Cards

8 reasons to use a prepaid card

There are many reasons to use a prepaid card, such as how easy it is to apply and because it accepts bad debts. Check out our list and find out even more reasons!

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What is the Prepaid card used for?

Para que serve cartão Pré-pago?
What is the Prepaid card used for?

Nowadays there are many subscription services and online stores that only accept credit cards for payment. Despite this, many people who do not have a credit card still fail to subscribe to the service or buy online. But if that's your case, rest assured: you can use a prepaid card!

Did you already know you could count on this option? But if it's something you've never heard of, don't worry! Well, we'll explain everything about this option to pay for digital services and all the other reasons to use a prepaid card. That way you won't miss out on the advantages of having a credit card!.

Check out our series of tips and information on reasons to use a prepaid card below!

How to use the Prepaid Card?

Using a prepaid card is a great solution for those who cannot have a credit card, either because they are negative or prefer not to have one. Because all prepaid cards work the same way as a credit card in physical stores and for online services. 

Yes, you can use this type of card to subscribe to digital services, pay bills and shop online! The only difference between regular and prepaid credit cards is that they need to be recharged to be valid. 

That is, you will put a value on the card, and it will work with that available credit.

And when the amount loaded on the card runs out, just recharge it again and continue using it. It works the same way as a prepaid cell phone. Very practical, isn't it? That way you have access to services and can control the amount spent.

To recharge the card, you just need to choose the best way: by bank slip, deposit or transfer. If the card is linked to a partner store, you can also top up your balance at those stores.

Why have a prepaid card?

Por que ter um cartão pré-pago?
Why have a prepaid card?

So there are good advantages to using a prepaid card. Thus, among the benefits of this type of card, you can:

  • Shopping in physical stores and most online stores;
  • Withdraw money from ATMs;
  • Subscribe to online services like Netflix;

Very practical, isn't it? Also, you pay no annual fee and you don't even need to have a bank account. The card stores the money as a balance, and as long as you have a balance you can continue to use it. 

And the fees charged for using your card will only be as follows:

  • Accession;
  • Monthly payment;
  • Withdraw;
  • Recharge;
  • Issuance of the 2nd copy of the card.

Compared to credit and debit cards, prepaid cards have fewer fees and are cheaper. In addition, there is no risk of spending more than your balance, creating debts with overdraft and late interest.

The biggest difference compared to credit cards is that when using a prepaid card you don't have the option to pay in installments. 

But to avoid debt and better control your expenses, this could be one more advantage of using a prepaid card, don't you think?

So, here's our list of the 8 best reasons to use a prepaid card:

No annual fees

Prepaid cards have far fewer fees than a regular credit card! That is, you can use a prepaid card without paying any annual fee for it, in addition to other administrative fees that a regular card usually has.

Easy and simple to purchase

Prepaid cards are very simple to obtain, since there is no credit score assessment with the SPC and Serasa, for example. Furthermore, there is no need to prove a minimum income to use a prepaid card.

Can use without having a bank account

So it is! One more good reason to get a prepaid card is the fact that most of them don't require you to have a bank account in your name. Thus, it is possible to acquire a prepaid card and only manage balance and statement directly in the card app, in a kind of digital wallet. Very practical!

Accepted to make purchases in physical stores, online and services

You will be able to use a prepaid card in exactly the same way that you would use a pre-approved limit credit card. Then, you can register your prepaid subscription to digital services such as Netflix, Uber, etc. In addition, you can use it for purchases in both physical and virtual stores.

accept negatives

As we said, those with restrictions on the CPF can use a prepaid card with ease. Because this type of card does not require a credit score assessment with the SPC and Serasa. Thus, it is perfect for negatives who need a credit card for digital services and online purchases.

Better cost control

Because you can only spend the amount that you have previously loaded onto your card balance. Thus, it is impossible to spend more than you can afford, which helps in controlling and cutting excessive spending. So, you need to plan the month's expenses well in advance to load the card, which helps with your long-term financial planning.

No need to walk around with cash

By using a prepaid card you save yourself from carrying cash around. Thus, it is very useful when traveling, especially if you have an international flag and can have a balance in foreign currency.

But it is advantageous even for those who want to use their prepaid card in Brazil. Because you can program and load the amounts you need digitally, and in case of loss or theft, you can recover the balance of the card.

You can monitor your balance and expenses through the card application.

Most prepaid cards have dedicated applications for you to monitor and manage your card balance. That is, you can have full control when using a prepaid card, just like regular credit cards.

Is there a prepaid card with international coverage? 

Because it's a card that works practically the same way as a regular credit card, the answer is: Yes! Because you can get a prepaid card with great international flags, such as Visa and Mastercard.

In addition, many prepaid cards exist especially for you to carry money abroad, such as travel prepaid cards that have a balance in foreign currency. 

But there are also prepaid card options that you can purchase for day-to-day use, and you can also use them on your trips abroad normally. 

That is, you can take advantage of and use a prepaid card both in Brazil and on your trips abroad! Very practical, isn't it?

Who can apply for and use a prepaid card?

Basically anyone can have a prepaid card. Thus, this type of card is highly recommended for people who are in debt, with a dirty name and with restrictions on getting credit approval.

Thus, to apply for a prepaid credit card you only need to have a valid CPF. Furthermore, it is not necessary:

  • Check your monthly income;
  • Be over 18 years old. Because even minors can own and use a prepaid card!

How do I apply for a prepaid card?

Como solicito um cartão pré-pago?
How do I apply for a prepaid card?

First, choose one of the financial institution options. Afterwards, you can purchase your card through the agency, through the website or through an application of the institution you have chosen. In general, you will fill out a form with your personal data, it is very simple and without the need for documentation other than your CPF.

That done, just wait for your prepaid card to be sent to you!

But, what are the best choices for those looking for a prepaid card? That's exactly what we're going to talk about next, check it out!

What are the best prepaid card options?

By now, you've understood that prepaid cards are an excellent option for those who don't have a credit card and want to shop online and hire digital services. But how about knowing what are the best options for those who want to start using a prepaid card?

So just continue your reading and check out our special selection for you! Let's go?

PagSeguro

PagSeguro is another well-known digital payment platform in Brazil, and now offers a Pagbank prepaid card for free to anyone who opens a digital account with them.

Thus, when using a Pagbank prepaid card, you do not need to top up. Because the balance you have on your digital account works like the balance on your card.

So, among the options of prepaid cards, this is one that is more similar to common debit cards.

In addition, it has the MasterCard Internacional brand, which allows you to make purchases with your card outside Brazil.

How to apply for Pagbank card

If you liked the options and advantages of the Pagbank prepaid card, find out right now how to apply without bureaucracy.

Mercado Pago 

Mercado Pago is an online payment platform that is already well known in Brazil and now also has its own prepaid credit card.

The card is a great choice for those who sell on Mercado Livre, as they will have access to their balance at the same time. Furthermore, it is not necessary to have a bank account to be able to use a Mercado Pago prepaid card.

Thus, you will have a series of benefits and advantages on the platform, such as:

  • Mercado Pago digital account;
  • Card recharge through bank slip;
  • MasterCard and International Flag.
  • There are no fees, only for national and international withdrawals, in the amount of 9.90 reais.

In addition, you can also use a prepaid card outside Brazil with this option. 

How to apply for the Mercado Pago card

Find out how to apply for the Mercado Pago card with no annual fee, with immediate approval and interest-free installments of up to 18 purchases. Check out!

Access

For anyone who wants to use an Acesso prepaid card will be able to choose between:

  • Virtual card: in this mode, you receive a digital-only card, with all the essential data of a regular card. Can be used to buy online from stores and digital services like Netflix;
  • Physical Card: you receive a card in hand that can be used for purchases in physical stores and online, digital services.

The Acesso card is MasterCard in both modes, among other advantages such as:

  • Recharge by bank slip, bank transfer, among others;
  • ATM withdrawals;
  • Issuance fee for the second copy of only 9.90 reais;
  • No subscription fee for the digital version or for recharges over 100 reais.
  • The maintenance fee is 5 reais, but will not be charged if the card has no balance.

Therefore, the Acesso card is a great choice for anyone who wants to use a prepaid card with versatility and many top-up options.

How to apply for a credit card Access

Requesting your Access credit card is very easy and simple. See how it works!

Brazil you

Prepaid Brasil Voce offers two types of card, one physical and one virtual.

The virtual option is the Digital Virtual Card, great for anyone who wants to use a prepaid card for online purchases in stores and service platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. That is, you will not be able to have a physical card to buy in person in physical stores.

However, there is a modality in which you can use a physical prepaid card for online and in-person purchases. However, there are some fees that you should consider before purchasing the card:

  • Activation fee of 20 reais;
  • Minimum charge to acquire the card, in the amount of 25 reais;
  • A monthly maintenance fee of 3 reais;
  • A fee for each top-up through different means: bank slip (3 reais) and debit (1.99% of the top-up value);
  • Withdrawals at ATMs are charged at 7 reais;
  • Transfers are charged at 7.35 reais;
  • If you need a duplicate of the card, the amount of 25 reais is charged.

Therefore, think carefully about all these tariffs and fees when purchasing the Brasil Você physical card option.

How to apply for the Brasil Você card

See now the step-by-step process to apply for the Brasil card yourself and enjoy the advantages it has to offer without leaving home

About the author  /  Aline Saes

Master in Social History from USP. She is a freelance writer for various subjects. Always passionate about writing, her mission is to bring information to people in a simple and attractive way.

Reviewed by  /  Junior Aguiar

Senior Editor

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