Choosing a Pre-paid Debit Card
 
There are many types of prepaid card for you to choose from. Look at the features of each card and consider those which are important to you, such as on-line account management, the ways in which you can reload the card, and the availability of additional cards on the same account. It makes sense to choose a card that has low fees and charges for the way in which you want to use the card most.

For example, if you just want to use a prepaid card for travelling abroad, a card that has low foreign exchange fees and overseas charges is likely to be the most appropriate. Shop around to find the card that has the best deal for you, then compare the features and benefits on offer.

 

You may need to provide proof of your identity and your address when applying for a prepaid card - but that’s all. There are no credit checks or any other information that you need to provide. Once you have been given or sent your prepaid card, you will need to activate the card by following the instructions from your card provider.

When you buy a ‘prepaid gift card’, you don’t usually need to provide address or identity details. These cards may be given to family and friends, who can then use the card like a gift voucher, until the money loaded onto the card has been spent. This type of card cannot be re-loaded.

A prepaid card is an ideal solution for you if you:

- want to give someone a gift - a prepaid card is more widely accepted than vouchers or store gift cards.

- are travelling abroad and don’t want to carry cash or traveller’s cheques. A prepaid card is more secure because it can be blocked if it’s lost or stolen.

- want to help younger family members learn about managing their money. They can only spend as much money as is loaded onto the card, and the spending can be viewed on-line.

- want to manage your money by separating it into different places for different purposes. You could have one card for everyday shopping, one for travel, one for on-line purchases, etc.

- are having difficulty opening a bank account or getting a credit or debit card for some reason. You don’t need to pass a credit check to get a prepaid card.

 
 
Who can use a Prepaid Card?
  • An individual who has less than perfect credit or does not qualify for a bank account.
  • A person who does not want to carry too much cash.
  • Backpackers and Seasonal workers
  • A person who does not wish to pay credit card interest charges
  • Parents who want to give their children secure and limited spending capabilities.
  • Cardholders who would like to budget their finances.
  • Overseas Travellers as a replacement for travellers cheques
  • Employees who wish to disperse funds onto these cards, decreasing  payroll distribution costs, simplifying bank reconciliation,  reducing fraud and eliminating lost cheque cancellation and replacement.
  • Low-cost money transfers  It’s simple to add an additional card which may be sent to a relative or friend within Australia or overseas.
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