Can I use my prepaid card online?
Yes, most prepaid business cards can be used for online purchases just like a debit or credit card.
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Prepaid cards are not eligible for protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
What is a business prepaid card?
A business prepaid card is a handy way for companies to manage expenses efficiently. It functions like a debit card, but the spending is limited to the amount preloaded onto the card.
Businesses can allocate funds for specific purposes, such as travel expenses or employee allowances, while controlling spending and tracking transactions easily.
These cards offer convenience, security, and flexibility, allowing you to buy a wide range of goods and services.
How do they work?
Using a business prepaid card is a straightforward process, as follows:
Compare and apply: Review different business prepaid card providers and apply online with your company details.
Load funds: Transfer money from your business account onto the card, either manually or via scheduled top-ups.
Distribute to staff: Issue cards to employees, setting individual limits and monitoring spending where needed.
Spend and track: Use the card for business expenses in-store or online, with real-time tracking via your provider’s platform.
What can I use a business prepaid card for?
You can use a business prepaid card almost anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard – but some restrictions may apply, such as for car hire or certain recurring payments. Always check with your card provider for specific exclusions.
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Travel expenses
Pay for flights, hotels, taxis, and other business travel costs directly from your prepaid balance
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Office supplies
Buy stationery, tech equipment or other essentials from online or in-store retailers
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Client entertainment
Use the card to cover business lunches, coffees, or event hospitality.
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Employee expenses
Let staff pay for approved work-related costs without needing to claim reimbursement
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Online subscriptions
Manage recurring costs like software licenses or business tools with clearer budgeting
What are the pros and cons of prepaid cards for your business?
There are advantages and disadvantages to getting a prepaid business card. These include:
Pros
Flexible controls. Set spending limits, restrict usage types, and manage top-ups as needed
Easier expenses. Simplifies employee spending and eliminates the need for reimbursements
No credit checks. Easier approval process, even for businesses with limited credit history
Lower costs. Typically cheaper than credit cards, with fewer ongoing fees
Cons
No credit facility. You can’t borrow or spread costs like you can with a credit card
Limited acceptance. May not work for certain payments, such as car hire or some subscriptions
Manual top-ups. Requires regular monitoring and reloading, which can be time-consuming
Fewer protections. Not always covered by the same fraud or purchase protections as credit cards
How do I load money onto a prepaid business card?
Loading money onto a prepaid business card is typically done through the card provider’s online platform or mobile app.
You transfer funds from your business bank account directly to the prepaid card, either manually or through scheduled top-ups.
Some providers allow bulk uploads or the option to allocate specific amounts to individual employee cards, making it easy to manage team spending.
How do I check my balance?
You can check the balance on a prepaid business card by logging into your account via the card provider’s website or app. Most platforms offer real-time access to transaction histories and current balances for each card.
Some also provide email or SMS alerts for low balances, helping businesses stay on top of spending and avoid declined transactions.
How do I choose the best prepaid business card?
Finding the right prepaid business card means balancing control, cost and convenience. Here are five key things to look for:
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Compare providers
Check what different card issuers offer in terms of features, limits and accessibility
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Check the fees
Look out for charges on top-ups, monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals and replacement cards
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Control features
Choose a card that lets you set spending limits, restrict usage types, and view real-time reports
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User management
Opt for cards that support multiple users and allow easy allocation of funds
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Integration tools
Some cards work with accounting software, simplifying expense tracking and financial reporting
Where can I use a prepaid business card?
You can typically use it anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard, including shops, restaurants, and online – depending on the card’s settings.
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Can I use it abroad?
Many prepaid business cards work overseas, though foreign transaction fees may apply – check with your provider.
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Can I use it to withdraw cash at an ATM?
Yes, but only if ATM access is enabled on your card, and withdrawal fees may apply.
What are the fees with a business prepaid card?
Business prepaid cards can come with a range of fees, so it’s important to check the terms carefully before choosing one. Common fees include:
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Monthly or annual fee
A fixed charge for holding and using the card
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Top-up fee
A fee applied when adding funds to the card
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Transaction fee
Charged each time the card is used to make a purchase
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ATM withdrawal fee
A fee for withdrawing cash from ATMs, either in the UK or abroad
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Foreign exchange fee
A charge for transactions made in currencies other than sterling
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Replacement card fee
A cost for issuing a new card if the original is lost or stolen
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Inactivity fee.
Some providers charge if the card is unused for a set period
Is my money safe with a business prepaid card?
Yes, business prepaid cards are generally safe. While they aren’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), FCA-regulated providers must keep your funds in a separate, safeguarded account. This helps protect your money if the provider goes out of business.
However, unlike credit cards, prepaid cards don’t offer the same fraud protection. If a card is lost or misused, you might not recover your funds – though many cards come with PINs, spending controls and instant blocking options to limit the risk.
Is a business prepaid card right for my business?
Business prepaid cards suit companies that want to control employee spending or streamline expenses. They offer useful features like real-time tracking, fixed limits, and reduced admin – ideal for managing travel costs or remote teams.
They’re less suitable if your business needs credit or flexibility, as you can only spend what’s loaded. Make sure to weigh the benefits against fees and card limits to decide if they fit your business needs.
What are the alternatives to a prepaid business card?
If a prepaid business card doesn’t meet your needs, there are several other ways to manage company spending effectively:
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Business credit card
Offers access to credit, useful for managing cash flow and making larger purchases with added fraud protection
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Business debit card
Linked directly to your business account, making it simple to spend only what’s available, but with less control over employee usage
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Petty cash
Good for very small, occasional expenses, but offers no tracking or control and can be harder to manage securely
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Bank transfers
Ideal for larger or one-off payments, but lacks the flexibility of card-based spending for day-to-day business purchases
Our expert says…
Prepaid business cards can be a smart way to manage staff spending, offering control, flexibility, and easy tracking without the risk of debt. They’re ideal for budgeting and issuing funds to multiple employees, but may not be suitable for all businesses – especially those needing credit access.
Tim Heming Personal Finance Expert
Compare prepaid business cards with MoneySuperMarket
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Review your options
Check out our choice of prepaid cards from a wide range of leading UK providers
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Compare key features
We’ve listed the benefits of each card along with any fees you might be charged
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Click through to apply
Once you’ve made your choice, you can simply click through to the provider to apply for the card online in minutes
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025