VALU review

The monthly fee is €1. That is the recurring cost of keeping the card active, and it is a flat figure rather than a variable charge, so you can add it to your budget before you apply. Cards in this comparison often sit at €0 a month, so this is the number to weigh most.

It is a prepaid card, not a credit card. You load the balance first and then spend from it, which suits people who want a spending tool rather than a credit line. If you would rather hold a balance that refills on its own, a current account style card may suit you better.

VALU sits on mastercard, the same network used by many mainstream cards. That means acceptance is broad at shops, online and at cash machines, and you are not tied to a smaller domestic scheme. Check acceptance where you plan to spend before you order.

Support runs on email and phone, so you can reach the team by email or by phone rather than a help centre page alone. Live chat is not among the listed channels, which means a call or an email is the route to an answer. Keep your card details handy when you make contact.

The card is issued by Telekom Slovenije, d.d., a company based in Slovenia. That is the legal entity behind the card, so it is the party to deal with if there is a problem with the account. The card itself runs on mastercard.

It is a prepaid Mastercard card for everyday spending, not a platform for buying or holding crypto. If you want to move money between currencies or hold digital assets, an alternative on this page may be a closer fit. VALU suits you if all you need is a simple card for shops and bills.

Monzo Flex, Wise and Bitpanda list a monthly fee of £0, £0 and €0. VALU charges €1 by comparison, so if a free card meets your needs the fee here is the thing to weigh. The prepaid setup may still be the part you prefer.