mwgster Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hi We are considering using a Cash Passport (from Thomas Cook) while on holiday in Oz. It is like a credit card that you pre-load with cash. You can then use it to withdraw cash from an ATM and wherever you see the MasterCard symbol. It also uses Chip & Pin.. Has anyone ever used one of these type of cards? Is MasterCard widely available in Oz? Many Thanks Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AKA63029 Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hi Martin. My daughter used one (Cash Passport) when in OZ and had no problems whatsoever, a very good idea I reckon. Also Master card is accepted in many places in OZ, you shouldn't have any problems with either. Cheers Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwgster Posted March 1, 2012 Author Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hi Tony Many thanks for your response.... It does sound brilliant in theory.... I was just a little nervous as I have read on some other forums that MasterCard will charge a hidden fee of 15% on top of any transaction to cover people going into the red on their card? I haven't looked into this yet so I probably haven't read this right but some people say you can claim the money back on return to the UK? I am glad to hear that it is widely accepted in Oz... And you can always use an ATM to withdraw cash (for a AU$3.50 charge).. Thanks again, Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AKA63029 Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 No worries Martin. Not to sure about the percentage rate on Master card, maybe someone with a bit more experience of this will be able to tell us. Cheers Tony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 We use ours all the time our parents put cash on it for birthdays Xmas etc. you get the rate at the time the money is put on in the uk and the card is in aus $ only. The only charge is 3$ if you draw cash other than that it works a treat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwgster Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 Thanks again for your comments.. I am more confident about using a cash passport now. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 we just got our son one as he arrives on a whv next month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anlopa Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 We also used the Thomas Cook Cash passport it is brilliant, and like Bensdad says you can load more money on it and use it. it has a full online service that is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bumblebeem Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 We use ours all the time our parents put cash on it for birthdays Xmas etc. you get the rate at the time the money is put on in the uk and the card is in aus $ only. The only charge is 3$ if you draw cash other than that it works a treat. An old thread I know, but what do you press when using the card, eg. Cheque, savings etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Credit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 My understanding with these types of cards is that they charge you a fee for loading funds on the card maybe up to 3% or so, so I would check that. Also if you use a currency other than that loaded on the card you can get slugged conversion fees. I think if it was me i'd use a credit card that has no fees at all for international transactions such as the 28 Degrees Mastercard. I would check out all the applicable fees for use of the card and compare it to other options such as using a fee free credit card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bumblebeem Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Credit Thank you! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bumblebeem Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 My understanding with these types of cards is that they charge you a fee for loading funds on the card maybe up to 3% or so, so I would check that.Also if you use a currency other than that loaded on the card you can get slugged conversion fees. I think if it was me i'd use a credit card that has no fees at all for international transactions such as the 28 Degrees Mastercard. I would check out all the applicable fees for use of the card and compare it to other options such as using a fee free credit card. We have one already, just haven't touched the funds. Now looking to empty it. I recall the rate not being the best, but we got it initially when my OH came over for a bit on his own. I loaded it when needed from the UK Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 There's no fee go to Thomas cook and ask for a VIP card at the exchange. This will always ensure you get the rate that is more than advertised. Card works a treat. Only charges are when you withdraw cash. When you charge it they tell you how much in $ you get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Here are the fees from the Thomas Cook cash passport website. My advice is to compare the fees against other options. The 28 Degrees Mastercard has no fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianberry Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 I applied for one of these card from Orange. Rip off as it costs nearly 5% to access cash and a percentage unless you use it to buy online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensdad Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 So if you look at the Australian cash card fees it's about the same as what has been said already. For us it works a treat as a way for receiving money from the parents for gifts etc. our parents have just been out again and he had all his spending money on his card and it worked. Considering you can pay for nearly everything by card over here personally it's ideal. I have not had cash in my wallet since I moved here 16 months ago as I use eftpos all the time with my normal bank account. The cash passport works the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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