I've noticed that AmEx has a reloadable card that can be used like a credit card and at ATMs. We're heading for Europe next summer and wondering if anyone has experience with this card.

I have not used the AmEx card but have used a Visa Travelcard purchased through AAA which I believe works the same way. It's a great idea for someone who doesn't have or want to have a regular debit card. We used it all over Italy at any ATM that took Visa (which is most of them). It worked great. One good thing about it is if someone got the card and your PIN number all they could steal is the amount you loaded onto the card. Only downside is there are some upfront fees involved which make it more expensive than a regular debit card.

"One good thing about it is if someone got the card and your PIN number all they could steal is the amount you loaded onto the card."

As opposed to my Bank of American ATM card or debit card which protects me from ANY use if it is stolen, even if used before I get it reported!

The buzz on these cards is that they have steep fees and are not accepted as widely as advertised. I have no personal experience with them and am perfectly comfortable using my normal ATM card.

I hate to put down a company who’s only trying to make a buck or two, but this is not different then the American Express Travelers Checks, only this is a plastic card that you can carry around in your wallet. Amex takes the money and dishes it out to you as you need it and make a fairly hefty profit in the process what with the fees and the fact that they are using your money in overnight or short term deposits. The longer you have the card, and don't use it, the more they make, as they have done with the millions of dollars in Travelers Checks people still hold on to for some unfathomable reason. This is basic economics. Not too difficult to comprehend once you think about it.

There was a time when Amex was the only game in town, but times have changed and they should only be considered another player in the game.

You're far better off, as has already been stated, with you own bank's ATM Cash/Debit card. You're protected against loss and it's pretty hard to obtain your pin if you keep the 4-numbers in your head and not with the card.

If you feel safer with a card that has a fixed limit, your own bank can arrange that with either a rechagable card or one with a smaller daily limit. Call them and ask.

IMHO the only people who should use these types of cards are 1) teenagers who for some reason do not or cannot have their own ATM cards, 2) people with such bad credit they cannot get a credit and/or ATM card (but they should probably stay home anyway and pay off their bills), or 3) folks who want to burn money.

There are fees to top up the card - and there are fees to get cash using the card. So mainly they are a cash cow AMEX needs to fill the void left by the millions of people who no longer use travelers checks.

AMEX and AAA have done a terrific job marketing these things, but unless you simply cannot get an ATM card, there is no reason to use these types of cards . . . . .

Yeah. What she ^ said. That's right.

Despite much hesitancy, we took one with us on our Oct/Nov trip this year. The only reason we took this card, pre-loaded with a few hundred US, was that we were somewhat underconfident that we would find our ATM/debit card working as planned in Romania.

Had we been going to Western Europe, I don't think we'd have bothered. The fees are fairly high and the ATMs that took it fewer but found enough, even in Romania. For us, this first time in a new place with a fresh bank and card, it was a bit of backup plan for us that wasn't really ever necessary. We did pull the cash out about midway along when we saw our own cards were working fine.

So if you were going to use one would you use Amex or Visa?

I am taking a group of 10 girls to Europe next spring. These are teens and most of them don't have bank accounts with ATM cards so that option is out. Exchange rates on Traveler's checks are horrid and it is getting harder and harder to find places to cash them so these cards may be our best bet.

Anyone used both?

I think you've given a good reason why they might be a good thing to use -- for this type group.

Just a guess but I'd go for Visa. Nearly all ATMs in Europe are Visa-related. Not sure if AmEx would be as generally acceptable.

I just looked at the American Express website and entered a random address in central London to see about the availability of ATMs. There were at least a dozen or so in a 2 block region.

Still, as Patrick noted, Visa is more widely accepted so I'd be more likely to go with them.

Hi carol,

Both companies have websites that will show you where ATMs are located.

I suggest that you get 5 of each.

You can then tell us if one was superior to the other.

Ira,
I like your idea, but....

I am leaning towards encouraging the Visa card. I know you can get a discount on the initial set up if you are an AAA member.

When we return this summer I will post on how these worked.

I believe I paid $5 for the Travelcard at AAA. It was accepted virtually everywhere, got the same exchange rate as any other Visa card, and only paid the same ATM fees as any other debit cards. I personally hate debit cards and don't want to own one. I use my credit cards, collect the FF miles, and pay if off every month. If I need cash there are much cheaper ways for me to get it than to pay the exorbitant ATM fees. Traveling overseas is another matter. I don't mind paying $5 to $10 for a temporary debit card. If you already have or want to get a regular debit card ,then don't mess with the travelcard. But for some people it is a good idea.

Thanks for the info.

"and only paid the same ATM fees as any other debit cards"

So that means you never paid any fee at all right? Many debit and ATM cards don't charge any fee at all for withdrawals, so your post seems worded a little strange for meaning you didn't pay any fees.

Many types of accounts offer fee free ATM withdrawals. I would hate to pay 'exorbitant ATM fees' too. Fortunately, there's no reason I have to

Getting back to the prepaid travelcards, I think it's a great idea for a situation as CarolA described.

From what I've heard and read, this card is simply not worth it. Too many fees, too many rules. I don't believe the card will be accepted at the typical street ATM. VISA and Mastercard rule.