What is a prepaid card? Differences from credit and debit cards

Key takeaways:

• Prepaid cards transfer funds from a preloaded balance rather than connecting to a bank account or credit line.

• They can be used to make online payments like a credit or debit card, but they don’t have credit lines. This protects personal credit lines and prevents overspending.

• Prepaid cards are ideal for increased security (since there are no personal bank ties), sticking to a budget, and separating your business spending from personal accounts.

The number of digital payments a person makes on average has gone up by 85 percent between 2012 and 2021.¹ This is because more people want easy ways to pay in person and online. This is especially true for businesses that need flexible and safe ways for employees to make purchases.

Prepaid cards are digital payment alternatives to credit and debit cards that make payments from a preloaded balance. This is great for budgeting and security, but it doesn’t have the same perks as corporate credit cards, like rewards points and cashback.

The preloaded balance is the key differentiator, but there are some other differences to know about before opening a new card.

What is a prepaid card?

A prepaid card is different from a credit or debit card. It’s a digital payment card funded with a preloaded balance. You open a card, load funds, and then use it for payments as you would any other card. You can even create multiple cards for different employees or departments and manage their funds accordingly.

Prepaid cards work with in-person card readers, online shopping and even ATMs for withdrawals, depending on the card. So, what are the benefits of a prepaid card over other digital card payment methods? Here’s a summary:

Prepaid cards vs. credit and debit cards

The most important difference is how you fund your card transactions. Prepaid cards don’t have access to your individual or business account like debit cards or an individual line of credit, like credit cards.

This prevents you from overspending and can provide protection from fraud, since lost cards or stolen details have finite funds.

Providers like Airwallex also offer single- and multi-use Virtual Cards. These debit cards help prevent overspending like prepaid cards do, but come with extra fraud protections and let you earn cashback as you spend. The card details are stored digitally and you can cancel them at any time, to prevent misuse. Also, if you have multi-currency balances, you can spend in those currencies without incurring foreign exchange fees.

On the other hand, traditional business credit and debit cards are tied to your business and its private banking details. This adds a little more risk, but these same cards have stronger regulations and protections from entities like the UK Financial Conduct Authority or U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

How do prepaid cards work?

Prepaid cards are simple. First, you choose a card, then choose an amount you want to preload for spending. You’ll pay that preloaded amount plus any card opening fees. Then, your prepaid card is loaded with the preapproved balance and is almost instantly ready to use.

Once the card is loaded, employees can make purchases in person and online to cover business expenses as they would with a credit or debit card. Even international payments are permitted, although there are better ways to save money on cross-border payments.

You can purchase prepaid physical and virtual cards online and in person at local grocery and convenience stores. However, this can be troublesome and inefficient as the process needs to be repeated every single time you run out of funds.

Prepaid card alternatives

Businesses like the transparency of using prepaid cards. But prepaid cards have their own limitations. There are times when you might need a credit or debit card, especially for more frequent and larger purchases.

• Secured credit cards with a collateral cash deposit are a good alternative for people with low credit who can’t qualify for traditional credit cards.

• International business debit cards are a flexible alternative for businesses to simplify spending and transact in multiple currencies.

• Virtual credit and debit cards allow businesses to create single- or multi-use cards that help protect the business’ finances and eradicate the need for reimbursements.

How to choose the right card for your business

All cards have different rules and requirements depending on the card type and provider. Some have perks like free ATM withdrawals, while others charge inactivity fees. Here’s a rundown of key features to pay attention to:

Card perks:

• Liability protections

• Cashback rewards

• Expense management features

• Ability to assign cards for specific uses or purposes

• Spending controls

• Multi-currency features

Common fees:

• Monthly maintenance and service

• Prepaid card reloading

• ATM withdrawal

• Foreign transaction

• Inactivity

• Overdraft

Beyond the fees and user benefits, consider the card’s expiration date and any included security protections. In the UK, prepaid cards are protected under the Electronic Money Regulations set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures that funds are safeguarded and can be redeemed, even if the issuer becomes insolvent.

Credit and debit cards have these additional protections built in. There are also more business-specific cards available if you’re looking for credit, debit, or virtual card options.

Prepaid cards: frequently asked questions

Do prepaid cards expire?

Prepaid cards typically have an expiration date, though they’re good for several years. You can also renew active cards and may automatically receive a new one before your current card expires.

But, the funds loaded onto a prepaid card don’t expire. Those can be transferred to a new card if your existing card is about to expire. You can also request a refund for an existing balance by contacting the card provider directly.

How much money can you put on a prepaid card?

Every card and provider will have a different card limit, so shop around for the best fit for you. Some cards can be loaded to £15,000+, but something under £10,000 is much more common for consumer use.

Aside from the card’s limit, you can preload as much money as you have available. Just know that daily spending and reloading limits affect how you can use your card.

What are the benefits of prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards are best for managing expenses with a little extra security since they aren’t tied to your personal bank or credit line. You can set a spending limit with the preloaded amount and even add spending controls for sub accounts, depending on the card.

Because it’s independent of your personal banking details, if it’s lost or stolen, nobody else can access your full funds. On top of that, you don’t need a credit check or security deposit to open a prepaid card.

What are the disadvantages of prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards are flexible, but every payment method has its risks. Prepaid card providers tend to tack on several fees, from monthly maintenance costs to inactivity fees and withdrawal charges.

They also won't help you build credit with your regular spending. Plus, the consumer protections aren't as comprehensive as those for traditional credit or debit cards, although many prepaid cards are issued and covered by FCA-regulated banks.

Stay flexible with virtual business debit cards

Prepaid cards are credit-free options for business spending. They’re easy to use and reload, though there are some limitations and a ‌few fees to be aware of. And those fees add up fast, especially if you regularly reload the card for ongoing business expenses.

Instead, why not explore Airwallex’s Business Account and our financial solutions like the Airwallex Borderless Card with Expense Management features built in? Save on foreign exchange and transaction fees with cross-border business, issue employee cards globally and streamline your business spending.

Sources

1. https://www.bis.org/statistics/payment_stats/commentary2301.pdf