Prepaid Cards (2024)

FAQs

Why am I getting denied for prepaid cards? ›

There are a number of possible reasons why a purchase could be declined: You don't have enough money left on your card. You haven't activated or registered your card. The address you gave to make an online or phone purchase is different from the address you have on file with your prepaid card provider.

You don't have enough money in your account to cover the purchase, shipping, and taxes. Your card has been flagged for suspicious activity, has a freeze on the account, or is subject to a security review. The retailer is having payment processing issues.

It's easy to get a Visa Prepaid card. You can visit our card finder page to find a Visa Prepaid card online from one of our providers. Or you can pick up a Visa Prepaid card in person from one of the thousands of retail locations or bank branches that offer Visa Prepaid cards.

If the balance falls below the cut-off line, ask the cashier to pay you the balance of the gift card in cash.

Disadvantages. Pre-paid debit cards do not help you build credit. Many pre-paid debit cards charge fees before you even start using them. There is usually a monthly fee and fees on common transactions such as ATM withdrawals, card replacement, direct deposit, and reloading the card.

No Credit Reporting

As mentioned above, prepaid cards, like other debit cards, do not report your transaction information to credit bureaus, so they are of no value if you're trying to build a credit history or improve your credit score. In that case, you may be better off applying for a secured credit card.

If you need help due to a declined transaction and have sufficient funds to cover the purchase, your Prepaid Card was most likely declined due to security and safety measures in place to protect your funds. Use your Card in-person or at a different merchant online and make sure to include the card security code.

Why might my debit card be denied even if I have money in the account? It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Your debit card may be denied due to overdrafting, reaching daily purchase limits, or your bank suspecting fraud.

The most common reasons are that the card hasn't been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card's balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.

What prepaid card can you use instantly? ›

Get a Skrill Virtual Visa® Prepaid Card

It's simple to use – Add your virtual card to your wallet and make instant online payments anywhere Visa® is accepted. Virtual, online and instant – No activation period, no separate PIN, no waiting. Just add your card and decide how long you want it to stay active.

You can buy a prepaid debit card from a retailer, bank, credit card company or other financial services provider. What are the downsides of using a prepaid card?

When making a purchase, the preferred payment method will be used. Here's how to update the preferred payment method. Regrettably, if you chose a card that doesn't have a high enough balance to fund the full transaction, the payment will be fully funded by the next available card or bank.

Your physical card has not been activated. (Note: Virtual cards do not require activation.) The card has expired. Insufficient funds are available on your card to cover the purchase, which may be influenced by a pre-authorization charge.

For co-workers, casual friends and your children's teachers, stay in the $10 to $20 range. Gift cards for close friends and family members can range from $25 to $100. When you're selecting a gift card for a spouse, parent or someone else who's very special, choose a card worth $75 or more.

Your debit card may be denied due to overdrafting, reaching daily purchase limits, or your bank suspecting fraud. How can I prevent my debit card from being denied? It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

The most common reasons are that the card hasn't been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card's balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.

Fees: When you use a prepaid debit card, the provider may charge you a variety of fees including activation fees, monthly service fees, transaction fees, overdraft protection fees, ATM fees, and more. These costs can add up over time and make it expensive to use this type of payment method.