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DogFatherFL's avatar
DogFatherFL
Explorer
Dec 14, 2013

Paying for RVing or traveling

I do most of my RVing around FL. Travel by plane to visit friends &
relatives, who farther away. Either way I need to have money. I have CC (credit cards)and DC (debit cards). But,I keep my money in mutual funds, not at banks. So, I need some emergency way to get money, if the need arose. Traveler's Checks do not work like they used to. My CCs have large spending limits, but much smaller cash advances. Any ideas on how to carry more cash available with me.

Something like a GC (gift card) with the ability to get cash at an ATM. That also is password protected. I have used Amex & Walmart GCs in the past.They worked well for me. Sometimes they even give discounts on gas.

I would think a GC with the ability to get cash at an ATM and is protected in some way, from theft or loss, would be a great product.
Anyone know of such an animal?
  • Do some research on CC's. I think Pen fed still offers 4 or 5% if you buy at pump. And I think Citi has a CC that gives you triple on air fares. Could build up points and could use CC for emergency's. And use local credit union (zero fees) that has debt card and use as atm card that is good all over US.
  • We just pick up needed cash as we go. Picked a bank with offices most places (WellsFargo). Use credit cards when we can & pay the bills on line.
  • Since I'm retired military I chose USAA as my investment and bank institution. I can use their debit card at any ATM or retail store and get cash PLUS ¨SAA refunds any ATM transaction few up to 15 a month. Credit card and debit card with a cash option if needed but in three years REALLY haven't needed cash. So what's with you needing it ???
  • Why on Earth can't you use your debit card the same way you intend to use a gift card? Any time you use your debit card in a store you can get cash back, and you can use your debit card at any ATM.

    Why make things more complicated? Is there something I'm not understanding here?

    I've traveled all over the world using one credit card and a debit card, spending only money from an investment account and not using a bank account at all.
  • Go to your bank or credit card issuer and have the daily cash advance limit increased.
  • either use cash or find a bank with an ATM in it. most places including restaurants have ATM's
  • I have found cash works very well. We withdraw enough for the whole trip (usually six months), put it in our safe aboard the coach, and only carry a couple hundred at a time, replenishing as necessary. We save up enough in our checking account during the six months we are at home to have it available when we leave. Everyone accepts it! The problem with gift cards is they must be used at a specific place unless you get the VISA gift cards which are not much safer than carrying cash.

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