| As you might expect, there is no answer possible! | | | | charge not only a charge per transaction but they may |
| That's because your view of the best prepaid cards | | | | also have an annual card issuing or membership fee. |
| will inevitably be driven by your particular needs and | | | | Whatever the option you're looking at as part of trying |
| circumstances. | | | | to decide what are the best prepaid cards, it is |
| Distribution | | | | perhaps worth keeping in mind that using a prepaid |
| The first point that may need to be thought about | | | | card may help you avoid unintentionally drifting into an |
| relates to usage. Having a prepaid card may not give | | | | unauthorised overdraft on your bank account. |
| you huge flexibility if it's hard to get it accepted | | | | Unauthorised overdrafts are something that could cost |
| anywhere in point-of-same machines or ATMs etc. | | | | you serious money! |
| That relates to its branding - ie. does it carry something | | | | Applications |
| like the MasterCard logo that means it will be widely | | | | In practice, the providers of prepaid cards may have |
| accepted? It may be difficult to regard a card as being | | | | broadly similar application processes. Typically you'll |
| one of the best prepaid cards if you can't really use it! | | | | need to enter some fairly minimal information about |
| Add-on facilities | | | | yourself through their internet site. As there is no credit |
| Prepaid cards are typically loadable with ease at any | | | | involved, a credit check is typically not always |
| PayPoint location. That offers flexibility but some card | | | | necessary. So you may be able to obtain one even if |
| providers may make available additional facilities. Some | | | | you have a poor credit history. The issuing of the card |
| may be able to provide an e-bank style account that | | | | should be fairly rapid and it will typically be sent |
| would allow you to have money paid directly into it. | | | | separately from the PIN number. Once they arrive, you |
| You could then simply move funds from your account | | | | only have to activate and load money onto it and from |
| directly on to the card as and when you needed it. | | | | that point onwards they'll be ready to function. |
| Charges | | | | The best of anything |
| Of course, the cost of your card is also something that | | | | In reality, it is frequently difficult to say what is the best |
| you'll typically want to take into account. There is a | | | | of anything, whether it is cars, houses, holiday |
| wide range of options here. Some cards may be | | | | destinations or card-based products. You are an |
| provided notionally free but the provider may then | | | | individual and your circumstances will dictate what are |
| make a charge per transaction. Other providers may | | | | the best prepaid cards for you. |