Owning a Prepaid Credit Card is Easier Than You May Think

By Caitlin Crosain

There are thousands of Americans out there who may not be aware that there is such a thing as a prepaid credit card. If you are one of these people, don’t worry. Yes, there is such a thing and if you read on, you’ll quickly learn of its advantages of a prepaid credit card.

It’s important to possess a credit card – even if you don’t plan on using it. Why – because it establishes a credit rating and everyone single person has a rating. A credit rating is designed to let banks know what your financial situation is like, and your ability to repay debt. Nowadays, more and more people are shopping online. Have you ever tried purchasing something without a credit card? This scenario is probably unlikely. If you want to purchase something big, like a car or a home, it is next to nearly impossible to do it without some form of credit. For those of you who have had credit problems in the past, there is hope. That hope comes in the form of prepaid cards, which allow you to open an account (like a bank account) and load the card as you wish. The process is similar to using debit cards, except with this form of credit card, you are helping your credit rating to improve rather than to deteriorate more.

If you have no credit, chances are, it’s because you are young and starting out in today’s society. It is also possible that you have less than perfect credit, forcing you to start re-establishing your credit history, once again. Since it is important to establish a good credit history, owning a credit card is a good start, but only under certain conditions. Regardless of what anyone might say, if you have bad credit, you’ll need to take immediate steps of action to erase the debt that’s causing your credit to go from poor to bad. It goes without saying – building good credit is so important today, especially for young adults wanting to buy a house or a car one day. Most young adults don’t have the cash upfront to afford a home. That is where having good credit comes in handy. If you have good credit, a bank will be more likely to approve you for a mortgage on a house or a lease on a car. If you have bad credit, you may be stuck in no man’s land.

You can’t erase bad credit, but there are things you can do to change it for the better. As previously mentioned, getting a credit card to help with bad credit is a wise move. Every month, your credit card company will send credit reports to credit bureaus, which are designed to help you re-build credit. It is important to note that once you receive a credit card, the responsibility is on you. You’ll need to make sure that you’re paying off your monthly balances in full. It may also be helpful to get a secured credit card – that way, you’ll have to maintain a certain amount of money in your account at all times. It’s also good to obtain a copy of your credit report to track positive (and negative) changes being made.

There are many advantages to using a credit card, such as these. First of all, they work like regular credit cards. This means you can use them worldwide. You’ll also get superior customer service and protection as you use your card. Prepaid cards are also easy to get. You can pick them up anywhere – whether it’s online or at the local retail store. There are also no interest charges. That’s because you’re not borrowing anyone’s money. You’re using your own. This also means that you won’t go into debt by using your prepaid card. It’s simple to use and effective in today’s world where it’s easy to spend too much when you may not have the cash to pay for it later on. Be smart and consider a prepaid card.

©Copyright 2005. Caitlin Crosain is a successful writer and publisher of resource websites on how to Repair Bad Credit and qualify for Secured Credit Cards and Personal Loans

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5 Tips for Choosing a Free Prepaid Credit Card

By Joshua Shapiro

The words "free" and "prepaid" may light up your eyes, and it’s no wonder that these new types of credit cards are fast becoming one of the hot new items in the credit card world. They give you instant approval to spend. They don’t have a long drawn-out application process. And you don’t even need a bank account to get one.

1. There Are No Free Lunches

As the saying goes, though, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. In this case, this saying is only partially true. Hence, here’s our first tip for those shopping for prepaid credit cards—know what you’re getting into. Free prepaid credit cards may be the best bet for people who otherwise have trouble getting traditional cards, either because they have bad credit or no credit. They act as both a credit card and a debit card. But they aren’t free. They have a downside—these cards have high fees and penalties.

2. Read the Fine Print

So before you act on these cards, be sure to check the fine print. Compare your options to find out which has the best rewards program, giving you the best prizes for money spent on the card. Just like credit cards, these prepaid cards allow you to accrue these rewards the more money you add, and take off, the cards.

3. Compare Fees

On the negative side of things, compare the cards’ fees. Some cards may cost upwards of $20 just to start one, plus have monthly maintenance fees and fees to add and withdrawal money. These cards can also have fees to argue a charge, or to get a hard copy of your statement. All this money adds up, even if the fees are only a few bucks. So look for the lowest fees possible.

4. This Isn’t Monopoly Money

Another tip to consider with prepaid cards is that these may seem like a good way to spend less money than regular cards. After all, the money is already added to the card, so it’s OK to spend it, right? However, don’t let this attitude lead to overuse of the card, because you’ll only end up adding more money, and spending more fees, on the card in the long run.

5. Look into Special Features

There are some positives to keep your eye out for when shopping for prepaid credit cards. Many of them also offer not only rewards programs, but zero-liability fraud protection, meaning that you aren’t responsible for anyone using your card against your permission, or stealing the card and committing credit card fraud.

Joshua Shapiro recommends Find Credit Cards to find a free prepaid credit card.

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Enjoying the Benefits of a Prepaid Credit Card

By Michael Strauss

Prepaid credit cards are a type of plastic payment method that is becoming more and more popular, as although they can be used in much the same way as a standard credit card, they feature several crucial differences that can really make them more attractive to certain groups of consumers.

The biggest difference is that these cards do not in fact offer any credit facility, and so the name 'prepaid credit card' is perhaps a little misleading, and a better alternative is simply 'prepaid cards'. In order to spend using the card, it must first be 'loaded' with funds via a bank transfer, by debit card over the telephone, or in some cases over the counter at the bank. Once the money has been transferred onto the card, you are free to spend up to that amount in all the same places and ways that you can use a normal credit card.

But why is this an advantage? Firstly, many people are rightly concerned over the possibility of building up excessive debts by unrestrained use of credit, and prepaid cards allow all the convenience of credit cards without this risk.

Secondly, because there is no credit being extended, the approval process is usually very simple - in fact, it's much harder to be refused a card than to be accepted! There won't be any credit check carried out, and for this reason even people with very poor credit ratings are able to enjoy the benefits of paying by plastic online and by telephone, without their previous financial histories getting in the way.

The lack of credit checks also means that in most cases minors are eligible to carry the card, although in some cases it must be taken out in a parent's name. This means that parents of teenagers can load up the card for their child to use, which will be much safer than carrying cash. Should the card be lost or stolen, it can be quickly cancelled and no funds will be lost.

Prepaid cards can also be given as gifts, much as with the traditional shopping voucher schemes, but with the advantage that the gift recipient is free to spend the money anywhere they choose, not just with the retailer who issued the vouchers.

So far so good, but as with most things, there are also drawbacks. The first one is that there will normally be a flat charge made for opening an account, to cover administration costs as well as the actual physical cost of making the card. This will, however, not usually be too high.

A more serious drawback is that a fee of around 3% will be levied on everything you buy with the card. This figure may not seem too high, but in comparison to a cashback card which will actually pay you to make purchases, it's certainly not something to take lightly. You may also have to pay a flat monthly fee just to carry the card, even if you don't make use of it.

If your credit rating is good, and you're confident that you'll be disciplined enough to pay off your balance in full every month, then a decent cashback or rewards card would make a better choice than a prepaid card. However, if you have a poor credit rating, are under the age of 18, or are simply wary of taking on debt, then a prepaid card can certainly be an attractive way of enjoying the convenience of paying with plastic.

Michael writes for Card Sense, a UK credit cards information and review site, where you can read more about prepaid credit cards along with many other topics related to credit.

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Pros and Cons Of A Prepaid Credit Card

By Pauline Go

Prepaid credit cards are becoming increasingly popular among people who are suffering from debts. Some advantages of these cards include convenience, ease of availability, and guaranteed approval. Thus these cards may be the ideal replacement of regular credit cards for some people.

Listed below are some of the advantages of using a prepaid card.

1. Everyone, including those with bad credit, is eligible for obtaining a prepaid credit card. There are no income proof, credit checks, and no employment verification. Approval is always guaranteed.

2. Since prepaid credit is given on the basis of deposited money, you do no need to worry about issues such as increasing debt, late payment fees, and associated penalties.

3. Prepaid credit cards operate in a similar way to debit cards. They are different from a regular credit card, because they do not offer any credit facility. One can spend only the amount that is deposited in the account. Hence, the name "prepaid credit card" is, perhaps, a misnomer.

4. These cards are widely accepted at all merchant locations around the world. They can be used on the internet and phone.

5. The risk of overspending can be avoided. In a way, prepaid cards can increase financial discipline in a person and help build good financial habits.

6. Like regular credit and debit cards, prepaid cards are also protected by a secure PIN number. Transactions on these cards can be tracked online or by using phone. One can use these cards to get instant cash from an ATM machine.

7. Prepaid credit reports are useful in improving the credit history of the borrower.

8. Many companies offer incentives and rewards to customers for referrals.

In spite of all these benefits, prepaid cards also carry certain disadvantages.

1. One needs to pay the bank a nominal flat charge for opening a prepaid credit card account. This charge ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the bank.

2. The fee around 3 percent is levied on every transaction made using a prepaid card.

About Author:

Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like http://www.easyonlinefunds.com - She also writes other great articles like Settlements For Victims Of Predatory Lending, Benefits Of Business Credit Cards For Startups and Negotiating Bad Debt Settlements

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Advanced Prepaid Credit Card Features

By Omar Vega

Technological advances have been made in prepaid credit cards which give them features not seen in traditional credit cards or ATM cards. In this article we will go over these advances, and how they make using prepaid credit cards easy and convenient.

Because prepaid credit cards do not come with a line of credit, customers can load money onto the card via ATMs or at online websites. From here money can be transferred to a paypal or checking account. Some services still allow people to write a check in order to have the funds loaded onto their cards.

More recent advances in this technology have allowed people with cell phones, laptops, or other wireless devices to receive payment alerts about transactions which have been completed. You can also keep track of your credit line using these devices.

When using a prepaid credit card you don't have to balance it the way you would balance a checkbook. The balancing is done in real time and can be viewed via the internet or phone. This technology is allowing people to change the way they spend and manage money.

Many people are becoming aware of this technology since many employers are starting to use prepaid credit cards as an alternative to sending out standard checks. Once employers begin using prepaid credit cards to pay their employees they will save large amounts of money on check printing costs and other expenses.

People are beginning to see the benefits of electronically transferring and receiving funds. People will be able to avoid the high check cashing fees that for too long have been charged just to cash your own checks. Prepaid credit cards are changing the way that people conduct business.

Our society beginning advance closer to being cashless. There are both pros and cons to this that people need to be aware of. While using prepaid credit cards to make purchases and transfer money is convenient, cyber thieves are also anxious to begin defrauding and stealing money from people.

It is always best to use your prepaid debit card in safe locations, and keep track of all you transactions. If you see something on your account that looks strange or out of place, immediately report it. If your card is ever lost or stolen, cancel it as soon as possible.

No one wants to become the victim of fraud. Keep track of your expenses and if something looks suspicious, it probably is.

The writer of this article is the webmaster of Prepaid Credit Cards Website. On this website you can find information about prepaid credit cards and a list of vendors that sell these credit crads over the internet.

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What Is Actually A Prepaid Credit Card?

By Thomas Lindstrom

A prepaid credit card account is opened by depositing money into that account, much in the same way you would make a deposit to open a checking or savings account. Once you have money in your account, you're issued a prepaid credit card that can be used anywhere one would use a regular credit card. The amount varies, but you can probably expect to pay about some amount to open a prepaid credit card account. In addition, you'll have to pay additional fees every time you deposit more cash into your prepaid credit card account. For those with bad credit, the benefits of a prepaid credit card far outweigh the risks. They're able to reserve rental cars or hotel rooms, and don't have to worry about credit card bills and interest payments later. The prepaid card may be a new idea, but it has no shortage of uses, including:

• Topping up your mobile phone
• Buying groceries and petrol
• Internet shopping including eBay
• Making flight and hotel reservations
• Paying bills
• Transferring money to friends and family
• Withdrawing cash from an ATM

There are numerous the prepaid card benefits. These include:

• Accessibility - There are no credit checks, which means you can get a card without worrying about your credit history. If you want one, you can get one.
• Safety - If you're buying online or on the phone and your card is used fraudulently you can get your money back. Also, carrying a card can be safer than carrying cash, which can be particularly appealing for children.
• Control - prepaid cards are an ideal way to control the spending of children and employees. Like a credit card you get a full breakdown of spending on the card so you can see what has been purchased, who from and when.
• No debt risk -With a prepaid card there is no chance of spending too much as you are limited to the amount you put on your card.
• The card for travel - As well as being able to top up the card, depending on the specific provider, you will be able to use it at ATMs worldwide. Additionally, if you lose your card you can contact your provider and they will send a new one to you. Some providers even offer 0% foreign exchange fees.

The best part of the prepaid credit card is that you can charge to your heart's content and you won't be in debt. The money is yours and once it's gone, you can't spend any more until you make another deposit. There are no bills and no interest charges. It's the same principle as using a debit card linked to a savings or checking account.If you're frustrated because a credit card is necessary to get by in today's world, but can't apply for one because of bad credit, you might consider a prepaid credit card. You'll have most of the advantages of a credit card, and you won't have to worry about interest charges.

Thomas Lindstrøm is author and researcher regarding prepaid credit cards and other related issues on today's market.

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Learn About Prepaid Credit Card

By David Hall

Prepaid credit cards also called stored value card can be ideal for individuals who are unemployed, have bad credit or difficulty obtaining an unsecured credit card. Prepaid credit cards are also excellent for individuals who have a hard time controlling their spending and prevent the individual from overspending and getting into credit card debt. If your objective is to establish or rebuild you credit over a period of time, make sure the prepaid card issuer reports cardholder transactions to the credit bureaus namely Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.

It is very easy to obtain a prepaid credit card because there is no credit check or employment verification since the funds you will be using are yours and not that of the prepaid credit card issuer. Prepaid credit card spending limit or credit line is the amount of money you loaded to your prepaid credit card account. Prepaid credit card carries the Visa or MasterCard logo. It can be used anywhere MasterCard and visa is accepted except renting a car at certain car rental companies and setting up automatic recurring payments.

The difference between a prepaid credit card and a debit card is that the spending transactions are deducted from the amount of money you loaded to your account unlike a debit card where the money spent is subtracted from your checking account and could cause Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) charges. The NSF charges are due to a customer drawing funds from an ATM or making purchases that exceeds the balance in their checking account. With a prepaid card this will never happen since the prepaid card holder is not borrowing any money and can only spend the amount of money loaded to their prepaid account.

With prepaid credit card there are no interest charges because you are using your own money. To obtain a prepaid credit card requires paying a setup or application fee and may charge a fee each time you load more money to your account. Some of the ways prepaid credit card can be funded is with a wire transfer and a cash deposit at certain locations approved by the issuer.

About The Author:

David Hall owner of the popular site http://www.iCreditOnline.com He has tools for finding a wide range of financial services including secured and unsecured cards, student and business cards, auto loans, and more from the most reputable companies in the industry. You can also compare multiple credit card offers, securely complete an online credit card application, and receive a credit decision in at least 60 seconds.

Visit David's site today: http://www.iCreditOnline.com

You have permission to republish this article on your website on condition that you include the byline and hyperlinks intact.

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