Prepaid Visa / MasterCards

blueopal5577

Why not just get a debit card from a bank for free. I have a Maestro card, and find it just as acceptable as Visa or Mastercard (in fact I believe it uses the same system as Mastercard - same company).

I appreciate if undischarged options are limited to the Visa Electron (Co-op Bank), but if discharged you should find a fairly wide choice options open to you.

Sorry, but I just don't see the point in paying for something that's available for free elsewhere.

Stormibalder:

I am pre-bankruptcy but due to bad credit, have the same problems as undischarged bankrupts. For undischarged bankrupts, especially those who had a debt with the main banks who offer accounts for BR... the options are VERY limited. I only have an ATM card, and am holding off attempting to get any other accounts with the possibility of a visa electron until after BR, so the account doesnt get frozen.

The deals vary... some people choose to a percentage or a set fee, say 30p per £10 per transaction, as I use mine regularly, Im happy to pay £4:95 upfront (and as such pay no transaction fee, and its free to top up this card anyway) for the freedom of being able to buy online, pay bills on the telephone and have that emergency card if I miss the last bus home and so on. Visa Electrons in themselves are very restrictive and the problem anyway with debit cards is that despite not having an overdraft and so on, with the time it takes for funds to transfer and clear, even when I was under 16 (unable to legally have an overdraft) it was still possible for me to be £10 in the red here and there.

I like the security of knowing what I spend, is what I have. I like being able to use the card online, without worrying that someone can access my whole bank account and wages. Theyre not for everyone but the post was aimed at those who would like it, but like me, didnt know about them...

So_Sad_Angel

I`m with the Virgin Mastercard as well! Having used credit all my life I find that this card functions just as well for online/phone purchase/bookings etc. I have no monthly fee & free loading at the post office....at 29p per £10 spend thats a whole lot cheaper than my previous wallet full of Amex, b/card , Mbna etc!!!!

I am using mine to save up for Xmas,birthdays & holidays ...means that that money is put aside ready! not massive amounts so not bothered about credit interest!

Wish that I knew these cards existed when I was solvent...may have saved me on bank charges as my debit card always allowed me to go overdrawn where this one does`nt!!

Angexx

k2nga

Hi Dez,

Yeah you are right they do also do a pink one now as i was asked to choose online but i made sure i pressed red although i wonder if my fiancee wiill go for the pink one being a girl

brimau_2

Just been told about the new PAYPAL Visa prepaid card.

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/Marketing/general/PPTUCHome-outside

These are the fees:

Rikki

I got an e-mail too.

I'm not going to get one.

brimau_2

PayPal have just launched a Prepaid card too

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/Marketing/general/PPTUCHome-outside

storminbalder

Yes I see your point, and things are more restrictive for the undischarged bankrupt now than before, now that Nationwide appears to have abandoned bankrupts (not that they gave a debit card anyhow).

I have never banked with them, but am led to believe that the Co-op's basic account (Cashminder if I remember correctly) is available (with Visa Electron) to all undischarged bankrupts regardless of whether they are a creditor or not! Very nice of them really. The only exception to this seems to be in cases of fraud.

But a pre-paid Mastercard is ok if you're willing to pay the price. Please just be aware there are only two that you can use to hire a car with, and only then IF they are willing to turn on the function on the card.

I'm obviously just a tight git though, and if you're tight like me, my advice would be go for the Co-op until discharge, then after discharge go for the Yorkshire Bank Ready Cash account (Maestro - a bit less restrictive that Electron ie you can use it for online gambling and booking hotels etc - though not usually for car hire).

fermi

brimau wrote: »

Just been told about the new PAYPAL Visa prepaid card.

I'll merge these into the other thread, since there is already a discussion on pre-paid cards going.

bobblebot

I had a cashplus mastercard and found out they were a nightmare, slow putting funds on, trouble with charges for petrol, can't get a number or address to get in contact with them. Then sent me a new card with new account number to replace old one and then some money lost and not put in new account and a big mess up. I returned the card and closed my account.
However I now have a sun prepaid visa and it is great. I can pay at paypoint machines and it is loaded on card straight away and is taken every where-no probs.

The cashplus card become ridiculous getting turned down everywhere...paying for holiday no...paying for mobile..no as you can imaging embarressing to be told oh sorry we don't accept that prepaid card. The sun card never ever a refusal.

brimau_2

Thats weird because I have a Cashplus Mastercard and I have used it for a couple of years now for all sorts of purchases and in many, many different places. Used online, over the telephone and in stores... NEVER had one problem at all! Top ups are incredibly easy - Post Office(next working day) or at money shop (credited a few minutes later)