What is a Prepaid Debit Card?

If you are looking for a prepaid debit card, you need to get the one that's suitable for you.

There are different types of prepaid card and different prepaid card providers may have different transaction fees and charges.

Some may also be able to be more widely used than others due to the logo they carry.

You may not be able to use some cards abroad to withdraw foreign currency for example.

So if this is something that you're looking for in a prepaid card, then you may need to opt for one bearing a branding (like MasterCard or Visa) which is typically widely accepted abroad.

Prepaid cards are typically loaded with cash via PayPoint outlets.

There are others though which can be linked to an online account, which could also give you the option of managing your transactions online.

Budgeting

If you are trying to stick to a budget, you may find that a traditional credit card may offer too much in the way of temptation when it comes to spending. You may find yourself using your credit card in a situation where you would not even consider taking out a loan but that really is what you're doing.

Even with a traditional debit card linked to a bank account, there may be the option of spending more than you should.

At the same time though, it has to be acknowledged that trying to do without a card of some type in today's modern life can be almost impossible.

This is where a prepaid debit card could be invaluable. This is because:

l you are in control of the amount of money loaded onto the card;
l there is no possibility of spending more than is on the card;
l so you have the flexibility of card use;
l but without the risk of running up debt.

Safer more flexible option

There are other areas where a prepaid card like this could be useful including;

l as a more secure alternative to cash for your holiday spending money;
l perhaps you could give your children the flexibility of using a card on shopping or school trips while at the same time keeping control of spending limits;
l out of hours to pay for things like petrol etc;
l for internet or telephone purchases.