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Always read the terms and fees disclosure provided by the credit card issuer on their site before applying.
The issuing bank's terms may include more detailed or updated information than presented here.
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The Pros and Cons of Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards offer the convenience of a credit card without the
difficult approval process or risk of getting into debt. These cards
work a lot like a gift card, you will have to load the account with cash
(direct deposit is usually available) before you can use it for a
purchase
Prepaid cards are not credit cards; you cannot spend more than the
balance you have deposited and you will not be charged interest for your
spending. The prepaid account will not be reported to the credit
bureaus as a credit card.
Pros:
- Easy approval process, no credit required
- The same fraud liability protections as a standard credit card
- Easy to use for online or phone purchases
- Access cash from ATM machines
- Less expensive than check cashing services
Cons:
- Expensive fees for opening and maintaining the account
- Fees for loading money on the account or using the card for
purchases
- Very limited, if any, reporting to the credit bureaus
- Does not help improve your credit the same way a credit card
or secured card would
- Much more expensive than opening a checking account and using
an ATM card
Fees and charges can vary significantly between different prepaid credit
card offers. Be sure to read the fee schedule for the prepaid credit
card before you apply.
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