What is a prepaid bank card?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Decades ago, credit cards were something new and modern. Thanks to them, clients of banking organizations did not have to use cash, and, if necessary, they could apply for an automatic loan at a certain percentage. Today, plastic has moved to a new level, and modern prepaid bank cards have appeared. What is this new product? What advantages and disadvantages does it have? Let's take a closer look in the article.

What is a prepaid card

When using this product, the client does not enter into a transaction with a financial institution, according to which he receives a loan in the form of cash. In this case, the user can manage his own money, which was previously deposited by him on the balance of a prepaid bank card. Thus, it is quite simple to understand the principle of operation of modern plastic. In order to issue it, the client just needs to visit a bank branch, open an account in it and deposit a certain amount of money into it. After that, the deposit can be replenished at any time for any amount. By and large, prepaid bankingthe card is a regular product that makes it much more convenient to pay in stores or make purchases online.

Distinguishing Features

This card is used by individuals and by and large is an imitation of how a bank makes a payment using previously received financial resources. At the same time, both the holder of this instrument and a third party can deposit funds. If we talk about the main distinguishing features of this means of payment, then you should pay attention that in this case no personal data is indicated on the plastic carrier. Accordingly, the surname, name and patronymic of its holder will not be available to strangers. Thus, in fact, there is no link to a separate individual.

Thanks to this, a prepaid bank card can be transferred to other individuals. This is very convenient if, for example, you need to donate money.

Varieties of prepaid cards

These products are classified based on various criteria. For example, today you can order a prepaid card with the possibility of replenishment or without such a service. In addition, a virtual or real card is available to bank customers. Let's take a closer look at some of these points.

With and without replenishment

Based on the wishes of the client, he can deposit additional funds on the card. However, some prefer to restrict access and prohibit replenishment. If choicefalls into this category, then there is no need to verify the identity of the user. In addition, when opening a card without replenishment, you do not need to open a bank account. Thus, it is possible to issue a prepaid gift bank card, which will later be used by another individual who does not have an open account with a financial institution. It is very convenient.

If the client prefers a rechargeable card, then in this case opening an account is mandatory. In addition, the number of the card product must be linked to the holder's account. However, in this case, no personal data about the owner of the plastic is indicated. You can replenish your balance in any convenient way.

Virtual or real

In this case, we are talking about cards that are issued at the time of application. Some of them are used exclusively in the virtual network. It is very convenient to pay for goods and services online. Also, a real card can be issued for payment, which outwardly almost does not differ from a standard credit card (except for indicating the name and surname of the holder).

However, they can also be replenishable or non-replenishable.

Flaws

Speaking about what a prepaid bank card means, one cannot but mention the negative points.

It should be taken into account that prepaid cards are most often issued only in a low class, that is, Maestro or Electron. In addition, there is a certain law, according toto which money deposited on such media is not insured. In addition, in case of loss or theft of the card, the client has no right to block it.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that such electronic media are very often blocked in a situation where a client tries to pay in a store located abroad. In addition, when traveling, there may be some problems when booking hotels or renting a car.

Among other things, this type of card does not imply a loan if the client does not have enough balance to pay for services. A prepaid document cannot be reissued.

Another important disadvantage is that the maximum card limit is 100 thousand rubles. At the same time, no more than 40 thousand rubles can be deposited on electronic media monthly. In addition, it is not possible to make anonymous transfers between individuals.

It is worth noting that to date, prepaid cards are mainly used only as gift options. This means that not every financial institution issues such products. For example, VTB 24 prepaid bank cards are not issued today. The same goes for many other financial institutions.

Benefits

If we talk about the advantages of obtaining such a carrier, then you should pay attention to the fact that when applying for prepaid bank cards, no additional information and certificates from the place of work, salary confirmation andmany more.

Besides, as mentioned earlier, it is not necessary to open a bank account to receive such a product. This means that no contract is required, as well as payment for card activation or annual maintenance. This means that the client can be sure that he will not have any debts over time.

Besides, in this case, there are no any interest that will be charged for services that the client does not use at all. Also, among the advantages, many note ease of use, since such cards are accepted in most stores, as well as online. To date, there are banks that are engaged in the production of such products. Consider the most popular offers.

Russian Standard

This bank has long established itself as one of the most popular financial institutions for providing loans.

Among the numerous services of the bank there is also the possibility of issuing a virtual prepaid bank card. At the same time, you can deposit rubles, dollars or euros into your account. When buying tickets or paying for a hotel, no additional conversion is provided on the territory of the Russian Federation or abroad.

At the same time, you can apply for a card online without an additional issue fee. And if we talk about limits, then the maximum possible amount for which cards are replenished is 30 thousand rubles.

If the client passes the identification procedures, the available limit is increased to 100 thousand rubles. At the same time, many users note that during registration, you can choose an individual card design or create an original gift package for it. No additional documents are required for registration of the product. The cost of the card is equal to the amount of the limit. At the same time, cards for 1, 3, 5, 10 or 15 thousand rubles are available to choose from. At the same time, getting a prepaid bank card in Irkutsk or any other city in the country will not be difficult.

It is noteworthy that Visa or Mastercard systems are supported. If the client wants to increase the maximum limit to 100 thousand rubles, then in this case he must provide a passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.

AK Bars

This bank uses a transit app that allows you to pay for travel on public transport in most cities. At the same time, the client can issue a non-rechargeable card, the face value of which is from 500 to 15 thousand rubles. And there is also a replenishable version of the card, however, in this case, it is necessary to provide identification documents. In this case, the maximum card limit is increased to 100 thousand rubles.

Svyaznoy Bank

The offer of this financial institution is called the "Best Buy Card". At the same time, the maximum balance can reach 15 thousand rubles. To do this, the client does not need to open an account or provide additional information about himself. You can top up your cardin any way possible.

The only drawback is that it is impossible to withdraw cash. A nice bonus is that in the process of paying for goods and services, a certain bonus is credited to the card in the amount of 1 to 20% of the amount spent.

Alfa Bank

Prepaid cards of this bank are in great demand in the offices of commercial enterprises and when used by private individuals. To issue a plastic carrier, it is necessary to pay for the selected denomination, after which the client will be provided with a special envelope with a pin code and an additional security password. After that, with a prepaid bank card of Alfa-Bank, you can pay for services on the Internet or transfer it to third parties.

Sberbank

The largest bank in Russia is also issuing prepaid cards. At the same time, it should be noted that plastic works with the VISA payment system, its maximum denomination is 15 thousand rubles. As in other cases, no identification documents are required for product registration.

Prepaid bank cards of Sberbank are widely used to pay for purchases in retail chains or online stores. At the same time, you will not have to pay anything for the maintenance of plastic. The card is valid for 1 year.

In closing

This product is really very convenient and has a lot of advantages. The only thing to pay attention to isit is worth issuing such cards in dubious organizations. It is worth giving preference to large financial institutions. But not everyone is engaged in the release of this product. For example, it is impossible to get a prepaid bank card at VTB today.