Prepaid Cards to protect Credit Card

[VineGal]

Hi all!

I recently lost my Credit card and received replacement

I really do not want to use my new CC on sites.
1. To protect privacy of new cc #
2. To not have to record all the small charges in my financial software

I would really prefer a Prepaid card where you can add more funds


From my understanding sites like Amazon and BN require a card with a physical address

I'm curious if anyone uses these ?
If so where can these be purchased?

Thanks
Vinegal

[FizzyWater]

Check your credit card company's online site. Some credit cards, like Discover (and no, not only do I not work for them, I work for a competitor) offer the ability to create single-use or "obscured" credit card numbers. I never used it, but when I had a Discover Card, I remember it was part of their advertised benefits. You could create a single-use account number that translated to your card number when it was processed, but couldn't be stolen and used by anyone else.

I'm pretty sure I've seen them in other company's ads, but Discover is the only one I remember for sure.

The reason I mention this is that the prepaid Visa/Mastercard cards cost you money. Unlike most gift cards, you pay for the "privilege" of buying one of these. For an example, a $50 prepaid Visa might cost you $55.

[bgalbrecht]

I know of three credit card companies that offer "virtual credit cards", Bank of America, Citi, and Discover. Both BoA and Citi allow you to set the credit limit and expiration date of the virtual credit card, Discover uses the credit limit and expiration date of the real credit card. In all three cases, the virtual credit card can only be used with one merchant. I have been able to use one virtual credit card from BoA to pay several different eBay sellers via PayPal, so PayPal is considered the merchant of record.

I normally use virtual credit cards for all of my internet purchases, and I set the credit limit to be just above the purchase amount, and unless it's a company I buy from often, I set the expiration date to 2 months, which is the shortest expiration date allowed.

If there are other credit card companies supporting virtual credit cards, please post.

[AndrewH]

I wish my bank had virtual credit cards, I've been wanting one for years.

I try to use PayPal when possible for internet purchases.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by VineGal

I'm curious if anyone uses these ?
If so where can these be purchased?

PM Blossom (if she doesn't see this thread & reply), I'm pretty sure she uses one from WalMart.

[JD Gumby]

Originally Posted by VineGal

Hi all!
I would really prefer a Prepaid card where you can add more funds

From my understanding sites like Amazon and BN require a card with a physical address

I'm curious if anyone uses these ?
If so where can these be purchased?

Pretty much any chain super market or drug store or department store should have a rack of prepaid Visas & MasterCards hanging around. The cards include a URL where you can register your name & address for sites that check. The fee to buy a prepaid is annoying, but certainly worth it if the bank behind your card doesn't offer reloadables or virtual numbers or other such things.

[Kumabjorn]

Originally Posted by AndrewH

I wish my bank had virtual credit cards, I've been wanting one for years.

I try to use PayPal when possible for internet purchases.

Does PayPal offer credit cards you can use on sites that doesn't support PayPal?

[AndrewH]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

Does PayPal offer credit cards you can use on sites that doesn't support PayPal?

I don't know the details, but they do offer a prepaid MasterCard and a debit MasterCard.

[RainingLemur]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

Does PayPal offer credit cards you can use on sites that doesn't support PayPal?

Not sure about credit cards, but I have a debit card through PayPal that I can use on non-PayPal sites.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

PM Blossom (if she doesn't see this thread & reply), I'm pretty sure she uses one from WalMart.

Yes I use a WalMart Money Card. If you are in the U.S then this is a good choice. It's reloadable. Works just like a Credit Card and good at any place that Takes Visa or MasterCard depending which one you pick.

It's $3 monthly maintenance fee and $3 to reload it at any walmart. $20 is lowest you can put on it. Any stores that sells Green Dot cards can reload it. Usually for $4.95. Also you can use a Moneypak to add funds. My mom uses this option to send me money through a moneypak for my Money Card and she's in Missouri.

You buy it at Walmart and there will be a temporary card to use till you get the real thing. It only takes a a few seconds online to order the real card and it arrives in a about a week. It's an easy process. You can sign in online and check your purchases just like with a real card.

You do have the option to add a bank account to reload with but I don't use that option.

Also refunds work just like a real card. Amazon has refunded me a few times and it goes right back on the card with no problems.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by RainingLemur

Not sure about credit cards, but I have a debit card through PayPal that I can use on non-PayPal sites.

I use to have MasterCard through PayPal to get one you need a credit card that is billed to your street address. Seeing I use a PO BOX for my bank card it's a no go. So I got the Prepaid card instead.

[gbm]

Originally Posted by Blossom

Yes I use a WalMart Money Card. If you are in the U.S then this is a good choice. It's reloadable. Works just like a Credit Card and good at any place that Takes Visa or MasterCard depending which one you pick.

It's $3 monthly maintenance fee and $3 to reload it at any walmart. $20 is lowest you can put on it. Any stores that sells Green Dot cards can reload it. Usually for $4.95. Also you can use a Moneypak to add funds. My mom uses this option to send me money through a moneypak for my Money Card and she's in Missouri.

You buy it at Walmart and there will be a temporary card to use till you get the real thing. It only takes a a few seconds online to order the real card and it arrives in a about a week. It's an easy process. You can sign in online and check your purchases just like with a real card.

You do have the option to add a bank account to reload with but I don't use that option.

Also refunds work just like a real card. Amazon has refunded me a few times and it goes right back on the card with no problems.

This is also what I use, works very well. I use it for all my online transactions.


bernie

[Cdesja5]

I use Entropay virtual visa card. No monthly fees, just a straight 4.95% fee for loading it from a debit or credit card. It has worked everywhere I've used it so far. They do verify your identity before issuing the card so you have to agree to send the information to obtain it (somewhat like PayPal). I use it when you can't use PayPal.
https://www.entropay.com/

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by Blossom

You buy it at Walmart and there will be a temporary card to use till you get the real thing. It only takes a a few seconds online to order the real card and it arrives in a about a week. It's an easy process. You can sign in online and check your purchases just like with a real card.

Looks like you can get it online too without going to a Walmart store...
https://www.walmartmoneycard.com/walmart

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

Looks like you can get it online too without going to a Walmart store...
https://www.walmartmoneycard.com/walmart

That's just the site you use to activate and maintain your account. You still have to buy it at WalMart in person. You're allowed to have up to two. So if you wanted a Visa and MasterCard you are allowed that.

What I love is you do not have to have a funding source like you do with PayPal or other online cards. You reload locally and if the card gets compromise it's not tied with anything so you're safe. I never load too much on mine. When Harlequin had their coupon in January I bought over 300 books most just a nickle. My card was never flagged or refused. So it's up to you to keep an eye out for fraudulent purchases. Think of it like cash if it's get in someone else hands you're just out of luck.