name on your credit card account?
|
|
|
|
Post by tiffanyr on Jun 14, 2016 19:14:46 GMT
If you have a Simon mall close to you...you can go to the customer service and desk and buy a visa or amex and they charge a flat $2.95 to load it, regardless of the amount. Most of the pre-paid cards at the grocery stores charge $5.95 and up, plus you can put any amount from $20 - $500 on one card.
|
|
|
|
Post by freecharlie on Jun 14, 2016 20:33:45 GMT
Honestly? I would recommend opening a checking account and linking a debit card or CC to the account. Pick one that will instantly return the money if it is hacked. He's 17 and it's a good life experience for him to manage a more grown up way of money while you are there to supervise. My kids both have bank accts through USAA. I can add money at any time with no fees. It's so convenient to send them to the store for eggs and then just reimburse them the $2.63. All done through the computer in seconds. DS was at school 1,300 miles away this last year. It was easy to add money when he suddenly needed a prescription--I didn't have to wire money or worry how he was going to pay $200 for his prescription. . And I liked that we started him with it his senior year--when he was home and we could monitor and advise his spending. Same thing with DD, who just turned 17. If anything, they spend less because they don't have a lot of cash in their wallets. ds has had his for a year...he'll be 15 in a couple of weeks. Most his friends have them as well. It is not linked to my account for overdraft, but is for transfers |
|
luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428
|
Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 14, 2016 20:34:46 GMT
My son is going away for a few days next month and will be in another state. He is 17. He'll have an adult with him but he will be responsible for his own meals, drinks, etc. I'm thinking about loading a prepaid visa so he doesn't have to carry as much cash. Anything I need to know about them? I have never used one. thanks Right down the number. I gave one to my 16 yo DS to use while visiting my daughter over spring break. He barely used it and lost it but you need the # to report it. Ugh. Never again. He has a checking acct. and I finally got everything figured out for doing transfers to a debit card for him. Before that, he had a Teen Paypal card which I really liked (it was lost though at the time of the trip). The only drawback was it charged you for withdrawing cash. |
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Jun 14, 2016 20:36:21 GMT
Honestly? I would recommend opening a checking account and linking a debit card or CC to the account. Pick one that will instantly return the money if it is hacked. He's 17 and it's a good life experience for him to manage a more grown up way of money while you are there to supervise. My kids both have bank accts through USAA. I can add money at any time with no fees. It's so convenient to send them to the store for eggs and then just reimburse them the $2.63. All done through the computer in seconds. DS was at school 1,300 miles away this last year. It was easy to add money when he suddenly needed a prescription--I didn't have to wire money or worry how he was going to pay $200 for his prescription. . And I liked that we started him with it his senior year--when he was home and we could monitor and advise his spending. Same thing with DD, who just turned 17. If anything, they spend less because they don't have a lot of cash in their wallets. ds has had his for a year...he'll be 15 in a couple of weeks. Most his friends have them as well. It is not linked to my account for overdraft, but is for transfers Same here. Not linked for overdrafts, but for transfers. And we have it set so that if the account is empty, a transaction won't go through. |
|
|
|
Post by lemondrop on Jun 14, 2016 20:38:17 GMT
What about getting a credit card in his name on your credit card account?  |
|
|
|
Post by beachbum on Jun 14, 2016 20:40:04 GMT
A friend did this for a trip to WDW, somehow the card got hacked and all the money was taken. When she called about it the customer service told her that this happens quite often. I'd go with a debit card through your bank, even if it's just used for this trip.
|
|
LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
|
Post by LeaP on Jun 14, 2016 20:50:05 GMT
My daughter is in Costa Rica. Bank of America will set up a bank account with no fees and a debit card. She has $300 available for her trip. If you have a B of A nearby I would suggest doing this. The prepaid Visa card seems a bit anonymous should it get lost or misplaced.
|
|
daisydonna
Full Member
Posts: 265
Sept 5, 2015 11:45:16 GMT
|
Post by daisydonna on Jun 14, 2016 22:09:53 GMT
Open a separate account and get a debit card for him for just that account.
Then link YOUR bank acct to it....which means you can transfer your own cash to it if needed.
Many banks have an app too so u can see what purchases he has made etc.
After trip put away debit card until another trip.
|
|
scullybean
Shy Member
Posts: 49
Jun 26, 2014 0:29:52 GMT
|
Post by scullybean on Jun 14, 2016 22:15:06 GMT
Before DD had her own bank account, she used a teen / student PayPal card. Worked great and easy to transfer money when she needed it, plus she couldn't spend more than what was on it.
|
|
scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,307
|
Post by scrappinghappy on Jun 14, 2016 22:16:27 GMT
My kids both have Paypal Debit cards off my Paypal account. They are super easy to add money to and you can get an email every time they use it so monitor for fraud. There is an appp for your phone as well so you can add money wherever you are.
Another option might be an ALLY Bank check account with a debit card. You can link to another account for transfer of just write a check and deposit it. They also have a phone app
Paypal is faster but you have to have money in your accnt to transfer to the kids otherwise it takes longer.
|
|
|
|
Post by underwatermama on Jun 14, 2016 23:04:23 GMT
We did a debit card with my now 17 y.o. But I also discovered it's kind of a pain since I felt like I was transferring my money back into his account because he was buying something that I asked him to, or getting a haircut, etc. So, now he has a credit card on my account. So far so good as he's very responsible.
|
|
|
|
Post by 2peafaithful on Jun 14, 2016 23:11:37 GMT
Check out the American Express Serve card. I looked into several of the cards recently and I felt like that one had more to offer.
|
|
|
|
Post by bwife on Jun 15, 2016 5:59:58 GMT
A friend did this for a trip to WDW, somehow the card got hacked and all the money was taken. When she called about it the customer service told her that this happens quite often. I'd go with a debit card through your bank, even if it's just used for this trip. THIS is why I would NOT get a prepaid card. it is just like a Gift card. if it gets stolen, it can be used and you have no recourse in getting your $ back. Where on the other hand, if you get him a CC on one of your CC accounts or open him a checking and get him a Debit card and it gets stolen or hacked, Then the bank will open a fraud case and you will most likely get your $ back. If you open him a checking account, it can be linked to your online banking account and you can transfer funds at any time online. Most checking accounts do not come with checks, just the debit card and a lot of banks print the cards on site. So you could get it quickly. our college kid has his account linked to our online banking so we can see when he is getting short on funds. |
|
|
|
Post by bunnyhug on Jun 15, 2016 12:20:09 GMT
Walmart (must be Walmart Canada, I assume) is about to stop accepting Visa cards as payment. Their reasoning is that it costs them too much in fees every time someone makes a purchase, so they are touting the move as a way to keep prices low. There have also been a bunch of consumer protection bits on the news lately reminding people that prepaid Visas charge for each transaction, take money off each month even if the card isn't used, and quite commonly have problems with set up--so you get a gift of a card and then can't use it because it wasn't properly activated. The Canadian banking system is different than that of the US, but my kids have all gotten a 'youth account' when they were in grade 8 and going on a week long class trip--they have debit cards, and if there were an emergency, I could easily send an email transfer or go to the bank and deposit into their account. Once a prepaid Visa is lost or empty, it's gone.
|
|
TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,831
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
|
Post by TankTop on Jun 15, 2016 12:22:57 GMT
Paypal has worked well for us as well. If I need to load more on it, I love how quickly it is accessible to my dd.
|
|
|
|
Post by gale w on Jun 15, 2016 19:08:44 GMT
Thanks everyone. I think I'll just get him a card on one of my lesser used cc accounts (so if it's lost I can cancel without having to adjust a ton of auto-pays). He doesn't want to worry about remembering a pin number for a debit card (not sure if they can be used without one) and our bank isn't offering free checking accounts.
|
|
catfan
Shy Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by catfan on Jun 15, 2016 21:13:28 GMT
I just got one through my bank. It's not like a gift card but had a chip. She can use the banks ATMs without a fee. There was an activation fee, but no monthly fee or charges to add money. It was a much better value than other prepaid cards.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmpeter on Jun 16, 2016 3:53:03 GMT
Consumer Reports recently ranked the best ones. There are options that have zero fees and plenty of protection. To reload any of them you must first register and activate them. Just buying one at the store gives you a temp card which is similar to a gift card.
My daughter isn't 18 so I opened an AmEx Bluebird card and added her as an authorized user. She got her own card. I load money onto my card via transfer from my bank acct and then use the Bluebird app to transfer money to her card. I can log in and see her purchases and transfer funds at any time. It's all free.
She does have a savings acct with a debit card. But, I don't like her carrying that card around because she loses things easily and keeps a healthy balance in her savings acct. The prepaid card works better for us.
|
|
I don't know about any other type of Visa card but these really have my staying away all together.
Southern Side eyed Pea 
