[andrewrunagall]

I'm planning to go to Texas next year, and I have a Maestro Card, of which AFAIK is not accepted in America.

So I was wondering what are people's experiences of PAYG MasterCards?

I've read on a comparison site that some cards charge monthly, and some don't. I would like one that I can fill up with money before I go, use until the money runs out, and then dispose of it.

Any thoughts will be welcomed.

[eric pisch]

MSE has an extensive article on prepaid cards (brilliant idea imo)

Prepaid Cards: New plastic that anyone can get...

[FaxFan2002]

I've heard the caxton card is really good, I've just applied for one.

[jerryfb]

They do accept Maestro/Cirrus in the US. Have you also got the Cirrus symbol on the back? If so you can use it widely. A credit card can be useful for emergencies but obviously not if it's a pre-paid one. Make sure you've got your insurance sorted.

[FaxFan2002]

The caxtonfx is a mastercard, more info at exchange rate - currency exchange - foreign exchange - Caxton FX

From the website -

no commission, no transfer fees

Unlike your bank and other currency providers, we do not charge anything for transferring your funds worldwide - nor do we take any commissions for exchanging your money.

The rate we quote is the rate you get - it's as simple as that!

how do we do it?

We trade millions - this enables us to buy at best market rates and can offer these savings to you. We simply make our money on the difference between the price at which we buy the currency and the price at which we sell to you. What's more, following our major investment in technology, our systems are super-efficient which allows us to pass savings on to our clients.

It is worth noting that although we do not charge transfer fees, it takes no longer to receive your money - we transfer payments using same-day international systems.

The rates are pretty good as well -


Cash exchange rates as at 5 December 2008.

Euro Rate Dollar Rate
CAXTONfx 1.1400 1.4500
Marks & Spencer 1.1105 1.3985
ICE 1.1023 1.3955
Lloyds 1.0939 1.3919
Natwest 1.1005 1.3945
Travelex 1.0922 1.3920
Post Office 1.1015 1.3915
TTT 1.1000 1.3848


You can even top up via text!

[Stoatman]

yeah , was in america at the start of the year and maestro (cirrus) is fine

[baldrick]

In my experience American Express give just about the best rates. I travel to the US a lot with work and the difference between the rate I get on my personal Amex compared to my corporate Visa card is absolutely shocking!