If you are an avid traveler, you would be delighted to know that you have a great ally in international prepaid cards. With all the benefits international prepaid cards have to offer, it’s not surprising that they have become wildly popular. What’s even amazing is they are used in the same manner as most debit or credit cards.
What makes international prepaid cards distinctly different from their counterparts? Unlike credit or debit cards, they are not linked to any bank or checking accounts. This means your account and checking balance are protected and any personal or financial information that you share is kept confidential.
How to Protect Your International Prepaid Card
While they offer perks and benefits that are hard to miss, international prepaid cards also come with a few downsides. For starters, while they can keep your financial information and money secure, there is also a possibility you can lose all of the money in your account if you are not cautious or careful.
That said, knowing how to look after your international prepaid card is something you should take seriously. Knowing how to properly use and safeguard your international prepaid card can help ensure you can make the most of it. When protecting your card, keep the following basics in mind:
Make sure you read the fine print.
Not reading the fine print is something most people are accustomed to. It’s also probably something you are also guilty of. Whether it’s a new gadget or device, it’s very rare that people take the time to read the fine prints. While seemingly harmless, this can sometimes get you in trouble when you are using your international prepaid card.
Not reading the fine print will not only hinder you from enjoying the card to the fullest, it can also put your money at risk. That said, always make it a point to read the fine print. If the card provider has a website, make sure you visit it and find out all there is to know about the card and how to use it to the fullest.
Take note of your limits.
International prepaid cards have a higher load compared to its other counterparts. However, it is still crucial that you are aware of the maximum amount you can load as well as the limits. This is important so you will know how to budget your card accordingly.
In some cases, it is not a good idea to load massive amounts of cash into the card in one go as you might experience difficulties getting your money in the event of card loss or theft. It would also be ideal to base the amount you load on your spending habits.
Choose a PIN carefully.
When withdrawing money from ATMs, you will be required to use a PIN. When choosing a PIN, it would be best to pick a combination that is unique and not easy for people to guess. It is also recommended that you refrain from using your birthday as your PIN as it’s very easy for people that know you to guess.
Also, avoid writing your PIN down on a piece of paper and placing the paper on your wallet where your card is. Make it a rule to not disclose your PIN even to family members and close friends. Also, when traveling outside the country, make sure you keep your card somewhere safe.
If you need to create an account for your card on an online platform, it is likely that you will need to also create a username and password. Exercise the same caution when creating your username and password and make sure you are the only one who knows what your username and password are.
