What’s your experience of using prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards have become increasingly popular in the last decade or so. They’re used for a variety of reasons, but mainly as a means to withdraw cash and spend money overseas.

However, one downside to prepaid cards is that inactivity fees are widely charged.

This is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office continuing to advise against all non-essential travel abroad, and the government announcing a 14-day quarantine period for travellers arriving in Britain.

Prepaid cards: your experiences

As an expert on the Which? Money Helpline, I often speak to Which? members who have queries about how prepaid cards work, and from those who have been caught out by unexpected fees and charges.

I’d be very interested to hear your experiences of using prepaid cards, especially if you’ve used one on holiday in the past or were planning to this year before the pandemic. I hope that the card providers will be flexible and understanding with those who are unable to use them.

Read all the latest COVID-19 news and advice on our dedicated hub

If you haven’t used your prepaid card for 12 months, you’ll often be charged £2 a month. And, if you want to get your money back off the card, you will get the exchange rate on the day, which may mean that you lose money when it is changed back into pounds.

Do you love your prepaid card, or have you been caught out by unexpected fees and charges? Let me know your experiences.

Helping our members

Did you know about Which? Money Helpline? It’s staffed by financial experts with more than 100 years’ experience in the financial services industry between them.

Members can ask us questions about a range of personal finance subjects, and there are no limits to the number of calls you and your family can make, or the length of time you can spend talking to us.

Which? members can call the helpline on 029 2267 0001.