Credit Card Options for AuPair/Nanny-help!

[Anonymous]

I'm transitioning from a long term nanny to an AuPair. Our nanny had our American Express for years and would use it for all child related purchases....gas, food, outings, supplies...ect. I trust her 100% and she had full run of the card, no receipts required (of course I looked at the bill monthly to make sure nothing was crazy).

However, now I'm switching to an AP and I don't think I'm comfortable letting someone I don't know that well who is young loose with a credit card without a limit. I looked online quickly for a secured card, like something that I dump a few hundred on each month and it seems like everything out there is for people with bad credit and has outrageous fees. I could just as easily get a pre-loaded visa card, but I can't get a statement from one of those and track expenses.

What do employers do? What is your experience as a nanny/AP with expenses?

Reimbursing the AP is not an option, I don't think that is fair to her to float money for my expenses, especially considering how little they make.

[Anonymous]

Give her a weekly envelope of cash, and let her keep all receipts in that envelope for each week.

[Anonymous]

We called our CC company and got a card with a $300 limit for AP's use.

[Anonymous]

I set up a second checking account and made the nanny an "agent." She gets a debit mastercard, and I make sure there's at least $300 in the account.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I set up a second checking account and made the nanny an "agent." She gets a debit mastercard, and I make sure there's at least $300 in the account.

OP here. Great idea!!!

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

AMEX Passcard. It's intended for teens but it's basically a prepaid reloadable card and pretty sure you can check statements.