There is a common misconception that prepaid cards are like debit cards. However they are in fact payment cards that you top up with your own money in advance of using them for purchases. These cards are ideal for anyone wishing to control their spending.
1. READYdebit Prepaid Card
The READYdebit Prepaid Visa card will guarantee a successful application regardless of credit score or being refused before for credit and debit cards. The only requirement is that you live in the US and validate the information given when opening the account. You will not longer have overdraft charges to worry about and can control your spending far easier than before. It costs a small amount to apply and there is a small charge to take money out of the ATM. The READY debit is also available as READYdebit Control Prepaid Visa Card and READYdebit Platinum Visa Prepaid Card.
2. Baby Phat Prepaid Visa Rush
MasterCard is one of the most common types of prepaid cards you can apply for. This particular Baby Phat Prepaid Visa Rush is free to apply for and can be used in any place where MasterCards are taken. Funds can be loaded up on to the card and these funds are not linked to a bank account in any way. You will only be able to spend what you have on the card at any time. This card is available to US citizens who are over a certain age. Other Baby Phat prepaid card versions are Prepaid Visa Purple Diamond RushCard, Prepaid Visa Black Diamond RushCard and Prepaid Visa RushCard. You are guaranteed acceptance when you apply for this card and features the following benefits:
- Card is free to apply for
- No Credit Checks when applying
- No Bank Account needed
- Stay in control of your finances
- No monthly charges
3. Greendot Prepaid MasterCard
With the Greendot Prepaid MasterCard you need to be living in the US and be over 18 years of age to be eligible for an application. Again, you can control the money you spend and the limit you want to put on as you top up the card as and when you want with your own funds. As it is not linked to any bank account there is no chance of fraud in that respect. There is monthly fee that you need to pay to operate the account. However, taking money out of a machine on the wall is free. The card is available as Green Dot Gold Prepaid MasterCard and features:
- Guaranteed approval
- Free to apply for card
- No credit checks
- Monthly fees
- No ATM fees
4. Upside Visa Debt-Free Prepaid Card
This prepaid card is a visa card that can be used by US citizens under the age of 18. It acts just like a credit card or debit card except it is only loaded with money you have rather than going into debt or going overdrawn. There are no transaction fees to pay which is ideal and there are a number of different designs of card to select from. Additionally there are no monthly fees to pay either and the Upside Visa Debt-Free Prepaid Card features the following:
- No credit checks
- Guaranteed Acceptance
- Under 18’s credit card option
- No annual fee
- No transaction charges
5. Netspend Prepaid Card
This prepaid card comes in both Visa and MasterCard alternatives depending on which you want. The advantage of having both Netspend Prepaid Visa and Netspend Prepaid MasterCard is that you can use it almost anywhere as the majority of stores and restaurants will accept either of these types of cards. It costs a small amount of money to apply but once you are accepted then you will pay no monthly costs or transaction fees. The card features the following:
- No credit checks
- No bank account needed
- Free direct deposit
6. Upside Visa Prepaid Card
This prepaid Visa card is upgraded to allow for great flexibility in use. You can pay a small fee each month and you can fund your card as and when you want from your own bank account with no charge. If you are over 18 years old you also get the option of an online check writing service. The Upside Visa Prepaid Card is and ideal debit card to try.
- No credit checks
- No bank account needed
- No account transaction fees
7. iBankUP Prepaid Visa Card
The iBankUP Prepaid Visa credit card is open and most beneficial to anyone who uses their card regularly. There is no annual fee to pay. However, there is a maintenance fee which depends on how much you use the card. The card can be used when funds are loaded on to it and features the following:
- 100% approval
- No credit checks
- No bank account needed
- No transaction fees
Conclusion
A prepaid card contains the same information as a debit card such as a chip and pin which enables you to take out money to use on purchases online or in store. They work in exactly the same way as a debit card but are not linked to any bank account giving them a huge advantage.
