How to Compare Prepaid Visa Credit Cards

Prepaid Visa credit cards offer an alternative to credit cards that use your credit score and history to determine your credit limit, annual fee and interest rate. For consumers with challenged credit, prepaid Visa credit cards offer many of the benefits of traditional credit cards without the debt load. If you are looking for a prepaid Visa credit card, compare each card's benefits to see which card is ideal for your financial needs.

Instructions

1. Compare the credit approval process. Find out if the prepaid Visa credit card requires a credit check with the major credit bureaus or a Chexsystems report. Aim for cards with guaranteed approval regardless of past credit.

2. Look for prepaid Visa credit cards that accept direct deposit; you will be able to receive your paycheck or benefits, such as Social Security on your card. In addition, some card issuers, such as the Vision Premiere Prepaid Visa card, will waive certain fees if you use direct deposit.

3. Compare Visa prepaid credit card fees. Card companies may charge annual fees, monthly fees, activation fees and transaction fees.

4. Compare prepaid Visa credit card benefits. Look for benefits, such as online bill pay, account alerts, reward points and multiple reload methods, such as via PayPal or ACH transfers. In addition, some cards may offer a credit builder benefit that reports your online bill pay transactions for utilities and other bills to Payment Reporting Builds Credit (PRBC), an alternative credit-reporting agency.

5. Look for reviews and complaints. Visit websites, such as PlanetFeedback.com and RipoffReport.com to see if a consumer has filed a complaint about the card. In addition, visit the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau websites to check for complaints.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the terms and conditions of the prepaid Visa credit card carefully, which will detail all policies and fees, before applying.

References

• Credit Card Guide for Prepaid Visa Cards