Where Can I Get a Prepaid VISA Card For International Use in 2024? Here Are Your Options

When it comes to paying while travelling abroad, having a prepaid VISA card can be extremely helpful. As a prepaid card, not only can you top it up and control your account balance, but as a VISA card, it'll come with almost global acceptance.

However, not all VISA cards are equal for international spending. Depending on your bank or card provider, there may be specific foreign currency conversion charges or exchange rate margins that can make each transaction abroad surprisingly (and avoidable) pricey. In this short guide, we explore the top three prepaid VISA card options that charge low (or even no) foreign exchange fees, making them great options for travelling abroad.

Is VISA Really Better Than The Rest?

No, VISA is not necessarily better than other card payment providers like Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Although Amex and Discover are smaller than VISA, when compared with Mastercard especially, the differences are negligible as far as most customers are concerned. Both are nearly ubiquitous around the globe (with VISA being accepted in around 200 countries while Mastercard in 210 as of February 2024), both process payments in more or less exactly the same way, and the base exchange rates offered by both companies are low and comparable.

The biggest differences in cards will have more to do with the specific benefits, exchange rates, and protections offered to you by your bank or card provider issuing you your card. That's because, in most cases, it's not VISA or Mastercard that offer the benefits or protections, but your bank or card issuer itself. As a result, it's therefore important to evaluate cards for their benefits, protections, fees, and exchange rates individually, regardless of the card payment company.

Still, you may have reasons for preferring VISA specifically over the rest. In so, below, we delve into the three best prepaid cards for international use — all of which are VISA cards!

Chime (Best in The USA)

Chime is an excellent prepaid VISA debit card for international travel thanks to its no foreign transaction fees. Unlike multi-currency accounts like Revolut (which lets you hold local currency), Chime uses the live exchange rate applied by VISA itself. As we saw above, this rate is close to the mid-market rate, and Chime does not add any extra markup to your purchases.

While Chime waives ATM fees at all MoneyPass, AllPoint, and Visa Plus Alliance ATMs within the United States, this fee waiver does not extend to withdrawals made outside the country. For withdrawals abroad, Chime applies a $2.50 fee per transaction, with a daily withdrawal limit of $515 or equivalent. This is in addition to any fees charged by the ATM owner. Therefore, we recommend Chime primarily for card purchases rather than relying on it for withdrawing cash while travelling internationally.

• No foreign transaction fees,
• Uses VISA's exchange rate (monitor here),
• A $2.50 fee per ATM withdrawal made outside of the United States,
• Read our Chime review or visit their website.

Revolut (Best Globally)

Revolut offers a market-leading prepaid VISA debit card to use abroad because it allows you to hold over 30 currencies and spend money in over 150 currencies.

Revolut waives currency exchange fees to convert your home currency to the local currency of your travel destination on the first $1,000 per month. (Then, Revolut charges an industry-low 0.2%-0.4% fee on weekdays, though weekend surcharges may apply.) When you use the local currency with your Revolut card, you'll avoid both typical foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversions.

You will also be able to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without incurring any fees (up to a $1,200 limit per month, depending on your account type), although third-party ATM fees may still apply. After that $1,200 limit, each withdrawal will incur a 2% fee. This is quite generous compared to Revolut's chief competitor, Wise, which has a $250 monthly limit.

Here's an overview of Revolut's free and paid plans:

With Revolut's paid plans, you can even get discounted airport lounge access for you and another person, travel insurance for delays and baggage, and medical insurance coverage.

• No foreign transaction fees,
• Fixed fee between 0.2% and 0.4% to exchange currency,
• ATM withdrawals of $1,200 per month fee-free,
• Read our Revolut review or visit their website.

Wise (Best For Foreign Account Details)

The Wise Account is a top-notch VISA debit card option for international travel, particularly for customers in Canada, where Revolut is not available. The app allows you to hold and spend money in over 50 currencies. When converting your home currency to the local currency of your travel destination, Wise charges a minimal fee, often ranging from as low as 0.35% to slightly above 2% for less common currency pairs. You'll be treated as a local cardholder by paying with the local currency on your Wise card, bypassing the typical foreign transaction fees and dynamic currency conversions.

Furthermore, Wise enables you to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide without incurring fees up to a monthly limit of $250. However, make sure to note that third-party ATM fees may still apply. And once the $250 limit is exceeded, each withdrawal will be subject to a 1.75% fee. Most notable about Wise, however, is that it gives you access to foreign account details in 10 currencies, which you can use not only to hold, convert, and send money but even receive money and set up direct debits.

• No foreign transaction fees,
• Fixed fee ranging from 0.35% to 2% for currency exchange,
• Fee-free ATM withdrawals of up to $250 per month,
• Foreign account details in 10 currencies
• Read our Wise review or visit their website.