Prepaid debit cards are a low-cost alternative to traditional checking accounts, and are a proven way to save hundreds of dollars each year in inflated banking and check cashing fees. Prepaid cards operate just like a bank account but incur little to no fees in the process. Prepaid debit card providers offer safe, easy-to-use, reloadable cards that can be used to pay for virtually anything everywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
There are numerous benefits of using prepaid debit cards, but let's look at five of the reasons you should have one of these cards in your wallet.
Control Your Spending
If you have trouble sticking to a budget and have a tendency to overspend, a prepaid debit card is a great tool for money management. Unlike your average credit card or bank card that allow you to overspend and rack up fees-as interest rates skyrocket and minimum payments increase-you only have access to the funds you put on your prepaid card. You can even set up your prepaid card account for recurring bill payments, and separate these from discretionary spending to better control your finances.
Get a Prepaid Card Even If You Can't Get a Traditional Bank Account
Some people don't qualify for traditional bank accounts or don't have access to mainstream banking. Whether it is due to location, credit problems, income, or other issues, the inability to use traditional banking services is referred to as "underbanked." If this sounds like you, a prepaid debit card can help. You'll qualify for a prepaid debit card regardless of credit rating or income. You can deposit your paycheck directly on the card and use it anywhere credit cards are accepted.
Protect Yourself During Travel
Carrying cash isn't the best option when you travel. You're also putting yourself at risk when you take your bank cards and credit cards with you-especially if they are lost or stolen. Prepaid debit cards are ideal for traveling because you only load the money you need for your trip. They're not connected to credit or bank accounts, so if they are lost or stolen you won't have to worry about losing all of the money in your account or someone charging thousands of dollars to your credit card. Plus, prepaid debit cards are often insured if they're lost or stolen so you can rest easier using your prepaid card on your vacation.
Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft continues to rise, especially as a result of credit card data being stolen. Many savvy consumers who are aware of identity theft risks avoid using their credit cards except in an emergency. While this is good practice, when you don't regularly use your credit cards and rarely check your balances, they become a perfect tool for identity thieves. A better strategy is to use a prepaid debit card as an emergency backup because its data and associated funds are much less accessible to thieves.
Teach Teens about Financial Responsibility
Teens need to learn financial responsibility as early as possible. You can help them get started by allowing them to manage their money on a prepaid debit card. This not only helps you monitor their spending, but also gives them the opportunity to have a little financial freedom without the risks associated with using a traditional bank account or credit card.
These are just a few of the reasons why a prepaid debit card is the best way to approach money management. Whether you're a parent teaching your kids about spending or you want to travel safely, prepaid debit cards offer you the flexibility, affordability, and convenience that most banks and credit card companies simply can't provide.