Vanilla card

[Summertimer]

Anyone bought a Vanilla visa type card as a back up for their DC starting uni? I’m think of the kind of thing they keep in case their card is lost etc.

Never heard of one? Surely if their card gets lost they just order a new one? Most banks will let you use Applepay straightaway.

Looking online, I can only see Vanilla being able to have $US loaded onto it?

I think something like Revolut would be a UK equivalent.

I don't know about other banks, but with NatWest there is a facility through the app to get a code to withdraw cash without a card, as a temporary measure.

Of course, things get a little more complicated if you lose both card and phone.

Pre loaded cards can be lost too, and if this is a backup it's more likely to not be noticed if it is lost.

A regular debit card is much safer, and doesn't have the processing fees.

Just make sure they have Apple/google pay set up and they will be fine.

Why would you buy a card?

Most students have a student account with a regular bank, then a Monzo or Revolut account and use that as ApplePay or similar.

Monzo IS an ordinary account, its not preloaded like Revolut etc.
DD has a Monzo account and has opened a student account with Nationwide, DH has also got her an emergency credit card on his account too.
Never heard of Vanilla

DF thinks they are available in Sainsburys

I think they are a gift card

www.myvanillagiftcard.com/