Best Prepaid Credit Cards

Get instant, guaranteed approval on your new Visa prepaid credit/debit card from AccountNow.

This type of card requires that you pay before you charge. Basically, this gives you most of the benefits of having a major credit card like Visa, or Master Card regardless of your credit rating, and without even having a checking, or savings account. However, notice I said "most benefits".

1. Won't ruin your credit. You're only spending money you already have, so you never have to worry about going into debt, or ruining your credit rating.

2. Make purchases online. You can use this type of card to make instant purchases on the Internet and over the phone. There's no need to wait 3 business days for a service like Paypal to withdraw money from your bank account.

3. On the other hand, and if you like using Paypal, you could add you prepaid card to your Paypal account - giving you instant funds and no waiting period.

4. Online Bill-pay. Use your new card to quickly and easily pay your household bills online.

5. Reservations. You can use this card just like any other to make reservations at major hotels, airlines, and car rental agencies.

5. Security. You'll enjoy some of the same protections that come with using a major credit card.

6. No Interest. You'll have the benefits without the expensive interest rates.

7. Privacy. A prepaid card gives anonymity for purchases on Internet or over the phone. Now I'm not talking about illegal purchases here. There are plenty of reasons why some may want to make a purchase which is not traceable back to them.

8. Makes a great gift. Send these cards to a loved one in another state or over seas.

So, what are the drawbacks? I mean there's always a catch...right?

1. Do prepaid cards help your credit rating? Many of these companies will claim that they report to the credit reporting agencies when in fact they don't. There is special licensing involved and it cost them money to do so. You'll want to get this in writing if one of your goals is to use a prepaid card to fix your credit.

2. You'll most likely have to pay some fees to use one of these services. Some only require a setup fee of around $5 or $10. A credit builder credit card - like Eufora - will probably have monthly and annual fees associated with it, but this is a great way to raise your credit score. However, you'll find a service below which offers a free credit builder service.

3. Monthly subscriptions. If you're planning on using this card for a subscription based service, or something which requires monthly charges to your credit card, a prepaid card may not work. Some companies may not accept this type of card because there's too much chance that you may not have an

The AccountNow Prepaid Visa Card offers all the benefits of a prepaid card and is perfect for those with bad credit, no checking account, and bankruptcies. AccessNow is open to everyone, and is great for teens. Approval is quick, easy, and guaranteed. AccessNow is one of the few prepaid credit/debit cards that will help you build your credit.

Other benefits include:
* No security deposit
* Free paycheck direct deposit
* Use as a debit card wherever Mastercard is accepted
* Instant, safe, and guaranteed approval
* FDIC insured up to $100,000
* ATM withdrawls
* Free online bill pay
* Free credit builder

Fees for the classic plan include a $9.95 (non-refundable) activation fee, .50 cents for pen-based purchases, $2.00 for ATM transactions, $1.00 for ATM account balance inquiry, and a monthly maintenance fee of $4.95. This includes a monthly online statement, and web services. Deposits and signature purchases are free.

1. Pay strict attention to monthly, annual, and per purchase fees. Some companies simply charge too much to make it worth your while.

2. If your not planning on using the money soon then don't post it to your account. The fees, over time, will continue to be deducted whether your using the card or not.

3. Pick 3 top companies and research consumer opinions on the Internet. Read what others are saying about the company, and ask questions yourself.