Application Process  

Part of the 360money network, applying for your optimum prepaid card is super easy and by far the best application options in the market. The Optimum application process is excellent and you can make an application online or by purchasing a starter pack.

• Apply online – if you have the right to reside in the UK. You can apply online. All the Optimum prepaid card team need are a few personal details and your address and you are good to go. Your card will arrive within 2 weeks.
• Buy a Starter Pack – You can purchase an Optimum Prepaid Card Starter Pack at various high street outlets such as WH Smiths, Clintons, Shell garages amongst various other.

You can pay for your Optimum prepaid card application via text message, using a PayPoint e-voucher, with a credit or debit card or using the 8 digit code provided in your starter pack. Choices aplenty from the 360money network. The text message option costs an additional £2.50.

Card Features  

• Ease of application: No credit check, just need a valid UK address
• Two excellent pricing plans to choose from – Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly
• Great card design – sits well in your pocket.

Card Design  

At this stage, there is only one card design available but it is an excellent one indeed which sits nicely in the wallet.

Card Fees  

There are two pricing plans to choose from and the fee structure varies accordingly.

Optimum Pay Monthly

• Card Issue Fee – £9.95
• Monthly Fee – £4.95
• Transaction Fee UK – Free
• ATM Withdrawal Fee UK – £1.50
• Reload Fee – Free via Post Office and Bank Transfer, 3% via PayPoint

Optimum Pay As You Go

• Card Issue Fee – £9.95
• Monthly Fee – Free
• Transaction Fee UK – 2.95%
• ATM Withdrawal Fee UK – £1.50
• Reload Fee – Free via Post Office and Bank Transfer, 3% via PayPoint

Choose the price plan that is right for you. For a complete listing of the fee structures and the advantages of using one price plan over the other, see the Optimum prepaid card “terms and conditions” on the Optimum Prepaid Card Website.

Account Management  

You can service your account on the 360money Optimum prepaid Card website or via an interactive voice response facility. You can also use your mobile phone to manage your prepaid card account. The Optimum prepaid card team will send you free SMS alerts whenever your balance is below a minimum balance set by you. You can view your balance, recent transactions and change your personal details.

Using Abroad  

The 360money Optimum prepaid card is Mastercard branded. Hence, it means you can use it at around 26.7 million merchants worldwide and also withdraw cash at over 1 million ATM’s worldwide.

However, only a GBP card is available which means that there is a transaction fee chargeable. So you will pay a surcharge (which varies between 2.95%-3.95% depending on your price plan) on top of the merchant fee when using abroad and a further 1% on ATM withdrawals. Essentially, the Optimum prepaid card has the functionality and convenience but can end up being expensive for usage abroad.

Reload Options  

Funds can be loaded on to your 360money Optimum Prepaid Mastercard in a number of ways:

• Using Cash at any PayPoint outlet – 3% of load amount
• Using Cash at any Post Office outlet – 3% of load amount
• Bank account transfer – Free
• Wage Transfer – Free
• Internet Debit/Credit Card Top-up – 2.5% of load amount
• Cheque – Free
• Other 360money Network locations – fees vary
• Use a Top-up pack* – £0.99

*Top-up packs are available from various high street outlets such as Debenhams, WH Smiths, Clintons, Shell garages amongst various other.

Quite a vast array of options exist. Just find the one that works best for you.

Customer Services  

There are a number of ways you can get in touch with the 360money Optimum prepaid card Customer Services team.

• By Post – 360money, PO BOX 3371, Swindon, SN5 7WJ
• By Email: customerservices@360money.com
• Lost and Stolen Cards: +44 (0)845 4700145

*Calls are charged at standard network rates whilst email is free.

Complaints Procedure  

Complaints regarding any element of the service provided by the 360money Optimum prepaid card programme should be sent in writing or by email to Customer Services.

Any complaints you have will be dealt with quickly and fairly. You may be able to take unresolved complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service at South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR. Telephone: 0845 080 1800 or +44 (0)20 7964 1000 (for calls from outside the UK) and e-mail:enquiries@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Awards  

An excellent general spend prepaid card – watch this space!

Overall Rating  

Flexible and versatile general spend prepaid card! Beautifully designed too!