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An Post PostFX™ prepaid MasterCard® currency card

124

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭brian_gall85


    The best rate will be gotten via your debit card. The rate has changed massively from the last posts in this thread, now £1 = €1.35 at best.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,076 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    Post office gives a decent enough rate if you are just looking bo buy £ in cash.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 26,658 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 912 ✭✭✭bmm


    .... particularly in the case of a car hire, where a company has let you drive away in a car worth tens of thousands, to be secured only by a card with a finite amount preloaded onto it?

    But credit cards have limits too ? Credit limit of 1,000 wont pay for a car !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69,536 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    bmm wrote: »
    But credit cards have limits too ? Credit limit of 1,000 wont pay for a car !

    They have a real, identified and credit checked person tied to them though. Prepaid don't - which is why they will never be taken for car hire unless the desk operator is about to fall asleep.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 83 ✭✭bizebee


    Hi All,

    I am going to America for 3 weeks and i just have a quick question or two which i hope people can help me with :)

    if you have to sign for your purchase as there is no chip and pin option available - and as your name is not on the front of the card - what happens then?
    also I have heard of people being asked credit/debit card and sometimes it getting refused when they say debit? what is the best answer to say ( if asked) with this card?

    Thank you :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭brian_gall85


    Not sure if they even check half the time, but from my own experience in Vegas last year it's all sign for, not once did I see a chip n pin system.


  • Registered Users Posts: 153 ✭✭Golfer50


    Not sure if they even check half the time.
    Agreed! In one theatre I was asked to sign. The pen fell out of my hand and hit the screen. The attendant said that's fine - tickets, thank you!!


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 19,192 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    Chip and pin is rare in my experience but where I have seen it e.g. Sam's Club then it was Debit Card only, the AnPost card actually and they would not accept Cr Card chip and pin, mad. Everywhere else is sign and in the supermarkets now you just swipe your card and that's it, don't even need to sign anything, you could just find a card on the ground and walk into Target and get whatever groceries you wanted and they would not check for signature at all


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,309 ✭✭✭Harcrid


    Is there a daily ATM withdrawal limit with these cards? Bank of Ireland have a 200 euro daily withdrawal limit in the USA which can be a pain sometimes so I am considering using one of these for the time I am over there rather than my usual BOI Visa debit.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    Harcrid wrote: »
    Is there a daily ATM withdrawal limit with these cards? Bank of Ireland have a 200 euro daily withdrawal limit in the USA which can be a pain sometimes so I am considering using one of these for the time I am over there rather than my usual BOI Visa debit.

    $800
    * Some ATM operators or merchants may charge a(n) (additional) fee or set their own limits. Please confirm whether any fees or limits apply, before making a withdrawal or purchase.


    according to
    http://www.anpost.ie/AnPost/MainContent/Personal+Customers/Money+Matters/Foreign+Exchange/Choose+the+PostFX+MasterCard+Currency+Card.htm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,309 ✭✭✭Harcrid


    Great thanks!


  • Registered Users Posts: 15 J1Summer2015


    Hi, can the an post travel card only be topped up from a post office in Ireland or have i any way of doing it in the US? If not, can i top up my AIB account from here?
    Thanks


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,511 ✭✭✭Heisenberg1


    Hi, can the an post travel card only be topped up from a post office in Ireland or have i any way of doing it in the US? If not, can i top up my AIB account from here?
    Thanks

    No you can only top the card up at the counter at any of the An Post offices and don't forget ID. It can't be topped upped abroad or via a bank account.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,784 ✭✭✭TBi


    No you can only top the card up at the counter at any of the An Post offices and don't forget ID. It can't be topped upped abroad or via a bank account.

    Bloody thing is useless. I spent more on the thing than i would have spent on fee's if i'd used my normal bank card / credit card.

    Very hard to empty it and any unused money is lost after a year or so.


  • Registered Users Posts: 31 squonkie


    TBi wrote: »
    Bloody thing is useless. I spent more on the thing than i would have spent on fee's if i'd used my normal bank card / credit card.

    Very hard to empty it and any unused money is lost after a year or so.

    Thats very interesting. I found it invaluable when I go to Vegas. Zero charges for purchases compared to 1.75% for my AIB Visa Debit card. ATM fees are a different matter.

    I also got whatever cash was left on it at my local post office. Just went handed it over with my ID and job done.

    Not being able to top it up is a pain but with planning its a boon for me but it seems its not for everyone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭brian_gall85


    The rates are poor compared to the standard Visa exchange rates that I would get from my Ulster Bank debit card. Coupled with the costs I don't find it value for money and only really useful versus cash from a safety stand point.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 921 ✭✭✭Shaque attack


    The rates are poor compared to the standard Visa exchange rates that I would get from my Ulster Bank debit card. Coupled with the costs I don't find it value for money and only really useful versus cash from a safety stand point.
    Can you tell me why you think the rates are poor compared to Visa exchange rates? I am interested specifically in dollars. I looked at AIB so maybe their fees are different.

    Here's the cost I came up with for a $1,000 transaction using fx rates on their websites:

    Visa Debit - withdrawal from ATM in the states - cost 950.76 EUR (assuming 2.5% withdrawal fee and 1% fx commission)
    Visa Debit - purchase from a vendor in the states - cost 934.69 EUR (assuming 1.75% point of sale fee)
    An Post - withdrawal from ATM in the states - cost 926.78 EUR (std rate of $2.50 per withdrawal)
    An Post - purchase from a vendor in the states - cost 924.47 (0 commission)
    AIB FX over the counter - cost 914.62 EUR (1% commission to a max of 6.35)

    So in my view the best thing to do is get cash out at my local branch and then use one of their cards when I'm out there.

    Thoughts? Have I mis-calculated above?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 456 ✭✭brian_gall85


    Your rates for AIB seem similar to those charged by Ulster Bank, (they have a 1% usage fee and a 1% ERTF fee - both maximum of €6). I've used the Visa website to calculate the cost, (setting the fee at 2% - not 100% sure that's even correct), but over $1,000 you save about €9.

    With such a small saving, coupled with the need to go and apply for the card as well as having to jump throw hoops to top it up make we disregard it.

    That being said if you want to use it instead of cash I can see some benefits.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 921 ✭✭✭Shaque attack


    I think we are on the same wavelength. Don't think I put a max of €6 (they didnt mention a max anywhere) on the cash withdrawal but even with that the fees charged by the banks actually negate the better rate offered by visa.

    The Visa rate would need to be around 2% better than the an post rate which it's not so I actually think you're better off going with the an post card. But yeah the difference isn't massive but I'd rather have the tenner than not!

    It's handy for me that there's a post office beside my workplace but I agree that the hassle with top ups means I wont be using it as my only option when in the states.


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 19,192 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    We throw around a ton on one of these and use it as a backup in the states, plus there are some retailers that will not accept nonUS credit cards would you believe, Sams Club being the main one so this is something we use there rather than cash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 661 ✭✭✭ncur


    I think we are on the same wavelength. Don't think I put a max of €6 (they didnt mention a max anywhere) on the cash withdrawal but even with that the fees charged by the banks actually negate the better rate offered by visa.

    The Visa rate would need to be around 2% better than the an post rate which it's not so I actually think you're better off going with the an post card. But yeah the difference isn't massive but I'd rather have the tenner than not!

    It's handy for me that there's a post office beside my workplace but I agree that the hassle with top ups means I wont be using it as my only option when in the states.

    A workaround if you like for the topping up issue is to get 2 cards and leave 1 here and get it topped up for you by family/friends.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=91303369&postcount=113


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    And now you can top up the cards online at https://postfx.anpost.ie/ with a visa debit card, maestro card or master debit card.

    No more need to go to the post office to top up, all done online from anywhere in the world, now that is a nice new feature.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 21,730 ✭✭✭✭Fred Swanson


    This post has been deleted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,352 ✭✭✭✭TitianGerm


    Are these cards any good for buying goods online ? I buy a few bits from Canada and was thinking of picking up An Post Canadian Dollar card to use.

    I just don't want to have my bank card on the site, so thought this might be a little safer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,757 ✭✭✭Delta2113


    The Revolut prepaid MasterCard seems a far better option at least for the next 12 months - FREE being the operative word. Check out the Revolut thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    Delta2113 wrote: »
    The Revolut prepaid MasterCard seems a far better option at least for the next 12 months - FREE being the operative word. Check out the Revolut thread.

    However the revolut card can't do one thing that the AnPost does very well, it can't use a different address than the registered address for AVS.

    With the Anpost card you can define a temporary address (for example parcel motel in the north or your US mailing provider) and hence pass AVS. That is great because it involves no paperwork. You simply go online and add for example Parcel Motel as address.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    emmetkenny wrote: »
    Are these cards any good for buying goods online ? I buy a few bits from Canada and was thinking of picking up An Post Canadian Dollar card to use.

    I just don't want to have my bank card on the site, so thought this might be a little safer.

    Yes you can use them online, however if the merchant demands "Mastercard Secure Code" for transaction than you are out of luck, the card does not do that enhances security feature.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    For online top up, does it go on instantly?

    I imagine this will be handy when I'm in Vegas in December being able to top-up on the go or each day without having to guess who much I will spend over the course of a week.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 442 ✭✭gotthebug


    Will this work as a credit card for booking into a hotel in America


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    I wouldn't use it, it will eat into your funds for the duration of your stay.

    Use a credit card if you have it, that will put a hold of the deposit amount on the credit card and will be released when you check-out.

    This PostFX card is effectively a debit card.


  • Registered Users Posts: 471 ✭✭raytaxi


    For online top up, does it go on instantly?

    I imagine this will be handy when I'm in Vegas in December being able to top-up on the go or each day without having to guess who much I will spend over the course of a week.
    I top-up online while in states think if I remember correctly was on almost straight away was very handy.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1 smcgr09


    Hi,
    I have a trip planned in Australia in October of this year. I was wondering has anybody used the post office cards in Australia? Or come across any trouble trying to use the? Im travelling the East coast over a few weeks and dont want to be carrying large amounts of cash on me.

    Any help in very much appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,964 ✭✭✭Hmm_Messiah


    hi

    I HAVE CHINESE FRIENDS TRAVELLIGN TO LONDON AND THEY PLAN ON BRINGING ALL THERE MONEY AS CASH !!

    I have a question - I did look and will ask in the post office - but seeing as you need id etc. I it possible to take out 2 of these cards - i.e. one for me to use , one they can give me money to put on for them to use

    I mean two separate - not two sharing the same funds

    Thanks for any help


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    Do them a favour:

    Ask them to sign up to Revolut.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,964 ✭✭✭Hmm_Messiah


    I tried to find the revolut thread but with no luck

    search on boards seems a bit of a nightmare lately


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 946 ✭✭✭daraghwal


    hi

    I HAVE CHINESE FRIENDS TRAVELLIGN TO LONDON AND THEY PLAN ON BRINGING ALL THERE MONEY AS CASH !!

    I have a question - I did look and will ask in the post office - but seeing as you need id etc. I it possible to take out 2 of these cards - i.e. one for me to use , one they can give me money to put on for them to use

    I mean two separate - not two sharing the same funds

    Thanks for any help

    You are actually given two cards. It's really supposed to be a backup but I suppose you could probably use the two. I could be wrong though, I got one a few years ago so the system might have changed


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 912 ✭✭✭bmm


    I tried to find the revolut thread but with no luck

    search on boards seems a bit of a nightmare lately

    Use Google: Type "revolut site:boards.ie"

    Result:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057481488


  • Registered Users Posts: 192 ✭✭mohican22


    Can a you withdraw funds from let's say an account online like a Paddypower or Boylesports using this card?
    If you can can the funds then be collected in any Post office does anyone know please?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    mohican22 wrote: »
    Can a you withdraw funds from let's say an account online like a Paddypower or Boylesports using this card?

    No


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    Has anybody else lost the ability to update their profile online?

    It was possible to change personal data online (like a temporary address) but that function is gone from my £ and $ card.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    By the looks of it, they have now completely removed the option of using a temporary address from the online interface, my temporary address has disappeared and the test payment with the temporary address has been declined.

    That is really bad, it was one of the advantages, that you could have a US billing address for it for example for using at Apple/Hulu etc.. It made up for the bad rates.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,485 ✭✭✭harr


    Hi
    Heading to the states in a couple of weeks, we have gotten the currency card and have gotten the additional card as well. The lady in the post office assured us the main card and second card could be used in conjunction with each other but now I am seeing conflicting reports on this.
    I will be visiting friends in New Jersey for a few nights while my wife will be staying in NY so we were hoping both cards could be used like we were told ..
    Can anyone confirm or deny both cards can be used together...
    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭carltonleon


    Perhaps ring this number 1800 535 564 which is a Post FX helpline. They should be able to clarify. I only used the 1 card when I was in Australia and my wife got her own card so we split the money in case we had any issues with one of the cards.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,485 ✭✭✭harr


    Perhaps ring this number 1800 535 564 which is a Post FX helpline. They should be able to clarify. I only used the 1 card when I was in Australia and my wife got her own card so we split the money in case we had any issues with one of the cards.
    Tried that number but it's all automated and I can't seem to get speaking to a real person ...emailed on post yesterday but haven't heard back as of yet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭carltonleon


    Ok so I was passing the GPO there and nipped in for you. I spoke with one of the most senior clerks who was on the counter and he said that the additional card cannot be used in conjunction with the 1st one, he said that the 2nd card is just in case you lose the 1st card. He also told me that he would always advise someone who needed 2 people to have a card (ie) husband/wife etc to get 2 separate accts. That was the information that he gave me so hope that helps although I know it is not the info that you want to hear but that is what I was told


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,231 ✭✭✭Yggr of Asgard


    It's been a while since I have used these (ever since they took away the ability to define a temporary address in the US/UK) but both cards are linked to the same funds.

    You can register both cards with different user names in their online accounts and they both will work drawing access from the same balance, however as carltonleon states this is so that you can continue access to the funds if you loose your primary card. While it's not mandatory to de-activate the first card when you start using the 2nd card (I did use my 2nd card a couple of times by mistake) it triggered a security alert and my card was blocked until I contacted their "customer service".

    Especially if you use the cards at the same time in 2 different states it should trigger something. It might not, but why risk it?

    My suggestion is not to chance it giving how horrendous the customer service is and to only use the one card and if you really need 2 to get a second set.

    Why you however in light of for example Revolut would use the AnPost variant is a different story.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,178 ✭✭✭carltonleon


    Also just had a look at their terms and conditions and It says the following ...

    "2.3 ..
    At the time of purchase, you may request an Additional Card as a backup in the event that your Card is lost, damaged or stolen. This is for your personal use only. "










  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,485 ✭✭✭harr


    Ok so I was passing the GPO there and nipped in for you. I spoke with one of the most senior clerks who was on the counter and he said that the additional card cannot be used in conjunction with the 1st one, he said that the 2nd card is just in case you lose the 1st card. He also told me that he would always advise someone who needed 2 people to have a card (ie) husband/wife etc to get 2 separate accts. That was the information that he gave me so hope that helps although I know it is not the info that you want to hear but that is what I was told
    Thanks so much for that ...will have to get my own card so ..not a big deal , just taught we could use the two from the one account.
    Thanks again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,108 ✭✭✭The Ayatolla


    Get Revolut.

    Can setup an account without leaving your house and it's 1,000,000 times more convenient.


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