You're quite possibly aware of these cards, advertised as either prepaid debit or prepaid credit cards.
Up to now you haven't bothered with them, but there are reasons to consider getting one.
The first is that the card is not linked to your bank account.
This means firstly that you can't overspend as you're limited to the amount you've put on the card, and secondly that no one can clone it and empty your current account.
Security-wise it's a winner.
If you've had credit issues in the past you may only have access to a basic bank account, with no cheque card or debit card attached.
One of these prepaid cards will give you back the flexibility of a debit card.
You load on the amount you wish to have available, topping it up as and when necessary, and you can once again pay by card instead of having to constantly withdraw and carry around large sums of cash.
For anybody liking the advantages of a credit card, but wary of taking credit, one of these prepaid cards again comes out as a solution.
Pay in a regular amount each month, and spend up to the accumulated total when you see something you want.
You won't be subject to any interest charges and will not risk getting into debt.
Internet shopping is a growth area as people shop around for deals, and you get the best service if you can pay instantly by card.
See what you want, load the card up with the purchase price, and pay without exposing your bank account.
Students may find these cards useful, especially if they struggle to get a mainstream credit or debit card.
They will help budgeting by preventing overspends and therefore debt.
A bit of preventive maintenance to help reduce the size of that student loan.
Holidaymakers, and backpackers in particular, may like the advantage of a card that will offer instant cash with no risk if it's stolen.
A bit like travellers cheques, but easier to carry and no worry about changing them back when you get home.
Finally, if you worry about your teenage children being out at night, why not give them a pre-loaded card to carry in their wallet or purse.
It's not cash, so shouldn't get spent on other things, but could be an excellent backup in case of emergency.
As long as they could get to a cash machine, for example, they could get the money to call you or get home.
Up to now you haven't bothered with them, but there are reasons to consider getting one.
The first is that the card is not linked to your bank account.
This means firstly that you can't overspend as you're limited to the amount you've put on the card, and secondly that no one can clone it and empty your current account.
Security-wise it's a winner.
If you've had credit issues in the past you may only have access to a basic bank account, with no cheque card or debit card attached.
One of these prepaid cards will give you back the flexibility of a debit card.
You load on the amount you wish to have available, topping it up as and when necessary, and you can once again pay by card instead of having to constantly withdraw and carry around large sums of cash.
For anybody liking the advantages of a credit card, but wary of taking credit, one of these prepaid cards again comes out as a solution.
Pay in a regular amount each month, and spend up to the accumulated total when you see something you want.
You won't be subject to any interest charges and will not risk getting into debt.
Internet shopping is a growth area as people shop around for deals, and you get the best service if you can pay instantly by card.
See what you want, load the card up with the purchase price, and pay without exposing your bank account.
Students may find these cards useful, especially if they struggle to get a mainstream credit or debit card.
They will help budgeting by preventing overspends and therefore debt.
A bit of preventive maintenance to help reduce the size of that student loan.
Holidaymakers, and backpackers in particular, may like the advantage of a card that will offer instant cash with no risk if it's stolen.
A bit like travellers cheques, but easier to carry and no worry about changing them back when you get home.
Finally, if you worry about your teenage children being out at night, why not give them a pre-loaded card to carry in their wallet or purse.
It's not cash, so shouldn't get spent on other things, but could be an excellent backup in case of emergency.
As long as they could get to a cash machine, for example, they could get the money to call you or get home.
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