I would Switch to Visa if I could... (Switch Card Services)

Member Name: Speed

Product:	Switch Card Services
Date:	30/11/02 (1573 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: just a swipe - convenient, no interest, extra costs, almost every retailer in UK accepts

Disadvantages: limited use abroad, limited use online other than the UK

Okay the Switch card has been around for some time. Electron/Solo cards out the window - they dont compare. Its actualy quite a good debit card - no fuss of carrying cash and change or going to the cash point - secure, easy, convenient - everything you want from a debit card. I dont need to go on most of you probably have one.

The only bad point about this card, is for those of you who like shopping online or want to use your card when you're abroad. Now, it has major flaws - apart from the UK nobody accepts Switch. Okay it has Cirrus/Maestro on the back, supposedly these are widely used around the world but... no they're not. Wanna buy something from that US website? Maybe its much cheaper or not available in the UK? Well too bad you cant! Very few MAJOR retailers let alone smaller ones, accept Cirrus/Maestro abroad. Too bad you're going to have to pull out that 'beloved' credit card. Its a bit of hassle - you have use your credit card and then pay that balance off using the cash you already had in your bank account and wish you could spend directly.
If you're out and about abroad its very limited also.

If you're looking for a better debit card, look no further than a Visa Debit card. It does everything a Switch does and more. Visa as you know, is accepted practically everywhere. Doesn't matter where you are in the world its available and you're cash available with it. Usually you hear the word "Visa" and you think "credit" or "interest." But this time its just a normal debit card taking cash straight out of your bank.
The only problem with this card though is that not so many banks issue them. Shame really. Other than that, go anywhere, surf anywhere, you can use it.

Anyway for now, I'll just stick with my combo of Switch and good old Mastercard to get everything done. Its not worth switching (no pun intended) banks over for a Visa....

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