Can You Buy A Prepaid Credit Card [2021]
One important thing to research before choosing a prepaid card are fees that might be associated with any number of different actions. According to the CFPB, you may be charged fees for a number of reasons, like:
can you buy a prepaid credit card
Prepaid cards may also come with fewer protections than your typical credit or debit card. The government has taken steps to provide legal rights for prepaid cardholders, like a pathway to reimbursement should you lose your card or have it stolen. But these protections may not measure up to those of traditional credit or debit cards.
Your benefits may vary by card type and by issuing financial institution. Refer to your issuing financial institution for complete benefit coverage terms and conditions or call Mastercard (0800-96-4767) for assistance. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
The methods for adding money to a prepaid card vary from card to card. But generally, the options include adding cash at a retail register (often for a fee), adding funds by using an app to make a mobile check deposit, and by direct deposit, card-to-card transfer and bank transfer.
Prepaid cards are a relatively simple way for you to pay for purchases without opening a credit card or bank account. They work similar to a debit card in that you can use a prepaid card to pay bills, set up direct deposit and use mobile check deposit. You'll even receive the same $250,000 FDIC insurance that protects your deposits if your bank fails.
One reason to opt for a prepaid card over other forms of plastic is that it's a relatively low-risk way to manage your money. Parents can use prepaid cards as a way to teach their kids about money before making them an authorized user on their credit card. And if you struggle to stick to a budget, you can use a prepaid card to help monitor your spending, with the goal of eventually graduating to a credit or debit card.
If you're interested in opening a prepaid card, there are wide variety to choose from. To help make the process easier, Select rounded up the best prepaid cards, and below we've broken down everything you need to know before you sign up. (See our methodology for more information on how we chose the cards.)
Similar to a gift card, you add value to the prepaid card before you can use it, which is essentially like prepaying for future purchases. But prepaid cards come with a few more bells and whistles, like the ability to set up direct deposit and check your balance on a mobile app. They also require more attention since you can incur fees for simply having a card or reloading it with more cash.
Prepaid cards can be used to make purchases and pay bills, just like debit or credit cards. They are accepted nearly everywhere since they are often backed by a major card network, such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
One disadvantage of using a prepaid card is that you can only complete transactions up to the amount you have loaded onto it. If you add $200 to your prepaid card, you can only spend up to $200. Any purchases you attempt to make exceeding $200 will be declined until you load more money onto your card.
Additionally, there's often a cap on how much money you can have on your card. The cards on this list have limits ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. That said, the cap is generally pretty similar to a credit limit on a credit card.
Before you open a prepaid card, it's important to understand what fees may be associated with them. Most prepaid cards charge monthly maintenance fees around $10, which is similar to checking account fees that can cost up to $15 a month. But you may also pay a fee to open your prepaid card, typically around $5.
The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard can cost up to $4.95 to purchase the card ($0 if you get the card online) and charges you $4.95 a month to use the card. You may also incur ATM withdrawal fees of $2.50, check deposit fees ranging from $0 to 5% of the total check amount and a 4% fee on purchases made outside the U.S.
There are options out there with minimal fees. Bluebird by American Express has no card opening fee when you open an account online (otherwise it costs up to $5), no monthly fee and no foreign transaction fees.
While there's typically no minimum balance requirement, you could get stuck paying a monthly fee you regardless of your balance. Make sure you're familiar with your card's terms of service and reach out directly to your card issuer for more information.
Prepaid cards are a good option for parents who want to give their kids spending money without handing them cash that could potentially get lost. You can request a new prepaid card if it goes missing, and many card issuers allow you to lock your card to prevent unauthorized use.
Choosing a prepaid card could be a good choice for you if you have a history of overspending. A prepaid card might be a better alternative than a debit or credit card, as it can force you to stick to a budget by declining purchases that exceed the balance in your account. But make sure it makes financial sense. Even though you're saving on potential interest charges or overdraft fees, the monthly fees on a prepaid card can get very expensive, too. If you decide that using a prepaid card makes it easier for you to manage your finances, make sure to sign up for a no-fee card.
When you decide that you no longer want your prepaid card, whether that's because you're opting for credit or debit, you'll need to take some action. You can't just forget about the card because you could still incur monthly fees.
In order to cancel a prepaid card, you'll first need to withdraw all of the money currently in your account. You can typically withdraw money at an ATM, through a transfer to another account or by requesting a check. Once your balance reaches $0, you can call your card issuer to cancel your account.
To determine the best prepaid cards on the market, Select analyzed and compared 11 cards that offer benefits to individuals and families who are looking for an alternative to credit cards and debit cards to manage their money.
Keep in mind that while prepaid cards are an alternative to credit and debit, they won't help you build credit. In order to establish a credit history, you need to regularly use a credit card responsibly, paying your bills on time and in full every month. And if you want an easy way to deposit and withdraw money for daily transactions, consider opening a checking account with a linked debit card so you can avoid ATM charges.
You can use the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard to eat, drink and shop everywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. Order online and once your information has been verified, you'll receive your Card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Subject to activation and identity verification.*
3 PayPal Transfers require a PayPal Balance account and a personalized card, which arrives within 10 business days after activation of your instant-issue card. If you do not already have a PayPal Balance account you will link to this Card, visit www.paypal.com to get one, or you may get one when you activate this card online. PayPal Balance account required for certain features, but not to have the PayPal Prepaid Card. Transfers may not exceed $300 per day/$2,000 per rolling 30 days and are limited to the funds available in your PayPal Balance account. Transfers may only be made in the name of a valid PayPal Prepaid Mastercard Cardholder. Only one (1) PayPal Prepaid Mastercard may be linked to one (1) PayPal Balance account. PayPal Transfers cannot be reversed or canceled. The Bancorp Bank and Mastercard are not affiliated with, and neither endorses nor sponsors the PayPal.com online account to which various funding sources, including a PayPal Prepaid Card, may be linked.
5 Payback Rewards is an optional program. You may opt-out at any time by visiting the Payback Rewards page in your Online Account Center. Reward offers are based on individual shopping habits. Cash back rewards are credited to your Card Account and are not available in the form of a check or other direct payment method. See the program FAQs and Terms and Conditions in your Online Account Center for additional details about how and when you get rewared. Program sponsor: Netspend Corporation. The Bancorp Bank and Mastercard are not affiliated in any way with this program and do not endorse or sponsor this program.
The interest rates and APYs of each tier may change. The APYs were accurate as of September 8, 2021. These are promotional rates and may change without notice pursuant to applicable law. No minimum balance necessary to open Savings Account or obtain the yield(s). Because Savings Account funds are withdrawn through the Card Account (maximum 6 such transfers per calendar month), Card Account transaction fees could reduce the interest earned on the Savings Account. Card Account and Savings Account funds are FDIC-insured through The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC upon verification of cardholder's identity. For purposes of FDIC coverage limit, all funds held on deposit by the Cardholder at The Bancorp Bank will be aggregated up to the coverage limit, currently $250,000.00.
7 A cardholder may receive an unlimited number of Refer-a-Friend rewards while program is available. No reward credited to either party if referred individual had another Netspend managed card that was used for a value load, purchase, cash withdrawal, or incurred a balance inquiry fee at any time during the 180 calendar days before the day the $40 load requirement is fully met. Only cash reloads and direct deposits count towards the minimum load requirement. Allow 2 business days for $20 credit to appear on each Card Account. If a cardholder accrues $600 or more in Refer-a-Friend rewards in a calendar year, Netspend will mail cardholder an IRS Form 1099-MISC reflecting the total Refer-a-Friend rewards for such calendar year. Cardholder acknowledges that by referring a friend through this program, cardholder is releasing non-public information. Referred person acknowledges that payment of the referral may result in the cardholder's knowledge of referred person establishing a Card Account with us. The Bancorp Bank is not affiliated in any way with the Refer-a-Friend rewards program and does not endorse or sponsor this program. 041b061a72