Travel Cash

So, you’ve decided to go on a cruise and the departure date is fast approaching.  Double-checking everything, you make sure that you have all of your clothing packed, your cosmetics, and toiletries.  You’ve gone to the bank and gotten Traveler’s checks, you make sure you have your credit cards and/or debit card, and last but not least, you make sure your cash is secure.  Let’s face it; you have to have some cash, right?

Now, you’re on your cruise, having a wonderful time enjoying the activities and food and upon returning to your cabin, you realize someone has been in your room and taken not only your cash, but your credits cards and Traveler’s checks.  Well, how could that have happened?  You securely put them in your luggage.  Was it the maid service?  Did someone actually break in?  Whatever the reason, your cash, Traveler’s checks and credit cards are gone.  Now what – you call to report this and go through the hassle of reading off numbers, having checks reissued, and just the agony of it all could drop the anchor on your trip.

Is this a terrible scenario?  Of course it is – no money, no credit cards, and no cash.  That’s enough to make you want to say, “Turn the ship around,” but the trip could continue and you could continue having a wonderful time  if you had a “cash stash.”  Well, what is a “cash stash?”

A cash stash is a reserve – a backup – an in case of emergency fund.  In situations where you don’t have immediate access to cash for whatever reason, a “cash stash” will be your knight in shining armor, although this stash is not under your mattress or in an old shoe box.  This stash is something that you have with you and it is readily available anytime.  This is actually an ATMCASH Card.

What’s this and how do I get one?

It’s simple; you go to ATMCASH.com, sign-up for the service and load “x” amount of cash on your card.  ATMCASH will send you an ATM card.  You will be able to use it at any ATM machine displaying the MasterCard, Maestro, or Cirrus logos just like you would a regular bank ATM card.

ATMCASH can transfer money to over 1 million countries and you can retrieve money from ATM machines around the world.

Yes, there are a number of alternatives, but the most convenient and cost-effective way to transfer cash is through ATMCASH and in this case, while you are waiting for your bank and/or credit card companies to issue new cards, release funds, etc. you will still have access to cash and can continue enjoying your trip.

This is a good back-up plan for anyone, and not just when you’re traveling.   Just remember to always put your ATMCASH card in a safe place separate from your other cards.

Are you ready to sign up now?

Go to ATMCASH.com or call 1-888-ATM-CASH and be prepared for those unexpected events.

Money Transfer Tips

For just about everyone, there are occasionally instances where it is necessary to send money to someone using a financial intermediary.  Perhaps you have family members living overseas and wish to remit money to them from your paychecks in the United States.  Maybe you are purchasing goods or services and need to transfer funds to complete a transaction.

There may even be situations where someone you know is in a pinch and needs access to money fast.  Whatever the reason, it’s helpful to know the options that are available for transferring money.  The following tips will help to ensure that you make the most efficient and cost effective decision when sending money through a financial intermediary.

First, if you have a little extra time to complete the transaction, take it!  While it sometimes may be necessary to send money in the fastest way possible, there will be other instances where the money doesn’t  need to arrive for a couple of days.

Sending money instantly is far and away the most expensive way to send money, so if you’re able to delay the transfer, you’ll save money.  Most money transfer companies have options that delay the completion of the transaction by a couple of days, and these options are considerably cheaper.

Next, take advantage of direct deposits to bank accounts when you can.  This will not always be possible, especially when sending money overseas.  However, when the recipient of the funds has a bank account that you can deposit the money directly into, the savings come from eliminating the middle man.  Without using a direct deposit feature, the fund must be redeemed through an agent, which will almost always charge a fee to complete the transaction.

Third, it’s essential to understand the exchange rate fees when sending money internationally.  Most companies that will facilitate the transfer of money overseas will charge a fee to do so, but they also make money by giving a less than favorable exchange rate and pocketing the difference.  Before sending money through any company or system, find out how they calculate exchange rates and compare the rates being charged to true market exchange rates.

Fourth, do your research!  There are new ways to send money overseas and to other financial institutions emerging all the time, each with its own set of rules and fees.  The money transfer industry is a competitive one, and the biggest names don’t always have the lowest fees.  Shop around, as there is a good chance you’ll uncover a method of sending money that is faster, more secure, or cheaper than you might think.  One example is a company called atmcash.com.

Finally, think about the person that is receiving the funds, and make it as easy for them as possible.  Simple things such as having the correct personal information for the recipient of the funds will make redeeming those funds much easier.  It’s possible to add a security question in many transactions that will keep the money from getting into the wrong hands.  Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes, and you’ll find a method that works well for the sender and the recipient. www.atmcash.com