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The 49 Best Gift Cards for Travel Lovers

We’ve rounded up the best gift cards for any travel lover on your shopping list.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

The benefits of travel are impossible to wrap up neatly with a bow. You just can’t put a price tag on an impossibly beautiful view , the experience touching down on a new continent , or that life-changing conversation with a local who lives oceans away . That said, a travel-related gift card is probably the closest you’ll get to giving the actual gift of travel to your loved ones (without booking their flights or hotels for them, anyway!).

You’ll want to make sure to select a gift card you know they will be able to put to use. If your loved ones always fly Delta, for example, you won’t want to select a gift card from a different airline. If they’re planning a backpacking trip through South America in the near future, they’ll benefit much more from a Columbia gift card, where they can stock up on camping and hiking gear, versus one from a luxe hotel chain.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best gift cards for jetsetters, from cruise lines and airlines to the top luggage and accessory brands.

Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is known for offering booking flexibility with no hidden costs, and the airline consistently ranks on our World's Best domestic airlines list. If you've got a friend or family member who's looking to plan their dream trip, you'll be their new favorite person with this pick.

Delta eGift Card

Delta’s SkyMiles offers one of the best rewards programs in the business — which is why there are so many frequent flyers who swear by the airline. The Delta eGift Card is particularly practical as you can purchase one to instantly email to your favorite traveler, making it an exceptional ultra-last-minute gift.

Hotels.com Gift Card

Expedia's hotel arm, Hotels.com, is one of the best places to score hotel bookings and packages for less. The site is always offering savings at some of the top spots around the world, whether you book for now or later. You'll effectively be gifting a discount and taking care of the bill, too.

Airbnb Gift Card

 Amazon

There’s something about checking into an Airbnb that can feel a lot cozier for certain travelers, especially if they’re planning a long-term trip to a new city. The gift of an Airbnb gift card will give them the leeway to select their own unique apartment or home anywhere in the world while still cutting down the overall cost of their trip.

Princess Cruise Lines Gift Card

Princess Cruise Lines

Princess Cruise Lines sails to 380 cruise destinations across more than 100 countries — and all seven continents — which makes this an excellent option for the traveler on your list who has been planning a bucket list cruise for ages. Gift cards are available for as little as $50 and as much as $500 (but you can always purchase a custom amount).

Holland America Gift Card

Holland America

Holland America Line was founded nearly 150 years ago in 1873, and has continued to be one of the most trusted cruise lines on the sea. The premium ships are smaller than most cruise lines which will give them a much more intimate experience; the average guest also tends to be a bit older which makes this option great for travel fiends who prefer a more laid-back experience at sea.

Amtrak Gift Card

Shopping for a travel lover who prefers riding the rails to boarding flights? Amtrak gift cards are available from $25 to $250 and will allow them to book a train journey anywhere in the United States, and select destinations in Canada. We also love that this option can be emailed directly to the recipient at a scheduled date and time.

Starbucks Gift Card

We know, we know. Part of the thrill of travel is experiencing the local customs and culinary offerings — and that includes coffee culture. But sometimes we just need that venti iced caramel macchiato to shake off the jet lag. The only thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that Starbucks cards don’t work in every country, so giftees won’t be able to use an U.S card in most places in Europe or Asia, for example, but Ireland, Australia, and the U.K. should be fine.

Nordstrom Gift Card

Not exactly sure when or where your favorite traveler is planning their next escape? No worries since a Nordstrom gift card offers infinite possibilities. Whether they need a new suitcase or carry-on duffel bag, or they’re looking to invest in a few new swimsuits for a winter getaway, there are thousands of practical (and pretty) items available both in-store and online.

Foot Locker Gift Card

Foot Locker

It doesn’t matter if they’re planning a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia or they’ve booked a weeklong vineyard-hopping experience in France, it always pays to have a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A gift card to Foot Locker will allow travelers to choose the stylish and practical sneakers, sandals, or boots that best suit their specific needs and preferences. (This option also offers email delivery for those ultra-last-minute shoppers.)

Uber Gift Card

Navigating a new city can be stressful, especially when you first touch down at the airport after a long-haul flight. Thankfully, Uber is now available in many parts of the world and even has designated airport pick-up zones, making a gift certificate not only a smart idea but one that will help you rest easy, knowing your loved one can make it from point A to point B safely.

Amazon Gift Card

When you think of traveling, your first instinct might not be to shop online, but it’s easy to get all sorts of before-they-go essentials here from packing cubes to portable chargers and suitcases under $100 . If your pal is already subscribed to Amazon Prime, a gift card to this marketplace will help them keep their bags stocked even quicker.

Apple Gift Card

Have a digitally nomadic friend who you constantly have to locate via Instagram? They've mastered the skill of booking a flight at the drop of a hat and finding the cheapest last-minute hotel deal, but they could always use a little insurance for their most valuable asset: their technology. With an Apple gift card, they'll be able to buy accessories they need or enjoy a little discount if their laptop or iPhone bites the dust on the road.

Air Canada Gift Card

Looking to find the right gift for your travel-loving pal up north? Air Canada gift cards are a great option for anyone who regularly travels between the U.S. and Canada, as well as Canadians who travel internationally as the airline currently serves more than 220 destinations worldwide on six continents.

Zappos Gift Card

For trips where much of the sightseeing will take place on foot, a gift card to Zappos will help your friend find the most comfortable shoes for these upcoming plans. Whether they’re in the market for winter boots for a mountain escape or sandals for an upcoming beach vacation, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler.

CheapOair Gift Card

Whether they’re planning a trip in the next few months or they’re still saving for a dream European vacation, you can still give the gift of adventure with a CheapoAir gift card, since they never expire. CheapOair will allow your loved one to search for the least expensive routes and flight paths and start planning their dream trip, whenever that might be.

Columbia Gift Card

After months of training, your sister is finally setting out to hike the Appalachian Trail all by her bad self. Express your support and encouragement with a gift card to Columbia, one of the leading trusted brands in outdoor wear. Depending on how generous you're feeling, you can outfit her with a tent, an insulated jacket, a backpack, and much more.

Fluent City Gift Card

Fluent City

If being able to speak another language comfortably has always been a goal for your mom as she plans her dream trip to Rome, consider giving the gift of the spoken word. Right now, Fluent City offers both private and group language lessons online. Even if it's a while before she puts her Italian skills to the test, she'll be more than prepared for when she finally arrives.

Away Gift Card

We’ve been big fans of Away luggage for their functional designs, gorgeous colors, and affordable price points ever since the brand’s inception back in 2015. Digital gift cards can be used in-store or online, and you can load the card up to $1,000 (to outfit your loved one with a full set of suitcases and travel accessories).

REI Gift Card

If your travel-loving buddy is more of a backpacker and camper and less of the luxury hotel type, a gift card to REI will be right up their alley. The multi-purpose store stocks everything they could possibly need for their next adventure in the great outdoors, from camping gear and weatherproof apparel to snacks appropriate for trekking in the bush.

Sephora Gift Card

Stocking up on travel-sized skin care and cosmetics is easy at Sephora, with hundreds of well-loved beauty brands offering miniature products to fit in a carry-on without going over the liquid limit. We especially love that Sephora allows you to customize a gift card with your own images or sayings. Let those creative juices flow!

Audible Gift Card

Book-loving travelers know the struggle of wanting to pack enough paperbacks to last the entire trip but also not wanting to run the risk of overweight baggage fees. A gift card for Audible will allow them to download as many books as they want to listen to right on a smartphone instead.

MaidPro Gift Certificate

Nobody likes coming back to a messy house after a long trip, but sometimes there’s just not enough time to tidy up, pack, and make it to the airport in time. A gift certificate to MaidPro will allow travelers to pre-schedule a professional cleaner to come, so all they’ll have to do is unpack and relax in an already tidy home.

Spafinder Gift Card

You might not know the details of your loved ones’ next five-star vacation, but a gift card to SpaFinder lets you give them a little dose of luxury whenever that may be. These gift cards are universal and can be redeemed at thousands of spas across the United States, and all over the world, so you can pretty much guarantee they’ll be able to find an eligible establishment in their future travels.

Marriott International Gift Card

If they’re all about racking in those Bonvoy points, you’ll want to consider a gift certificate to Marriott International. The digital gift cards are universal, which means gift recipients can put them toward their next stay anywhere in the world as long as it falls under the Marriott umbrella (think Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin, and more).

Fairmont Gift Card

A Fairmont gift card pretty much guarantees a luxurious experience. Whether your jetsetting friend uses it to check into one of the hundreds of historic properties around the world (like the Grand Railway Hotels across Canada, for example), or to enjoy a three-course meal, you know it’ll be put to very good use.

Hilton Gift Card

Whether your pal is a road-trip warrior, luxury enthusiast, or budget-conscious adventurer, a gift card to Hilton will suit them just fine. There is a vast network of brands at all price points — from the budget-friendly Hilton Garden Inn to the five-star Waldorf Astoria. The best part? Hilton gift cards don’t expire so they won’t have to rush to plan their next trip.

If there’s a cruise lover on your shopping list, Holland America gift cards can be used to book sailings worldwide and also for onboard purchases to make the journey even better. Whether your friend is looking to cruise Caribbean, European, or Australian waters, this gift card is the best way to start the trip.

Tortuga Gift Card

With Tortuga’s home try-on program, the adventurer in your life can select the perfect travel backpack for their trip and body needs. Tortuga products also offer a worldwide warranty, so this gift card may just be the most reliable gift you give this holiday season.

Most of us have enjoyed the convenience of summoning a Lyft to get us where we need to go. A Lyft gift card can not only be used for a comfortable ride, but for Lyft scooters and bikes as well. The gift amount will be credited to your friend’s Lyft account so they can use it however, and whenever, they want.

Best Western Travel Card

Best Western

Best Western Hotels and Resorts can be found in more than 100 countries and territories. Gifting the Best Western Travel Card means Rewards points can still be earned on all booked stays, and there’s no expiration date either.

White Duck Outdoors Gift Card

White Duck Outdoors

White Duck Outdoors is known for their easy-to-use and long-lasting camping gear. From durable glamping tents to duffel bags, your adventurous friend can choose just what they need to make their next trip a comfortable outdoor adventure with this gift.

CruiseDirect Gift Card

CruiseDirect

If you know a cruise aficionado looking for their next adventure, a CruiseDirect gift card lets them choose from over a dozen cruise lines to book their next dream getaway. This is perfect for those with flexible travel plans, or anyone new to the cruising world.

Briggs & Riley Gift Card

Briggs & Riley

What traveler doesn’t need a reliable bag? With a Briggs & Riley gift card, your jetsetter can choose between dozens of styles to suit their needs. Whether they’re in the market for a new carry-on duffel, hardside luggage, or even laptop backpack, gift card holders get a great selection of gear, all coming with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Chaco Gift Card

Chaco 

You probably don’t know your friend's shoe size off the top of your head. Instead of guessing, give them a Chaco gift card so they can shop for the best size, shape, and style for their outdoor needs. Physical Chaco gift cards can be shipped or sent electronically for ease and immediate use.

Hawaiian Airlines Gift Card

With over 35 destinations to choose from and no expiration date, Hawaiian Airlines’ gift cards will help your traveler start planning a dream vacation. Whether they’re interested in island hopping through Hawaii or exploring the South Pacific, giving this card means they will still earn miles on flights purchased as a present from you.

Calpak Digital Gift Card

Calpak Digital 

Calpak luggage and bags are the durable, high-end gift any traveler would love to receive this holiday season. Even better? Sending a Calpak gift card, so they can choose the design that’s best for them. From the sturdy Kaya Laptop Backpack we love to helpful packing cubes, there’s plenty to shop.

Four Seasons Gift Card

Four Seasons

If you’re unsure when shopping for your favorite luxury lover, look no further than the Four Seasons gift card. It’s redeemable for overnight stays, plus dining, spa treatments, and other experiences at Four Seasons locations worldwide. Cards can also be purchased in one of four currencies to avoid exchange rate fees.

Carnival eGift Card

Does your best friend have a Carnival cruise booked this year? Make their trip even better by giving them a Carnival gift card. Not only can it be used once onboard for gifts, drinks, and excursions to make an experience even better, it can be used to book their next cruise as well.

Monos Gift Card

Give your adventurer exactly what they want by letting them pick out what they need for an upcoming trip from lightweight luggage to comfortable clothes. The Monos gift card never expires and can be used on top of sales and discount codes, too.

Barnes & Noble eGift Card

Who doesn’t love the planning stages of an upcoming trip? Give the gift of in-flight entertainment with a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Whether your pal is looking for travel guides, magazines, or novels, they’ll find thousands of options in stores and online to get them excited to take off.

Alaska Airlines Gift Certificate

Alaska Airlines

With dozens of destinations to choose from, an Alaska Airlines gift certificate suits loved ones traveling throughout the United States and beyond. These gift certificates can be used not only on Alaska Airlines flights, but also Horizon Air or SkyWest flights operated by Alaska Airlines. They never expire and can be delivered directly to your friend’s email or printed and mailed.

Nomatic Gift Card

From accessories for everyday travel around town to bags for extended trips, Nomatic has something to offer everyone. The Nomatic gift card is not only a nice pick for your on-the-go friend this season, all products are also covered by a lifetime warranty, too.

OneTravel Gift Card

With the OneTravel gift card, your friend can book a flight to their dream destination across the globe. The best part is, you choose when the treat is sent to your loved-one’s email, which means you can buy now and still keep the surprise for later!

Virgin Experience Gifts Gift Card

Virgin Experience Gifts

With a Virgin Experience Gifts gift card, travelers can select an experience — from helicopter tours to murder mystery dinners — based on their location. With hundreds of excursions to choose from in dozens of cities, any adventurer can find something fun and unique to enjoy.

Athleta Gift Card

The Athleta gift card is perfect for any active woman on your list as the brand’s sizes range from XXS to 3X. Athleta gear runs on the sportier, more casual side which means styles like their comfy travel pants work both in the air and on a hike, too.

Cabela's Gift Cards

For the outdoor-loving travelers on your list, Cabela’s has everything for your favorite camper and boater. Their gift cards can be redeemed online and instore for both Cabela’s and BassPro Shops giving your friend even more options.

Celebrity Cruises E-gift Card

With over 300 cruise ports to choose from, your friend has plenty of trip options when receiving a Celebrity Cruises gift card. Treat them to an upscale cruise experience with $50, $100, $250, and $500 denominations to suit your gifting needs.

Arlo Skye Online Gift Cards

Arlo Skye is known for their beautiful and durable luggage — and we all know someone who’s obsessed with traveling in style. This season, give your trendy traveler a gift card to Arlo Skye to help them live out their dreamiest fantasies with a new bag in tow.

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For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis and Taylor Fox used their experience as travel writers and former lifestyle editors to curate the best options to suit most needs.

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What to know about prepaid travel credit cards

Prepaid travel cards are one more way to access cash while traveling the globe

Published: December 15, 2022

Author: Allie Johnson

Author: Dan Rafter

Editor: Brady Porche

Reviewer: Kaitlyn Tang

How we Choose

Prepaid travel cards can make it easy to access cash while you’re traveling abroad, but remember that convenience comes with limitations.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

Finally ready to take your next international trip? Whether it’s a business meeting in Brussels or a foodie’s tour of Florence, you might consider packing a prepaid travel card for your trip.

Prepaid travel cards let you access cash in your destination’s local currency without the risk of using your debit card. They also let you avoid the high fees of credit card cash advances or the hassles of scrounging up traveler’s checks before you depart.

But, be careful — despite the convenience of prepaid travel cards, they come with their own set of fees and limitations (most notably ATM withdrawal and purchase amount caps that could put a damper on your vacation).

“A prepaid travel card is one tool in a diverse travel wallet,” said Julie Hall, internal communications manager for Hilton Grand Vacations and former public relations manager for AAA, in a previous interview. “It’s one of the most convenient ways to get money while traveling.”

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about prepaid travel cards — from how they work to the pros and cons of using them for your travels.

• How do prepaid travel cards work?

Prepaid travel cards work much like general-purpose prepaid cards, except that they typically offer special features and perks designed for travel — which can vary based on the issuing bank.

In general, to use a prepaid travel card, you purchase the card and simultaneously load it with the funds you want to spend on your trip, up to the maximum amount allowed on the card. (For example, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® , a general prepaid card, allows a maximum balance of $15,000.)

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can use your prepaid card to make purchases directly (much like you would with a debit card). You can also use it at an ATM to get cash in that destination’s currency.

Depending on the card issuer, you’ll be able to log in to a mobile app or your online account to check the balance, review your purchases and see any any account charges.

• What are the benefits of a prepaid travel card?

Why not just take cash, your credit cards and your debit card the next time you travel to an international destination? Why would you also take a prepaid credit card?

If you lose your card, thieves only have access to the loaded cash

If a thief gains access to your prepaid card abroad, they’ll only have access to whatever funds are loaded onto the card (unlike debit cards, which can provide thieves access to your bank account, or credit cards, which a thief can charge up to a certain limit).

Further, the network through which a prepaid card is offered may provide a zero liability policy , though, overall, prepaid cards don’t offer the same breadth of protections as debit and credit cards (think chargebacks and fraud alerts).

More convenient than traveler’s checks

Prepaid travel cards also provide more convenience than, say, traveler’s checks (which, yes, still exist). Getting traveler’s checks before you go can be a hassle, and you might also be surprised at how many retailers across the globe no longer accept them. As a result, prepaid cards are often a better option than these paper checks.

• What are the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card?

Like most financial products, prepaid travel cards come with pros and cons. Here are some of the drawbacks of using one:

Foreign transaction fees, among others

Travelers should be wary of the fees connected to prepaid cards, as they can add up to a lot of money during an international trip. Many prepaid cards carry foreign transaction fees. Today, it’s far easier to find credit cards with no foreign transaction fees than to find prepaid cards without them.

Further, prepaid travel cards may also charge a card purchase fee, ATM withdrawal fee, higher foreign ATM withdrawal fee, inactivity fee and a fee to get any remaining balance back by check.

No help for your credit score

If you charge restaurant meals, souvenirs and tickets to a traditional credit card and pay your bill on time, your three-digit credit score will receive a boost. This doesn’t happen with purchases you make with prepaid travel cards, because your prepaid card activity isn’t reported to the national credit bureaus .

If you don’t keep track, you could run out of funds

If you’re used to swiping a credit card without much thought, there’s a chance a prepaid card could leave you high and dry when you go to make a purchase. Just be sure to keep tabs on the amount of money you’ve loaded — and spent — on your card.

Prepaid travel card tips

Prepaid travel cards do come with some potential hurdles. Here are some tips for avoiding the most common downsides of these cards:

• Check the fees associated with your card (or potential card): Prepaid cards can charge fees that existing debit and credit card holders aren’t used to, so it’s important to read the fine print before swiping. For example, the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card charges a $5.95 inactivity fee per month after the card has been idle for 90 days.
• Verify the card will work at your destination: Double-check with your issuer that your prepaid card will be accepted where you’re traveling. Even a card that’s designed for international travel might not work in specific locations due to restrictions from U.S. trade sanctions.
• Know the limits: Prepaid travel cards typically have limits that could throw a wrench into your trip if you don’t understand them ahead of time. For example, some cards can have a daily reload limit as low as $500 (or as high as $7,500, in the case of the Netspend Visa card). Again: Be sure to read through your card’s fine print before embarking.
• Avoid holds at all costs: In a sense, prepaid travel cards work like debit cards. Be sure to avoid using a prepaid travel card to reserve a hotel room or a rental car, which can trigger a hold that could tie up hundreds of dollars of your cash for a week or longer. Instead, use a credit card to reserve these items, then use your prepaid card to pay the final charges.

Should you use a travel credit card instead?

If the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card outweigh the benefits, you might be better off signing up for a travel credit card  or using one you already have as your primary payment method while traveling.

Travel credit cards almost always have zero fraud liability, which can set your mind at ease in the event your card is lost or stolen . They also let you earn rewards for your spending, and many offer purchase and trip protection and have no foreign transaction fees. Some even offer perks such as access to airport lounges where you can get complimentary food and drink. And, depending on your credit limit, you may have more spending power with a credit card than a prepaid card.

That said, they can also have pitfalls. Not all travel credit cards are accepted in all countries. For example, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express and Discover have a smaller international presence. And, depending on your location, some merchants may require chip-and-pin cards or may not accept payment cards at all.

It’s advisable to carry a few different payment methods with you (credit, debit and prepaid) when traveling, along with some local cash. Also, notify your credit card company about your travel plans, lest they flag your card as stolen and cancel it.

Bottom line

A prepaid travel card doesn’t come without downsides, but if you want an easy way to access cash in your destination’s currency — and want a quick way to pay merchants once you arrive at your international destination — the ease of using them might make your trip a less stressful one.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Allie Johnson is an award-winning freelance writer covering personal finance, business and lifestyle. She loves tracking down tips, tricks and cautionary tales about credit cards and money.

Dan Rafter has covered personal finance for more than 15 years for publications ranging from The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune to Wise Bread, HSH.com and MoneyRates.com. His work has also appeared online at the Motley Fool, Fox Business, Huffington Post, Christian Science Monitor and Time.

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Welcome everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the United States.

Available in any denomination

Loaded with the dollar amount you specify, from $25 to $500.

A lost or stolen Visa Gift Card can be replaced if you know the account number 2 .

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Use your U.S. Bank Visa Gift Card at millions of locations. Register your card at usbankmyaccount.com to make an online purchase or balance inquiry anytime.

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Purchase fee is $3.95 per Gift Card at the branch. The U.S. Bank Visa Gift Card cannot be reloaded with additional funds, nor can it be used at an ATM. No cash access. For use in the U.S. only. Terms and conditions and fees apply. For complete terms and conditions, see the  U.S. Bank Visa Gift Card Cardholder Agreement .

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Are Prepaid Travel Cards a Good Idea?

They can help with budgeting but compare them with other debit and credit card options before you go.

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A prepaid travel card can offer fraud protection, with your liability limited to $50 if you report it within two business days of learning of the theft.

Whether you're planning a trip to Bali or Boston, staying on a budget and keeping your money safe is essential. A prepaid debit card can help.

Prepaid travel cards function similarly to general-purpose prepaid debit cards but offer extra perks that can make your life a little easier when you're abroad. However, they also come with limitations and other drawbacks that may give the casual traveler pause.

What Are Prepaid Travel Cards?

Prepaid travel cards, also sometimes called international prepaid cards, can make spending easier when you're outside the country.

There are two primary types of prepaid travel cards:

Multicurrency prepaid travel cards. These cards allow you to load cash in specific currencies onto your card before you go on your trip, letting you lock in your exchange rate instead of paying the current rate at the ATM or point of sale.

You can then use the card wherever its payment network, such as Visa or Mastercard, is accepted.

You can't load cash with just any currency, though. Even major prepaid cards may be limited to only a handful of currencies. For example, some have only six currencies available: the euro, British pound, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen and Mexican peso.

General travel prepaid cards. These cards don't differ much from traditional prepaid debit cards. However, they're more likely to offer certain features that can come in handy when you're overseas.

Examples include chip and PIN capability, emergency cash and card replacement, and international ATM use.

Not all prepaid cards have a chip though, and that can be a problem, says Quentin Telep, director of financial services for AAA National. "In many countries, especially in Europe, they've had the chip functionality for many years."

You may have difficulty using a chipless card at unmanned kiosks and other automated payment points.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Prepaid Travel Card?

If you're planning a trip within the U.S., you likely won't need a travel prepaid debit card. But if you're traveling internationally, you may gain some benefits from doing so.

It can help with budgeting. Sticking to your vacation budget can be tough. Traveling is a time to let loose and live a little, and it can be easy to spend more than you originally planned.

"It's a little easier perhaps to overrun the credit card when you're on vacation and you're not really thinking about how much you're spending," says Mike Clark, co-founder of PrepaidCards123, an online tool for comparing prepaid debit cards. "You may want to set aside a specific amount for your spending money while you're on your trip, and people use prepaid cards for that purpose."

You'll be protected from fraud. Prepaid debit cards are required to give cardholders the same level of fraud protection as traditional debit cards.

This means that if someone uses your card without your permission, your liability is limited to $50 if you report it within two business days of learning of the theft.

Some prepaid cards may go above and beyond this standard, providing a zero-liability policy that protects you from losing any money, even if you don't report the theft before charges show up on your account.

Prepaid cards offer a buffer for your accounts. If you're wary about using your debit or credit card on your trip, a prepaid card can help. While all three types of cards offer some level of fraud protection, it might take time to recover.

A thief who gets access to your debit card could do serious damage to your bank account right when you need funds the most. For example, you may not be able to get reimbursed right away, or it may take some time to receive a replacement credit card . If any kind of theft happens with your prepaid card, the stakes are much lower.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Prepaid Travel Card?

While prepaid travel cards can have their perks, watch out for some potential pitfalls, too.

They can cost more. General prepaid debit cards typically charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made in a foreign currency. And though many travel credit cards waive that fee, prepaid travel cards don't. That means you may be paying 3% on top of every purchase you make on your trip.

Even if you exchange your currency before you go with a multicurrency card, you can expect to pay a premium. For example, you may pay a fee of 5.5% to exchange U.S. dollars to an available currency.

Prepaid travel cards could be a more expensive option than other methods of obtaining foreign currency, such as withdrawing cash from an ATM at your destination. "The exchange rate is not nearly as favorable as you would even have if you prepurchase currency at a bank," says Clark.

And if you don't use all the money on the card, you may be subject to a fee to get a refund of your remaining balance.

Prepaid travel cards can also come with other costs, such as fees to load money onto the account, inactivity fees, ATM fees and even a fee to set up your account.

They don't provide rewards or perks. If you're a disciplined spender and can stick to your budget while traveling, a travel rewards credit card may give you a lot more value than a prepaid travel card. Not only do most travel credit cards charge no foreign transaction fees, but you could get access to rewards and other perks such as statement credits for select travel-related expenses, travel insurance protections , complimentary airport lounge access and more.

Most benefits aren't unique. There are some clear benefits of using a prepaid travel card when you're out of the country, but other products could offer the same benefits.

For example, both traditional debit and credit cards offer fraud protection, and you can also avoid debt by using your regular debit card. And while prepaid travel cards come with a built-in limit as to how much you can spend, it's possible to do the same thing with your checking account – you'll just need to make sure your overdraft protection is disabled to avoid nonsufficient funds charges.

You may run into limitations. If you're hoping to get a multicurrency card, you'll only be able to use it if you're visiting a country that uses an eligible currency.

"It's kind of limited in terms of the geography where it's viable," says Telep, "and it also is really only suitable for frequent international travelers or people who are on very extended international trips."

Should You Consider Using a Prepaid Travel Card?

Prepaid travel cards may sound appealing because they're geared toward travel use. But they don't always provide more than what you get from using your regular debit card and a travel rewards credit card.

And while a multicurrency prepaid travel card sounds like it can make your life easier, you'll pay a premium to preload the currency of your choice. Credit and debit cards may assess fees, but many of them are easier to avoid than on prepaid card fees.

Some prepaid cards charge high monthly fees, for example, which may feel unnecessary if you're only using it when you travel. If you're thinking about using a prepaid debit card when traveling overseas for the forced budgeting feature, avoid limiting your search to cards that brand themselves as prepaid travel cards. Instead, also consider general-purpose prepaid cards that allow for international ATM withdrawals and don't charge a lot of fees.

"Look for a card that has a fee structure that's not going to penalize you if you only use the card two or three times a year when you’re going on various vacation trips," says Telep.

You'll also want to make sure you don't run into limitations on how and when you can use your card while you're traveling.

"If I'm traveling abroad, I have to make sure that my prepaid card is going to work for both cash access and for purchases abroad," says Clark. "And you're always going to want to go with a Visa or Mastercard network because of the acceptance abroad."

Consider Using a Mix of Payment Methods

Instead of focusing your vacation spending on just one form of payment, consider using more than one. For example, a travel rewards credit card may be best for most purchases because you can avoid the foreign transaction fee and earn valuable rewards on each transaction. Then use a traditional or prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, since credit card issuers will charge a cash advance fee on these transactions.

By having multiple payment options, you can judge which one is the best every time you need to make a purchase. It can also help if one of them gets stolen. While some credit cards and prepaid debit cards offer emergency cash and card replacement services, having a backup ready to go can be a major stress reliever.

Whatever you do, take some time to compare your options to make sure you're getting the most value out of your trip.

Tags: credit cards

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Where To Buy International Visa Gift Cards (Expat Advice)

Categories Living Abroad

One of the most challenging spots to be in is when you’re looking to find a good gift card.

This becomes difficult because you have to consider how the Visa gift cart is going to be used, where it’s going to be used, and whether or not it will work as required.

Having spent time on this topic over the years, we have accumulated relevant information regarding where to buy a Visa gift card internationally.

Here is our breakdown of where to buy an international Visa gift card.

Table of Contents

Where To Buy An International Visa Gift Card

It’s best to start with the basics.

Where are you going to buy an international Visa gift card?

It’s best to look at prepaid providers that are going to offer access to a Visa gift card online. It is not going to take a long time to get your hands on the card and it will be usable in all situations. This is imperative when it comes to getting the right type of gift card.

In this day and age, we also see people buying these Visa gift cards online through Amazon.

We have seen people also use services such as GiftCardStore.

This is a service provider we do recognize as a good option depending on where you are. Most people in the Oceanic countries do use this provider because they are reliable and are going to get the international Visa prepaid gift card to you as soon as possible.

How is it going to come to you?

It should be mailed out to you and it is going to have a limit of 500 AUD. This is useful for most people and is a good option that’s going to be usable online too.

The one thing with these cards is, you will need to be living in New Zealand or Australia. They will ask for a billing address that is in one of these two countries for it to be activated. Keep this in mind before spending money on a prepaid gift card.

What if you are not in one of these nations?

We would take a look at Amazon or perhaps a service provider such as Rybbon if you are running a business account. It’s common for business owners to go with Rybbon because they will offer a good setup that is easy to use and is going to help find the right currency for the international Visa gift card to be in.

Using A Visa Gift Card Online

Let’s assume the Visa gift card is being used online.

This is one of the easiest methods for using a gift card such as this one. It’s going to work well and it’s easy to give to another person if necessary.

These cards work with a simple process.

You are going to start by accessing the card with the help of the activation process. If this international Visa gift card has been given to a recipient, it’s going to come with a code or a number. You are going to use this to activate the card.

This is not going to take more than a few minutes. The average online international Visa gift card is going to have a number that you are going to call and they will ask a question or two before activating it.

As soon as this is done, it is time to begin registering the Visa gift card online. There are going to be directions associated with this and you are going to have to do it the right way.

Follow the steps and then link the Visa gift card appropriately.

The reason you are going to do this is to make sure when you are buying something with the Visa gift card, it goes through as the billing address is going to match what is on the card’s account.

Using Debit Cards Online Internationally

What if you are not looking to go with something that is a prepaid Visa?

This is where you are going to want to look at a Visa Debit Card. This type of debit card is going to work around the world and is going to be easy to reload too. This is useful for those who just want to make sure their card works in different cities without having to think a lot about it.

When this is the case, a debit card is the way to go.

We would recommend options such as the ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card or the Money Network Prepaid Debit Card.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Visa gift card is a wonderful option and it is quite possible in this day and age.

However, you will want to take a look at the options we have provided in this guide. It will make it easier for you to find a fit that’s going to make it possible to use the gift card wherever you are shopping.

Please feel free to also look at some of our other guides on the best countries to reside in , the safest cities around the world , and the costliest countries on the planet .

Amanda Harper is a travel enthusiast with 10+ years of traveling experience across the planet. Her passion for writing and travel makes her a walking bibliography on modern-day tourism.

Best Ways to Use Visa Gift Cards on a Wedding

V isa gift cards are amazing gifts to give and receive around wedding time. For the engaged couple, Visa gift cards for engagement gifts and wedding gifts help pay for the various expenses of the wedding prep, the wedding day, and the honeymoon. If you approach it the wrong way, however, asking for gift cards as gifts can slight some of your guests, which is something you always want to avoid. This article will cover how to ask for Visa gift cards during your wedding and bridal shower, as well as how to use Visa gift cards for wedding gifts!

Can You Ask for a Visa Gift Card for Weddings and Bridal Showers? 

For weddings: absolutely! Even though it is not the traditional item to add to the registry, it is a very acceptable way to ask for gifts, and all your guests should understand. Your wedding is all about celebrating your union, and your friends and family should know that their gifts are meant to help you out in the best way they can. The flexibility of Visa gift cards for wedding gifts make them fantastic gifts for any newlyweds. 

Asking for Visa gift cards for bridal showers is a bit less common because unwrapping gifts is a big part of the shower. If possible, we recommend sticking to a traditional gift list for your bridal shower so you can unwrap an array of fun and exciting gifts in front of your friends and family. 

Ask for Visa Gift Cards using a Wedding Registry

Online registries are amazing ways to organize your gift-giving and tactfully ask for Visa gift cards for your wedding. Online registries are the place for you to organize the gifts you want as a part of your wedding and are the perfect place for you to set the scene for how many Visa gift cards you want from your wedding guests. Our favorite part about online registries is that you can personalize how you will use your Visa gift cards after your wedding. There are a lot of excellent registry services available online, and you can direct your guests there with your wedding invitation. 

How to Give Visa Gift Cards for Wedding Party

As a part of gathering your wedding party, you will likely put together some little gift baskets to go along with asking friends and family to be in your wedding. Putting together these little baskets is really fun! You can gather a few items personal to your best friends and family, and have these baskets tied together with a Visa gift card. If you are ever stuck wondering how to complete a gift box for your wedding party — add a  Visa gift card !

How to give Visa Gift Cards to Wedding Guests

Visa gift cards are exciting party favors. As they go to every guest of your wedding we understand that you would not want to give big Visa gift cards, but a few dollars on a customized card for each of your guests is a fun way to say thanks for joining you on your special day. This Visa gift card for wedding guests lets them remember the day when they go out and purchase something fun with their card!

Visa Gift Cards for Wedding Planning

If you’ve received Visa gift cards for engagement gifts you can wait to use them when it’s time to plan your wedding. The wedding planning process is long and has a lot of expenses throughout its course. It is beneficial to lay the idea that your friends and family can gift you Visa gift cards for wedding planning to help you out with all those miscellaneous expenses like the florist, photographer, tuxedo and dress, catering, venue, and more. Visa gift cards for the bride and groom are an excellent way to support their upcoming marriage. 

Collecting Visa gift cards for wedding gifts lets you splurge during your honeymoon for really special events. The trip is a place to make many happy memories!

Creative Bins for Visa Gift Cards on Wedding Registry

As you get closer to the wedding and create your registry, adding bins for your Visa gift cards is a way to excite your guests about their gift. We want to highlight some common themes for registry gifts. Visa gift cards save you money and contribute to your honeymoon budget while giving you the freedom to spend them however you wish.

Food and Restaurants

Food is a classic bin for wedding registries. The honeymoon is a lovely vacation where you will likely purchase a lot of meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This lets your wedding guests contribute to your food fund with Visa gift cards and you can inform all the lovely guests about your culinary journey throughout your honeymoon! 

With the freedom of a Visa gift card for your honeymoon, you can also spend the cards on your groceries. Regardless of where you go, you can stock up your vacation fridge with some items for times you want to have a relaxing night in the hotel room. 

Clothes Shopping

The honeymoon fund is not complete unless you have a clothing budget! Shopping for some new clothes lets you stock up on a new wardrobe for the upcoming trip. Unfortunately, clothing is quite expensive. It is one expense that you might skip if you want to allocate the budget to other areas, leaving only necessary clothes shopping (which is much less fun). A gift card to Old Navy, Banana Republic, or a similar store is nice, but a Visa gift card works at every single one of those stores. Sometimes it is best to shop a few places before finding the right item. 

The flexibility of a prepaid Visa gift card is second to none. You can rest easy knowing you can shop to your heart’s content anywhere and pick some nice items there, and Visa gift cards for wedding gifts lets the bride and groom find the perfect new outfits for their upcoming honeymoon. 

Entertainment

This is a rather broad category. Entertainment can really be anything you want! There are a lot of novelty excursions like axe throwing, go-kart racing, amusement parks, and more that are, in essence, a one-day trip where you get to experience something out of the ordinary. Mini golf is one of our favorite excursions in this category. The location of your honeymoon and the activities you and your spouse like will let you personalize the entertainment category to events you plan on completing while on your vacation! Tours of the locale are creative bins for this category on your wedding registry. 

A Visa gift card for entertainment is a great way to lessen expenses on your honeymoon. 

Going out for drinks with your spouse (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) is a lovely honeymoon activity but is also quite expensive. A Visa gift card category on your registry dedicated to drinks is a great way to fund this part of your honeymoon, starting with Champagne on your flight out, to drinks from the hotel bar at the end of a long day. 

Weddings are a time for celebration. Receiving Visa gift cards for engagement gifts lets you alleviate some of the financial stress of planning the wedding. 

Visa Gift Cards for Weddings and Bridal Showers

Sending and receiving Visa gift cards for weddings and bridal showers is a great way to fund the newlyweds honeymoon fund, help them with wedding expenses, and also show appreciation for your wedding party and guests. We recommend keeping a number of regular gifts alongside the Visa gift card and cash bins on your registry for guests that would really like to get you something traditional rather than a gift card. You can lead with the fact that you would appreciate Visa gift cards and cash over traditional gifts, but keeping both options open is advisable. 

This article originally appeared on GiftCardGranny.com  and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org .

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