Visa/MC Debit card for a 15 y/o?

[greenfish]

Just trying to work out options for my daughter who has two trips to Europe coming up (lucky thing!) - both before her 16th birthday.

I'd like her to have a Visa debit card of some form in case of emergencies. The only option I've found so far is HSBC who will permit it if the account is operated in conjunction with a guardian.

Would appreciate any other suggestions - otherwise HSBC it is!

Thanks

 

[markis10]

What about Qantas Cash:
The Qantas Card featuring Qantas Cash[SUP]™[/SUP] will be available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members who have an Australian residential mailing address and are 16 years of age and over. Cards will be sent to members during September-December 2013[SUP]10[/SUP].

Actually that will only work when she turns 16 - just reread your post!

 

[markis10]

An option might be a prepaid

https://www.woolworthsmoney.com.au/...wowmoney/prepaid+cards/single+load+mastercard

 

[greenfish]

What about Qantas Cash:
The Qantas Card featuring Qantas Cash[SUP]™[/SUP] will be available to Qantas Frequent Flyer members who have an Australian residential mailing address and are 16 years of age and over. Cards will be sent to members during September-December 2013[SUP]10[/SUP].

Actually that will only work when she turns 16 - just reread your post!

Shame about the 16 y/o cutoff, though the Velocity version has an 18 or over requirement so is even worse.

I'm keen on a card I can top up if need be, and where she doesn't lose the value if she loses the card (I assume this is a risk with the prepaid cards)?

 

[markis10]

You could give her your Qantas Cash card and PIN and load it up if needed (it does take some days though), that might actually be the easiest solution for an emergency situation, where cash can be obtained from an ATM.

 

[greenfish]

You could give her your Qantas Cash card and PIN and load it up if needed (it does take some days though), that might actually be the easiest solution for an emergency situation, where cash can be obtained from an ATM.

Yes, that would work, but I think as she's in Germany I expect just a standard ATM card would probably be OK (Cirrus or Plus). I'm really trying to kill two birds with one stone, giving her access to her own money while having the option for me to top up as required, without always needing to find an ATM (which I never seem to be able to find when I need one!)

At the moment the HSBC debit card looks pretty good - it's a fee free bank account for her. Only possible issue is the quite low limits for under 18 year olds - AUD100 cash per day or AUD500 purchases. Should still be plenty though.

 

[cove]

You could lend her a 28 degrees card (of yours) and she can withdraw cash at true rates provided she has the PIN.

 

[greenfish]

You could lend her a 28 degrees card (of yours) and she can withdraw cash at true rates provided she has the PIN.

I need to look into this, unfortunately I've just been on a Velocity credit card application splurge, so probably best to lay off card applications for at least 6 months. I know I could use a 28 degree card.

 

[cove]

A $4000 or $5000 credit card from 28 degrees should not hurt. Just don't ask for a lot of credit.All our family have them for cash at fair exchange rates from overseas ATMs.
I enquired at Travelex for some NZ notes and they wanted to charge 113 AUD for $100 NZ. I got to New Zealand and the cost was $88.70 so saving $24 was just too easy. 28 degrees is a beauty.