Prepaid Cards
: The Checking Account Alternative- 100% Guaranteed Approval
- No Overdraft Fees
- No Bounced Checks
- Multiple ways to deposit money Direct Deposit, 100,000+ Locations
(Walmart, Safeway, Western Union, etc...) - Access to a MasterCard® or VISA® Card
Learn More About Prepaid Cards
What is a prepaid card?
A prepaid card is essentially a debit card with two major exceptions: it does not require a bank account and it comes with guaranteed approval.
How do prepaid cards work?
A prepaid card is simple: you load money onto a pre-paid, re-loadable account, and spend it until that money runs out. You can easily add money to your prepaid account with cash and in person at thousands of locations, including major grocery stores, drugstores, and gas stations. Prepaid cards also give you the option to have your paychecks directly deposited into your account. This is a much cheaper way to cash your paychecks than going to check cashing stores.
Your prepaid card works the same as any VISA or MasterCard. Not only is it useful for making purchases and withdrawing cash, but it also gives you the option to pay your bills online, as opposed to mailing in a check.
Should I get a prepaid card?
A prepaid card is a good option if you need an account that allows you to deposit money, pay bills, make purchases using a VISA or MasterCard, and access your money with an ATM card. Having access to a prepaid VISA or MasterCard also allows you to rent a car, book a hotel room, and buy things online.
If you're interested in building your credit history, a secured credit card is a much better option than a prepaid card. Some prepaid cards will allow you to apply for a short-term loan once you have met certain requirements, such as making two direct deposits on your prepaid account. If you are approved for this loan, then your payment history will be reported to the three major credit bureaus.
What does the term prepaid credit card mean?
Prepaid credit card is a misleading term encouraged by prepaid card issuers because it implies that their products have a combination of the best attributes found on prepaid cards and credit cards. One might think that prepaid credit cards would offer lines of credit and credit bureau reporting in addition to standard prepaid card features like guaranteed approval and no initial deposit. However, none of the prepaid cards currently on the market offer lines of credit or report to the major credit bureaus. If you are looking for a second chance checking account, get a prepaid card. But if you want to build or rebuild your credit standing, you should open one a secured credit card.
