Most prepaid cards are different to each other, so the only way you may know you have the most appropriate one for you may be to carry out a prepaid cards comparison.
There are a number of features that you may wish to look out for. Here are just a few that may be important.
The logo
Different cards carry a different brand or logo. This logo identifies the shops, ATMs, restaurants etc that will accept the card. Some cards carrying a logo like MasterCard, for example, can be used worldwide. Others may be restricted for use only within the UK.
Transaction fees
You may typically find that there will be a transaction fee applied to most transactions you carry out with a prepaid card.
Different suppliers may well charge different fees for their various transactions.
Having an idea in advance of how you may typically use the card may make sense. So for example:
- do you intend to use your card mostly for cash withdrawals or online transactions, or at point of sale in shops etc;
- are you interested in a card to give yourself some flexibility for your holiday spending money;
- is the card to give your kids a safer option to carrying cash around?
A prepaid cards comparison can help you identify the most cost effective card for your own particular spending patterns.
Administration services
The services supplied by card providers can vary quite a bit. There are cards, for example, that can be linked to an e-bank account that you can manage online. That may offer facilities for fund transfers, setting up standing orders etc.
You may also find that you can access statements online, as well as arrange for options to receive text messages with statements or details of individual transactions.
These and other services, like replacements for lost or stolen cards, blocking or unblocking the card or PIN, may have a small fee attached.
Some of the optional services may be more or less important to you.
In the final analysis
The best prepaid card for someone else may not necessarily be the best card for you. A prepaid cards comparison may be a sensible way of finding out which card is going to be suitable.



