
A Visa prepaid credit card is a type of prepaid card that allows you to load funds onto the card, which can then be used to make purchases online or in-store.
You can load funds onto a Visa prepaid credit card through a variety of methods, including direct deposit, online banking, and mobile banking.
The funds on a Visa prepaid credit card are FDIC-insured, which means they are insured up to $250,000, just like a traditional bank account.
This level of insurance provides peace of mind for cardholders, knowing that their funds are protected in case the card issuer goes out of business.
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How It Works
A visa prepaid credit card works by loading a specific amount of money onto the card, which can then be used to make purchases or pay bills. This money is stored on the card, not borrowed, so you can't overspend or accumulate debt.
The funds on the card can be loaded via direct deposit, bank transfer, or other payment methods, allowing you to manage your spending and stick to your budget.
The card can be used anywhere that accepts Visa, both online and in-store, making it a convenient option for everyday purchases.
Unlike traditional credit cards, a visa prepaid credit card doesn't require a credit check or a minimum credit score to be approved.
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Benefits and Features
The Visa prepaid credit card offers a range of benefits that can make a big difference in your daily life.
With a Visa prepaid credit card, you can get paid instantly and enjoy the convenience of a traditional credit card. This is especially useful for employees who receive their salary and wages via the Visa Payroll card.
One of the key benefits of a Visa prepaid credit card is that it motivates purchases and drives sales. This is because it allows direct spend to specific merchant category codes, such as gas merchants or retailers providing rebates.
Here are some of the key benefits and features of a Visa prepaid credit card:
- Motivates purchases and drives sales
- Streamlined distribution lowers related costs
- Faster to execute than traditional incentive solutions
- Allows direct spend to specific merchant category codes
By using a Visa prepaid credit card, you can make the most of your money and enjoy the benefits of a traditional credit card without the risk of overspending.
Using the Card
You can use your Visa prepaid credit card wherever Visa is accepted, according to your spending rules. The card admin can even get notified if a transaction is blocked.
To make a purchase online, you can choose a suitable option as the payment method, such as "Pay with credit or debit card" or "Pay with Visa". Then, enter your prepaid card credentials, including the card number, security or CVV code, and expiration date.
Authentication methods vary from issuer to issuer, so you may be asked to provide a preset PIN or follow an OTP-based verification procedure to complete the purchase.
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Checkout Page Usage
Using the Card on the Checkout Page is a breeze. You can use your prepaid card as a payment method on the checkout page, and it's accepted at most online merchants.
To start, choose a suitable option as the payment method. You'll usually see options like "Pay with credit or debit card" or "Pay with Visa" – just pick one of those. Enter your prepaid card credentials, including the card number, security code, and expiration date, into the payment fields displayed on the screen.
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You may be asked to provide additional information, such as your name, billing address, and phone number. Don't worry, this is just to verify your identity and complete the transaction.
The authentication method varies from issuer to issuer, but you'll usually be prompted to provide a preset PIN or complete an OTP-based verification procedure. Once you've authenticated the payment, the purchase is complete!
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to expect:
1. Choose a payment method
2. Enter prepaid card credentials
3. Provide additional information (if required)
4. Authenticate the payment
That's it! With these simple steps, you can make online purchases using your prepaid Visa card.
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Q&A
You can use the card to make purchases online, but you'll need to add it to your digital wallet first.
The card's security features, including chip technology and encryption, protect your information from unauthorized use.
To report a lost or stolen card, contact the issuer's customer service number, which is listed on the back of the card.
The card's expiration date is listed on the front, so make sure to check it before making a purchase.
You can also contact the issuer's customer service number to request a replacement card if the original is damaged or worn out.
The card's PIN is required for certain transactions, such as withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Security and Management
The Spending Monitor and Spending Settings help protect spending by allowing you to block or allow over 50 categories.
You can also manage cash and ATM access, which is a great feature for those who want to keep a close eye on their spending.
With the Spending Monitor and Spending Settings, you can update settings at any time, making it easy to adjust your spending limits or permissions as needed.
Here are some key features to keep in mind:
- 50+ categories to block or allow
- Manage cash and ATM access
- Update settings at any time
- Make exceptions for frequented merchants
Additionally, a card admin can change spending settings to best fit the needs of the cardholder, giving you peace of mind that your spending is being managed securely.
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Limitations: Costs and Security Risks

Prepaid cards can be pricey compared to traditional cards, with a significant portion of your loaded funds going towards various fees.
Card activation fees can range from $4.95, while monthly maintenance fees can be as high as $10. You might also be charged $1.50 to $4.95 for cash load/reload, and up to $2 for each purchase or transaction.
ATM balance inquiries can cost between $1 and $3, and withdrawing cash from an ATM can incur charges of $0.33 to $2.50. If your card is declined or you have insufficient funds, you might be hit with a penalty ranging from $1 to $20.
Prepaid cards are also a common target of cybercriminals, with Visa prepaid cards being twice as likely to be found on the dark web as classic cards. These stolen cards are often sold for an average of $10.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated charges you might incur with a prepaid card:
Monitor Protects Spending

You can block or allow spending in over 50 categories, giving you control over how your money is used.
This feature helps prevent overspending in certain areas, such as dining or entertainment.
To manage cash and ATM access, you can update settings at any time.
This ensures that your spending limits are always up to date and in line with your needs.
You can even make exceptions for frequented merchants, allowing you to make purchases at your favorite stores.
Here are the key features of the spending monitor:
- Block or allow spending in over 50 categories
- Manage cash and ATM access
- Update settings at any time
- Make exceptions for frequented merchants
This level of control gives you peace of mind, knowing that your spending is being monitored and managed effectively.
Account Management
With a True Link Visa prepaid credit card, you have a dedicated Card Admin who manages the card for you. This person loads funds, sets spending rules, and monitors transactions to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The Card Admin is responsible for managing the card's funds, so you don't have to worry about running out of money. They can also set spending limits to prevent overspending.
Having a Card Admin is especially helpful for families and professionals who want to protect the finances of the people they support. True Link's founders created the company to help their own loved ones, and now they're proud to offer this service to others.
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Fees and Promotions
The True Link Visa Card offers transparent fees, which is great for those who want to know exactly what they're getting into.
You can specify budgets on the True Link Next Step Visa Card to help rebuild independence for those in recovery. This can be done on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis.
The card also helps simplify disbursements from a Special Needs Trust, providing an accurate record of transactions and protecting benefits eligibility.
Visa Prepaid cards are completely customizable, making them perfect for consumer promotions. Here are some examples of how they can be used:
- Increase overall sales/purchase volume
- Distribute direct-selling commission payments
- Promote a particular product or line
- Encourage new product training
- Launch new products
Loading with Funds
To avoid declined transactions, make sure your prepaid card has enough funds for the purchase you're planning. Keep in mind that prepaid cards with insufficient balances will be declined at the payment gateway.
You can load funds onto your Visa prepaid card by setting up a direct deposit, adding a check using the card provider's mobile deposit feature, or visiting a ReadyLink location to add cash. Cash reloads are not available by default for all GPR prepaid cards, so check with your card provider first.
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To connect an existing bank account and schedule a transfer to add funds, follow a few simple steps. This will help you fund your Visa card and ensure you have enough money for your purchases.
Here are the ways to load funds onto your Visa prepaid card:
- Direct deposit
- Mobile deposit using a check
- Visiting a ReadyLink location to add cash
Transparent Fees
The True Link Next Step Visa Card allows you to specify monthly, weekly, or daily budgets to help rebuild independence for those in recovery.
This card simplifies disbursements from a Special Needs Trust and provides an accurate record of transactions.
The SSA provides guidelines in the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) for using the True Link Visa Card to make disbursements from SNTs.
For more information on how the Visa card works with Special Needs Trusts, please read our Compliance Guide.
Contact us to learn more about the True Link Next Step Visa Card's budgeting features.
Consumer Promotions
Consumer promotions can be a great way to boost sales and engage your customers. You can use Visa Prepaid cards to increase overall sales and purchase volume.
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These cards are easy to use and completely customizable, making them a flexible platform to support various promotions. Visa's platform can support a range of uniquely branded promotions to meet your objectives.
Here are some ways you can use consumer promotions with Visa Prepaid cards:
- Increase overall sales/purchase volume
- Distribute direct-selling commission payments
- Promote a particular product or line
- Encourage new product training
- Launch new products
Where Can It Be Used
You can use a Visa prepaid card wherever Visa is accepted, according to your spending rules. The card admin can even get notified if a transaction is blocked.
Prepaid Visa cards can be used for online and in-person transactions at all locations that accept Visa debit cards. This includes making retail purchases on e-commerce websites or apps.
You can also use prepaid Visa cards to pay for services like food delivery, utility bills, and subscription payments. Just make sure to read the merchant's policies in advance if you're unsure whether they accept prepaid cards.
Some hotels may not accept prepaid cards, especially if the card doesn’t have a verifiable name or billing address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a prepaid Visa card with no monthly fee?
Yes, the Serve Pay As You Go Visa Prepaid Card has no monthly fee, only a small fee for each purchase. This card offers flexible spending with no hidden charges.
Can you use a prepaid Visa to pay a credit card?
No, prepaid Visa cards cannot be used for credit card payments. You can only spend the amount loaded on your prepaid card.
Sources
- https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/prepaid-cards/all-purpose-reloadable.html
- https://privacy.com/blog/how-to-use-a-prepaid-visa-card-online
- https://www.truelinkfinancial.com/prepaid-card
- https://www.visa.com.bz/pay-with-visa/find-a-card/prepaid-cards/visa-general-purpose.html
- https://usa.visa.com/run-your-business/commercial-solutions/enterprise-government-cards/enterprise-government-prepaid-cards.html
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