Nearly Two Thirds Of Holidaymakers Use Debit Cards Abroad - A Third Don't Check Charges | Prepaid365

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5 November 2014
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According to a new report on debit and credit card spending abroad, spending on debit cards is worse than spending on credit cards.  Responding to this new investigation, leading payments innovator, Ukash, which this year launched the Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard® card, reveals the findings of its own research into the spending behaviours of Brits abroad.

It appears that despite the potential additional costs of using debit cards abroad, these are actually used by 58% of UK holidaymakers.  However, 39% of those who use debit cards abroad admitted they don’t check details of potential charges before they head overseas.

“If holidaymakers don’t understand potential charges when they are abroad they are not making informed decisions about their spending”, said David Hunter, Chief Executive of Ukash.  “And that means it’s only when they return home that they face the harsh reality of currency loading charges – even though these will be clear to see following new rules that require the currency charge to be separated out on statements.

“It seems that ignorance is bliss with nearly half of respondents to our research saying that they don’t worry about charges on their debt card when they use it on holiday.   And women are less likely to check potential charges than men at 43% and 35% respectively.

“For complete control of spending – and the best possible exchange rate – holidaymakers should use the Ukash Travel Money card.  It’s a prepaid card – so all they have to do is load their cash before they head abroad, then use it just like a credit or debit card.  The difference is there are no charges for transactions, loading or even cash withdrawals at ATMs.”

The new Ukash Travel Money card offers the best possible foreign exchange rate on the market.  There are no charges for sign up, transactions or ATM withdrawals abroad, which means that it definitively offers the best way to make holiday money go further in Europe and the USA.

The Ukash Travel Money card can be ordered online in minutes and will be delivered in five to seven working days without the need for any credit checks.   The card can be topped up online instantly using a debit card – even while travelling – and cardholders can check their balance and transactions and top up their card at any time online completely free of charge.  Plus any money left on the card can be used for the next trip rather than worrying about often costly conversion back to sterling.

“Leaving the arrangement of spending money to the last minute is the worst thing you can do if you want to get value for your pounds” added David Hunter.  “Yet 15% of British holidaymakers said they buy currency when they arrive at their destination.

“It seems incredible to me that while UK holidaymakers are good at driving a bargain on holiday deals, they can blow these savings and more, by accepting poor exchange rates and additional fees on using debit cards.  The Ukash Travel Money card is the simple and convenient way to make spending money go further, with the best exchange rates, no fees for usage and free ATM withdrawals.”

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