A Netspend prepaid card lets you make effortless cashless transactions. The best part is that they can be used anywhere like traditional banking debit cards.
As these cards are FDIC insured and have VISA or Mastercard zero liability protection, therefore giving Netspend cardholders a sense of security and protection against unauthorized use.
Getting a reloadable Netspend card is a convenient way of spending your money at home and abroad. But what if you’re going on vacation?
You may be wondering, can I use my Netspend card in Mexico?
Yes, you can use NetSpend Card in Mexico. Prepaid cards are accepted in Mexico, even in smaller towns. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards as long as there is enough funds in your NetSpend card to pay for your purchase.
With prepaid cards gaining in popularity, an increasing number of globe trotters have started taking their Netspend cards to vacation destinations like Mexico.
In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about using your Netspend card abroad!
READ: Does Canada have Cash App? Is Cash App Available In Canada?
Using Netspend Card in Mexico
If you are still wondering whether you can use a Netspend prepaid debit card in Mexico or not.
The answer would be a definite “Yes,” you can NetSpend Card in Mexico. The local currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, and there are multiple options available for everyday purchases.
ATMs are easily available in Mexico and are mostly compatible with all MasterCard and Visa debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards.
On rare occasions, prepaid cards for a specific country can be used abroad. Even Visa debit cards or debit MasterCard may have international limits.
Netspend cards are specifically designed for international travel and are intended for such requirements. Initially, you might need to withdraw cash for a smooth transition into Mexican shopping norms but travel cards are still a better option to take your money overseas.
In fact, Netspend prepaid cards are considered one of the best prepaid travel cards and their popularity is increasing every passing day. But keeping in view their unique advantages, there are downsides to using the card abroad.
Benefits Of Using Prepaid Cards Abroad
Netspend prepaid cards are accepted worldwide and considered to be the best choice for travelers abroad. They give you the freedom to spend money on the things you need while avoiding the pitfalls of overspending.
You can manage your international prepaid debit cards with one of the two options i.e monthly fee or pay-as-you-go.
Netspend service providers further provide you with privileges such as transaction alerts through text messages, a purchase cushion of 10$, a Netspend mobile app, and an online account center.
Netspend Prepaid debit card helps you avoid carrying cash and stay safe. If you lose your card or it is compromised for any other reason, their 24/7 customer service is just a call away.
Netspend prepaid card helps its users with account-to-account transfers from friends and family even overseas. Prepaid cards can be reloaded through Western Union in over 200 countries.
Moreover, you can use Netspend mobile check load option over the mobile app for direct deposits in your Netspend account.
The prepaid MasterCard brings flexibility in online or in-store purchase transactions worldwide. However, you will have to account for international transaction fees, and ATM withdrawal fees and may charge foreign transaction fees also.
So it is always better to go through the payment instructions and cardholder agreement beforehand.
What Transaction Fees And Charges Apply?
Other than the standard fee schedule of $2.00 for individual transactions or $9.95 per month for a monthly plan, additional fees are also involved while using Netspend prepaid cards internationally.
These fees include –
1. Foreign transaction fee
For every purchase of standard item or services abroad a standard transaction fee of 3.5% of the U.S. dollar amount is charged.
2. ATM withdrawals fees
Other than the ATM’s own transaction fees, an additional $4.95 will be charged for every cash withdrawal.
3. Balance Inquiry
International balance inquiries are charged $0.50 each.
4. Declined International Transaction
One of the major drawbacks faced while using Netspend prepaid cards is that an internationally declined transaction will also cost $1.00.
Chip Feature
Netspend debit card does not come with the newer technology of chip feature. Most of the transaction terminals nowadays are converting to this technology due to fraud prevention restrictions.
Reload Locations
Currently, Netspend provides its customers with over 130,000 reload locations in the United States but has no reload location outside the country.
Foreign Currency conversion fee / Exchange Rate
The exchange rate or foreign transaction fee of Netspend prepaid cards is compatible with other debit cards; however, consumers may face some extra money exchange fees from an ATM or retailer.
Should You Use a Netspend Card in Mexico?
Netspend is a registered agent of The Bancorp Bank and is issued by MetaBank. Netspend prepaid cards are accepted at hundreds of locations in Mexico.
These cards are often considered a wiser option while traveling in Mexico. A blend of credit and debit cards, the Netspend prepaid card is an ideal option for your trip.
If you are visiting for a lot of cash withdrawals or you like to shop online, Netspend is a better option as it has lower withdrawal fees than a credit card. A credit card on the other hand will make more sense if you are going for bigger purchases or booking a hotel.
There are a number of options available for spending money on your trip as it renders a low-cost choice for in-store and online purchases anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
Travelers can also use an option of direct deposit of their federal tax returns to a Netspend prepaid card if they are planning a vacation after a tax season.
Keeping in view your financial considerations, your travel itinerary, and plans for using cards internationally, Netspend cards are definitely one of the most viable options available to travelers.
Conclusion
Netspend was founded in 1999 and is one of the leading prepaid debit Mastercard and Visa card service providers. It has over 10 million satisfied customers in the U.S. alone, who are using the services with no minimum balance or credit check.
The cards can be used domestically and internationally anywhere a MasterCard or a Visa card is accepted.
With an additional advantage of money transfer through western union, these cards are getting popular amongst travelers worldwide.
