Thread: prepaid MC
View Single Post
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 09-03-2007, 08:03 AM
poundwise's Avatar
poundwise poundwise is online now
Debt Freedom Fighter
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,859

Points: 13040.20
Donate
Default


If you want to get a pre-paid, reloadable, card, I'd recommend IDT's SiGo Money card.

However, I don't recommend these types of cards because they typically all have (1) an initial cost, (2) a monthly fee, (3) a cost to reload. I think they are all pretty much bad deals. The card I recommend above then is really the best of these bad deals that I know of at this time.

An alternative would be to obtain a secured credit card such as one available through Citi or BoA. Though they both have an annual fee, it is still less expensive than using a prepaid card and, in the case of the Citi offering, you earn interest on your funds on deposit.

A second alternative would be to buy a VISA gift card for yourself. IDT offers Gift2Go cards which cost $3.95-$5.95 (depending on the value). These cards can bear your name and have no fees as long as you use the card amount within 12 months. Of course, the downside to these cards is that they are not reloadable, however, this is probably the least expensive way to have a pre-paid card.

Finally, and I've saved the best for last, you could simply open a new account and have a debit card tied to that account. This would cost nothing and, in some cases, could net you money. For instance, if you open a new checking account (with a debit card or two) you can "reload" by making a deposit. Cost? Zero. Some banks have rewards programs for using your debit card. Or, check into opening an account with PayPal, which offers a debit card that pays you back a percentage each time you use it.

__________________

"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity." - Anonymous
Reply With Quote