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Go Henry

Get an exclusive 2 months FREE plus £10 pocket money when you sign up
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Age Range 6-18
Network Visa
Monthly fees £3.99
Card Delivery Fee £0
Loading Fee £0
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Loved by over 2 million members Set up regular pocket money transfers Make instant one-off payments to your child Set tasks for them to earn a little more Set spending controls Pay abroad with no foreign transaction fees

Wise Debit Card

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £7
ATM withdrawal fees Varies*
Available currencies 40+
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Real Exchange Rate, you always get the mid-market rate Use the card in 160+ countries Get a digital card immediately Smart Auto-Conversion if you run out of a currency

*2 free withdrawals up to £200 per month.

Currensea - Essential

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £4.95
ATM withdrawal fees £0
Available currencies 180
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Set up in minutes Supports all currencies Can be linked to your UK bank account making topping up easy Save an average of £43 a year in FX fees

Wise Travel Card

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £7
ATM withdrawal fees Varies*
Available currencies 40+
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Real Exchange Rate. Always get the mid-market rate Use the card 40+ currencies & 160+ countries Get a digital card immediately Smart Auto-Conversion if you run out of a currency

*2 free withdrawals up to £200 per month.

What is a Prepaid Card?

A prepaid card is a type of payment card that you load with money before you spend. Unlike a traditional debit or credit card, it isn’t linked to a bank account, so you can only spend what you’ve already added.

There are a few different types of cards available, including prepaid debit cards for everyday spending, as well as travel cards that can help to avoid fees for foreign transactions.

Pros and Cons of Using Prepaid Cards

If you’re wondering why a prepaid card is better than a debit card, it often comes down to control and accessibility. Prepaid cards can help you manage spending more easily, but they also come with some limitations to consider.

Prepaid Card Pros

Prepaid Card Cons
Helps control spending as you can only spend what you load May include monthly or one-off fees
No credit check required for most prepaid debit cards Extra charges can apply for loading money or inactivity
Useful for travel and managing foreign transactions Exchange rates and fees depend on the card
Can be used online, in shops, or to withdraw cash Not protected under Section 75 like credit cards
Some prepaid cards offer rewards or cashback May be harder to load money onto the card when abroad

How Do I Check My Prepaid Card Balance?

Checking your balance on a prepaid card is usually quick and straightforward. Most providers give you access to an online account or mobile app, where you can view your balance and track recent transactions at any time. You’ll usually need your login details or a PIN to access your balance.

You may be able to check your balance at an ATM, via a customer service phone line, or receive text updates. It’s always best to use your provider’s official app or website to keep your information secure.

Can a Prepaid Card Build my Credit Score?

Some cards could potentially help build your credit if used carefully. If you have a poor or limited credit history, a prepaid card can be a simple starting point while you work on improving your score. A stronger credit score can help you access better financial products in the future.