Visa prepaid cards

A Visa prepaid card is a type of Visa card that is pre-loaded with funds.

Instead of being linked to a bank account (like a Visa debit card), or providing a line of credit (like a Visa credit card), the amount you can spend is limited by the value that’s been pre-loaded onto the card.

A Visa prepaid card looks just like a normal credit or debit card. It carries all the normal card features (like the card number, expiry date and security code). And it can be used at most of the places that accept a conventional Visa card.

So, a Visa prepaid card is easy to use, it’s widely accepted and it’s very convenient. It’s also safer than cash and can help you to control your spending.

A whole variety of Visa prepaid cards are now being offered by a wide range of banks, websites and high street retailers. Popular options include:

Convenience cards – ideal for people who want to segment or separate their card spending
Youth cards – specifically designed for younger people, enabling them (and their parents) to control and monitor spending
Gift cards – a safe, convenient and fun way to give money to friends or family members
Travel cards – a prepaid card for spending money abroad, enabling you to separate out your holiday spending
Virtual cards – a prepaid card account that’s specifically designed for online spending

Depending on which particular option you choose, a Visa prepaid card may be either:

Disposable – which is a like an electronic gift voucher. You use it until all the funds are spent
Re-loadable – this is like a top-up service for pre-pay mobile phones. When the value is running low, you can top it up and use it again