Prepaid bank card: which one should you choose in France?

Here’s a guide to help you choose your prepaid card: what key factors should you consider? What fees should you expect? And is this type of payment method suitable for international use?

If you regularly make transactions in foreign currencies, consider the Wise card: for just €7, you can make withdrawals and payments at the mid-market exchange rate (without hidden markups).

More information
on the Wise card

Prepaid bank card: the essentials

A prepaid bank card is a payment method linked to an account that you can top up by bank transfer or with cash.

They are generally offered by platforms such as Payoneer, Paysafecard, Skrill, Veritas, and others.

A prepaid card works much like a classic debit card — you can make payments and withdrawals anywhere in the world.

However, you may face deposit limits, and some providers also charge top-up fees.

Prepaid cards are useful in several situations:

• Online shopping: pay safely without risking access to your main bank account. If your card details are compromised, fraudsters won’t have access to your savings.
• Budgeting: create a separate account for specific expenses (travel, groceries, outings, daily spending). This helps you manage your budget more easily.
• Reimbursing friends: transfers between accounts from the same provider are usually quick and free.

Prepaid card vs. bank card: what’s the difference?

Prepaid cards may come with top-up fees, unlike regular bank cards.

They are also offered by payment service providers rather than banks, meaning you won’t have access to traditional banking services (such as savings accounts or investments). However, for day-to-day use, they work just as well.

Prepaid cards often have deposit limits: once you reach the maximum allowed, you won’t be able to add more funds. This can restrict your usage options.

Where to buy a prepaid bank card in France

As mentioned earlier, prepaid cards are available from online payment providers. To order one, simply log in to the provider’s website or app and apply.

Your card will usually arrive within a week. Some providers offer express delivery for an additional fee.

Prepaid bank card: comparison of main offers available in France

Note: For the comparison below, we’ve chosen standard offers. Some providers may offer lower fees if you subscribe to a paid plan.

Alternatively, you can order the Wise debit card for a €7 shipping fee and use it for payments and withdrawals worldwide, while benefiting from transparent, low-cost fees.

The Wise card works almost anywhere debit cards are accepted, with no monthly fees. It’s also linked to a modern, user-friendly mobile app that helps you track your spending and manage your budget effortlessly.

Best prepaid bank card: how to choose?

Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a prepaid card:

• Subscription: in most cases, you’ll only pay a one-time shipping fee. However, some providers offer premium plans with reduced transaction fees.
• Top-up fees: if your account comes with an IBAN, you typically won’t pay deposit fees. But some operators, like Skrill, charge for top-ups.
• Deposit limits: many prepaid cards have weekly or monthly top-up limits. This may prevent you from receiving your salary or larger transfers.
• Withdrawal and payment fees: some cards offer free withdrawals and payments in euros, while others charge a commission on every transaction — even in euros. Be sure to compare carefully.
• Exchange rate: this is especially important for travel or international payments. Most providers use a marked-up rate.

Wise applies the mid-market rate to all transactions, without hidden markups.

Advantages and disadvantages of prepaid cards

A prepaid card offers a payment method that’s separate from your main bank account, with two major advantages:

• Security: you can make purchases safely. In case of fraud, only the funds on the card are at risk. You can also block and replace the card instantly through the app.
• Flexibility: prepaid cards make budgeting easier. For example, you can load a fixed amount each month for entertainment or travel, helping you control your expenses.

However, fees vary between providers. Some charge for topping up, others for withdrawals or payments.

A key disadvantage is that many prepaid cards apply a marked-up exchange rate for foreign currency conversions, making them less suitable for international use.

Sign up for the Wise card for withdrawals and payments at the mid-market rate

The Wise card allows you to make payments and withdrawals at the mid-market exchange rate.

This means you avoid hidden fees on transactions involving currency conversion — a common issue with most other providers.

You also get 2 free withdrawals per month, up to a total of €200.

Don’t wait any longer — order your card for just €7 (shipping fee) and start saving today!

Order your Wise card

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.