rvaccha

Hi,

My Sister is visiting Philadelphia for a few weeks. She is above 18, but does not have a Social Security number as she is visiting as a tourist.

I was wondering if there is any prepaid debit/credit Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card that I could give her for use in stores?

Ideally I would like something that I can refill online or easily through a store.

Any suggestions will be welcome.

Thanks,
RJ

Pugsly

I would just check with your own credit card company.

paula1470

Not really sure about your statement that your sister doesn't have a SS number becuse she is a tourist. Does this mean she is not a US citizen because all citizens have to have a Social Security number-even babies.

As far as the card, all you have to do is go into a drugstore such as RiteAid, maybe Target, etc. They have American Express cards that you can purchase. Probably Visa and MC also. I believe you can also order a Am Ex card for certain amounts with your sister's name. However, she would need some ID to use it.

rvaccha

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. What I meant is if she had a SS number I would rather open a regular bank account for her.

She is here as a tourist, with id, thus the best option is the prepaid card.

Thanks for your reply! Do you know if I can refill any of these cards online using my checking account or any other method of payment?

Thanks,
Andy

thit_cho

You could also buy Amex gift cards -- you can use any remaining balance.

kayd

Caution re those prepaid cards -- they come with very high fees. Do your homework so as to get one with the merely bad, not truly extortionary, costs.

I would rather open a new checking account in my name and give my sister the ATM card than buy the overpriced and inconvenient Visa/Amex cards.

lvk

Check the small print as to the fees. I believe there is a higher fee on the AMEX gift card than on the VISA gift card. They are available at most of the supermarkets here in CA.

granniem

You can also get a card in her name through your credit card. They do not need her info. just her name, then you are responsible for her charges. Call your credit card company.

I have this as my daughter is a student.

joan

Recommend that if you go with the gift card, don't choose Amex. Many small business do not accept Amex, but do accept Visa and Mastercard.

Suzie

My minor son is a signer on my visa account. I only had to give them his name and they sent a card with his name on it. When the bill comes he pays his charges.

rvaccha

Hi friends,

Thanks a lot for your replies, I really appreciate it. I will look into these options. I will let you know what happens!

Thanks so much,
Andy