Tips on Purchasing Prepaid Cards

When in the market for prepaid cards, smart consumers know that it pays to gather tips on purchasing prepaid cards to avoid being duped and feeling remorse over their choice later on. It’s easy to fall for the creative advertisements of credit card companies who would do anything to lure in clients in the face of stiff competition. The promises they make just to get you to purchase their cards sometimes prove irresistible to the gullible person.

Before choosing which prepaid card to get, it pays to read the fine print, or the T’s and C’s. In there lies the true story of what you’ll be getting yourself in for. Read on for tips to help you when you’re looking around for prepaid cards.

Compare the fees involved. Most credit cards charge a one-time activation fee, monthly maintenance fee, reloading fee, fee for withdrawing cash and balance inquiry fee. However, they also provide options on how to get around paying fees. They might have a promo and waive the activation fee, the monthly fee may be waived by loading a certain amount each month or making a number of purchases.

The Vision Silver Card has several free features and one of the lowest monthly fees. Reloading by direct deposit and wire transfer is free. So are online statements, and email and text alert messages. Another card that saves you money by not charging numerous fees is the YAP Card. There is no activation fee, the monthly fee of $5 is waived for the first month and if you load at least $500 every month. Using the YAP mobile money service to receive money and check your balance is free, as is reloading through direct deposit and bank account transfer. The only other fees are ATM withdrawals, sending money through SMS and international transaction fee.

Another valuable tip to purchasing prepaid cards is to check out the perks you get from the card you choose. Aside from its surface attraction, perks and rewards can save you money and are actually functional. The Mango Card, for example, has special offers when you use it to purchase items at Best Buy, Crutchfield Electronics and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. It also earns you $20 bonus for sign up. The RushCard has its prescription discount card, the refer-a-friend program and discount health plans, a great choice for the middle-aged and elderly who need regular health consultations and checkups.

Prepaid cards come in handy if you don’t want to carry cash around. They are also ideal for first-time card applicants and those with poor credit history. By knowing the secrets and tips on purchasing prepaid cards, you’ll ultimately find the best deal for you.