Prepaid cards are one of the newest and most interesting financial products on the market, and they
What does prepaid mean?
Many of us have prepaid phone cards or SIM cards for our mobiles, but prepaid debit cards are quite a new idea. However, the concept is the same as other prepaid mediums, where you load money onto a card and then you can end this money at retailers or withdraw the money at an ATM. You load money onto the card using cash, bank tra fer or another card.
Are they credit or debit cards?
Prepaid cards are neither credit nor debit cards, but have features similar to both. These are VISA or MasterCard cards usually, and so have the wide usage and security features of a credit card. However, you are not borrowing money, simply using your own money to top up a card and end on it. They are a financial product that falls in between debit and credit cards.
What are the advantages?
The major advantage of a prepaid card is that you can easily keep track of your ending and limit yourself to a certain level of ending each month. Also, you dont have to pay interest and dont have to go through credit checks to get one. All of the funds on the card are completely controlled by the amount of money you wish to put on it. This mea there is no risk of borrowing too much and getting into debt.
Who should get a prepaid card?
Prepaid cards can be useful for anyone who wants to control their ending but still have the security and usage features of a credit card. Also, prepaid cards can be very useful for teenagers or children if they need a card. As a parent you can control their ending by only putting on a certain amount each week or month for them to end, whilst still giving them the freedom and security to purchase items using plastic.
The costs of a prepaid card
Although prepaid cards have many advantages, they can cost you money through various charges and fees. Many prepaid cards carry an a lication charge as well as a monthly usage charge. If you are paying a monthly service charge, then you need to make sure that other services are given to you for this money, such as helplines or added security. Before getting a prepaid card, you should shop around to find the card that has the lowest fees. Although you are not paying interest, these fees can add up and if you dont use the card a lot could cost you more than you will end up ending. However, if you look around there are some good deals to be had. If you want to control your ending or your childs then getting a prepaid card might be the a wer.