Updated September 29, 2026 · VaultCue Editorial Team
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa vs Varo Bank
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
Higher score in this comparison
Varo Bank
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa vs Varo Bank: the differences
| Compare | SCB PLANET prepaid VisaReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | Varo BankReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | THB 0 | $0 |
| Transfer fee | THB 100 per overseas ATM cash withdrawal; no annual fee | Free |
| Licence type | Not confirmed | Bank |
| Deposit protection | Not confirmed | FDIC up to USD 250,000 |
| Currency conversion fee | Not confirmed | 0% |
| Currencies | 14 | Not confirmed |
| Local account details | Not confirmed | Us ACH |
| Free ATM withdrawals | Not confirmed | $0 |
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Key differences
- SCB PLANET prepaid Visa scores higher overall: 9.4 vs 8.9.
- Founded is lower at SCB PLANET prepaid Visa: 1906 vs 2015.
- Support channels: only Varo Bank offers Email, Chat, Phone.
Our verdict on each
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
The SCB PLANET prepaid Visa sits with the no monthly fee accounts, charging THB 0 a year and holding 14 currencies with a 0% exchange rate markup. It suits travellers and expatriates in Thailand who want a card that costs nothing to hold.
Varo Bank
Varo Bank suits people who want a free digital bank account and an easy-access savings balance without a minimum deposit. It charges a monthly fee of $0, pays a variable rate of 1% to 3.75% and holds deposits under FDIC up to USD 250,000.
Score breakdown
| Area | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Offer | 8.8 | 9.0Higher |
| Trust | 9.9Higher | 8.5 |
How they place
| Ranking | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Current and checking accounts | 43 of 885 | 120 of 885 |
| Savings accounts | 108 of 1420 | 440 of 1420 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | No monthly fee | No monthly fee |
| Features | Not confirmed | Free ATM, Digital only, No credit check |
| Legal entity | Siam Commercial Bank PCL | Varo Bank, National Association |
| Headquarters | Thailand | United States |
| Founded | 1906Lower | 2015 |
| Support channels | Help centre | Email, Chat, Phone, Help centreCovers more |
Money transfer
| Fact | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate markup | 0% | Not confirmed |
| Delivery time | Within 7 business days by post; instant issue at 13 designated SCB branches | Not confirmed |
| Payout methods | Bank, Cash pickup, Card | Not confirmed |
Savings
| Fact | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Headline rate | Not confirmed | 1% to 3.75% |
| Rate type | Not confirmed | Variable |
| Minimum deposit | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Access terms | Prepaid card usable as a cash alternative; 14 currencies, 24/7 FX and top-up via SCB EASY App; overseas ATM withdrawal only, none in Thailand | No minimum balance or deposit, no savings cap, access in the Varo app with free instant transfers |
| Account kind | Easy access | Easy access |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currency conversion fee | Not confirmed | 0%below the median | 0.5% |
| Currencies | 14above the median | Not confirmed | 5 |
| Free ATM withdrawals | Not confirmed | $0at the median | $0 |
Median across 536 listed accounts.
Pros and cons
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
Pros
- No monthly charge, so the card costs nothing to keep: THB 0 and the no monthly fee model
- Currency conversion carries a 0% markup, at the low end of the comparison
- Holds 14 currencies, more than most cards in the group
Cons
- Overseas ATM withdrawals cost THB 100 per overseas ATM cash withdrawal; no annual fee
- Support runs on help centre only
- ATM withdrawals are overseas only, with none available in Thailand
Varo Bank
Pros
- A monthly fee of $0 applies, matching the site median of €0
- The savings account takes a minimum deposit of $0 and pays a variable rate of 1% to 3.75%
- Transfers are free and the ATM allowance is $0
Cons
- The savings rate is variable, so the 1% to 3.75% range can move
- The service is digital-only, which needs a phone and app access for everyday banking
- It is a US bank licence, and the local payment detail is us ach
Who each suits
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
Who it suits
- Travellers spending in several currencies from a Thai bank account
- Expatriates and long stay visitors who top up through the SCB EASY App
- Anyone who wants a second card for cash and spending without a monthly fee
Who should look elsewhere
- People who need to withdraw cash in Thailand, as ATM withdrawals are overseas only
- Anyone who wants phone or chat support, since help centre is the listed channel
- Those who want a savings product, as this is a prepaid card rather than an interest account
Varo Bank
Who it suits
- You want a savings balance you can reach at any time from the app
- You want no monthly charge on the everyday account
- You want a bank rather than an e-money or payment institution
Who should look elsewhere
- You want a fixed-rate term deposit, since the rate here is variable
- You need branches or in-person service, as the service is digital-only
- You need euro or UK payment details, and the local detail is us ach
Country by country
| Country | SCB PLANET prepaid Visa | Varo Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Yes | No |
| United States | No | Yes |
Questions about each
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
How much does the SCB PLANET prepaid Visa cost to hold?+
There is a monthly fee of THB 0, so the card sits with accounts that charge nothing for holding it. Overseas ATM cash withdrawals cost THB 100 per overseas ATM cash withdrawal; no annual fee. Spend on the card itself adds no separate fee in the published terms.
What currencies can the card hold and what does conversion cost?+
The card covers 14 currencies, with conversion carried at a 0% exchange rate markup. The markup is priced at the low end of the group, where the higher cards charge a wider spread on the same conversion.
Varo Bank
What does Varo Bank charge each month?+
Varo Bank charges a monthly fee of $0 on the everyday account, which matches the site median of €0. Transfers are free and the ATM allowance is $0, so day to day banking costs nothing extra.
How much interest does the Varo savings account pay?+
The savings account pays a variable rate of 1% to 3.75%. Because the rate is variable, the range can move over time. The site median headline rate is 3%, so this sits at the higher end of typical savings listings.
Other options to compare
Other matchups
Related by the facts
SCB PLANET prepaid Visa
Varo Bank