Visa prepaid
A card pre-loaded with funds.
As its name suggests, a Visa prepaid card is a type of Visa card
that is pre-loaded with funds.
Instead of being linked to a bank account (like a Visa debit
card), or providing a line of credit (like a Visa credit card), the
amount you can spend is limited by the value that’s been pre-loaded
onto the card.
Visa prepaid cards look just like normal credit or debit cards,
carrying all the same features (such as the card number, expiry
date and security code).
There are virtual cards, designed for online, mail-order and
telephone purchases, and physical cards which can generally be used
in all the same places as a conventional Visa card.
They are easy to use, widely accepted, safe, convenient, and can
help you control your spending.
A whole variety of Visa prepaid cards are now being offered by a
wide range of banks, websites and high street
retailers.
Popular options include:
- Convenience cards – ideal for people
who may not qualify for a traditional credit or debit card
- Youth cards – specifically designed
for younger people, enabling them (and their parents) to control
and monitor their spending
- Gift cards – a safe, convenient and
fun way to give money to friends or family members
- Travel cards – a prepaid card for
spending money abroad, enabling you to separate out your holiday
spending
- Virtual cards – a prepaid card
account that’s specifically designed for online, mail-order and
telephone spending
Depending on which particular option you choose, a Visa prepaid
card may be:
- A disposable prepaid card, which is much like
an electronic gift voucher – you use it until all the funds are
spent (and you’re happy with your purchase) then throw it
away.
- or
- A re-loadable prepaid card, which acts like a
prepaid mobile phone account – when the value is running low, you
can top-it up and use it again
Get a Visa prepaid card