Choose your card
Pick a card that’s right for you. It might be one that offers fee-free spending on a currency used at a location you frequently visit
What is a prepaid card?
Pre-paid cards, sometimes called everyday spending cards, are debit cards that operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. You top it up with money and spend as you would normally with retailers.
Pre-paid cards are worth considering if you can’t get a bank account or you’re looking to limit your spending, because you can only spend the money you’ve loaded onto the card.
As well as everyday spending pre-paid cards, you can get pre-paid cards designed for travel that avoid the high fees that some credit and debit cards charge when used overseas.
How do prepaid cards work?
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Apply online
There are no credit checks, but you are likely to have your ID verified. There might also be a one-off or monthly fee to pay
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Load the card
When you receive and activate your card, you can load it with your chosen currency and it’s ready to use
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Spend on the card
Use the card as you would a debit card. When funds run low, top it up from your current account or have your wages paid directly onto it
What types of prepaid cards are there?
There are a range of specialist prepaid cards to choose from, depending on your requirements. They include:
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Everyday use
A card that you load with money and use just like cash or a debit or credit card for your everyday spending and ATM withdrawals. Often has a monthly fee
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Prepaid travel cards
A card that you can load with euros, dollars or multiple currencies and avoid any transaction and exchange rate fees when you head overseas
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Children's prepaid debit cards
A prepaid card can help children learn the value of money. Often come with parental controls so you can monitor their spending
How do I load money onto a prepaid card?
Loading funds onto a prepaid card is straightforward. Most providers allow you to top up via bank transfer, debit card, or with cash at participating retailers or Post Office branches. Some also offer mobile apps or the option to set up automatic top-ups for added convenience.
To do this, you’ll typically need your prepaid card number, and if transferring from a bank, the card’s associated sort code and account number. You may also be asked to confirm your identity using a registered email or mobile number. Always refer to your card provider’s guidelines for the correct process.
How do I check my balance?
Checking the balance on your prepaid card is quick and easy. Most providers offer online account access or a mobile app where you can view your balance and recent transactions at any time. Some also allow balance checks via SMS, customer service phone line, or ATMs.
To check your balance, you'll usually need your card number and secure login details, such as a password or PIN. Always use your provider’s official channels to ensure your information stays safe.
What are the pros and cons of prepaid cards?
There are advantages and disadvantages to prepaid cards. These include:
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Pros
Avoid high transaction fees when spending abroad
Get rewards or cashback on your spending
Control budgeting by not spending more than you have
No credit check required – although some cards can help you improve your credit rating
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Cons
Pay a monthly or one-off charge for the card
Face further charges for reloading funds onto your card and inactivity fees
Not covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act that protects credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000
Could struggle to top up a prepaid travel card when you’re abroad
Who is a prepaid card right for?
Whether you're managing your money or someone else's, prepaid cards can offer a simple, secure way to stay in control.
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Children and teens. Great for pocket money and teaching good spending habits
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Budgeters. Helps control spending by only allowing access to preloaded funds
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Travellers. Safer than carrying cash, with some cards offering favourable exchange rates
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Those with poor credit. No credit check needed, making them accessible to more people
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Online shoppers. Adds an extra layer of security by keeping main bank details separate
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Gift-givers. A handy alternative to vouchers, letting recipients choose how they spend
Frequently asked questions
Where can I use a prepaid card?
You can use a prepaid card anywhere that accepts the card’s payment network (like Visa or Mastercard), including shops, restaurants, and online.
Can I use my prepaid card online?
Yes, most prepaid cards can be used online just like a debit or credit card, as long as there's enough balance.
Can I use it abroad?
Many prepaid cards work overseas and are popular for travel, but check for any foreign transaction or currency conversion fees.
Can I use it to withdraw cash at an ATM?
Yes, most prepaid cards allow ATM withdrawals, though fees may apply depending on the provider and location.
How do I choose the best prepaid card?
The best card for you will differ depending on how you plan to use it. Consider the following:
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How frequently will you use the card?
If you’re going to use the card frequently, an everyday prepaid card with a monthly fee but no transaction fees may be more suitable. A pay-as-you-go card could suit occasional users better as they are often free, but charge fees when spending
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Where will you use the card?
If you’re planning to use the card when you travel overseas, look to choose a prepaid card that is fee-free for the currency of your destination. This can save you a significant sum in travel-money spending over the course of your trip
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Do you need to build your credit score?
If you’re looking to get a prepaid card because you have a low credit rating, an everyday card with a credit builder facility can be a way to help build your credit rating
What are the alternatives to a prepaid card?
Here are some other options you might consider, depending on your needs:
Debit card
Linked to your bank account; ideal for everyday use but doesn’t limit spending like a prepaid card
Credit card
Lets you borrow money and build credit, but not suitable if you want to avoid debt or interest charges
Basic bank accounts
A simple, fee-free option with fewer features than standard accounts, but often easier to access
Cash
Almost universally accepted and easy to budget with, but not secure if lost or stolen
Gift cards
Good for one-off gifts or limited use, but lack flexibility and can expire
Our expert says…
A prepaid card can be a smart way to stay in control of your money. It’s ideal if you want to stick to a budget, manage spending while abroad, or avoid the risk of going into debt because you can only spend what you load onto it
Just keep in mind that some cards come with fees, so do your sums in advance and they won’t help build your credit score like other financial products might.”
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Why compare prepaid cards with MoneySuperMarket
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Compare at a glance
We’ll show you the key features of each prepaid card, including introductory deals and any fees you’ll pay
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View pros and cons
We’ll list the main advantages and disadvantages of each prepaid card to help you make the right choice
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Apply online in minutes
Once you’ve made your decision, just click through to the card provider to apply without a credit check
Can a prepaid card build my credit score?
Depending on the type of prepaid card you get it could improve your credit rating, if you've got an impaired credit history. There are no credit checks with prepaid cards, but some everyday prepaid cards allow you to borrow the annual fee and pay it back in monthly instalments. This gives you a repayment record that will be put on your file by the credit reference agencies. Beware that if you miss a payment it could damage your credit rating even further.
Nurture your credit score
When you apply for a prepaid card, the provider won’t carry out a credit check. However, if you use a prepaid card wisely, you could boost your credit score. A better credit rating will unlock better terms when you apply for credit. Keep up with your credit score with our Credit Score tool, we’ll also send you helpful tips and tricks to improve your score
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Compare prepaid 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 decision, just click through to the card provider and apply online in minutes
Is a prepaid card better than a credit card or debit card?
A prepaid card is different from a credit card or debit card because you can only spend the money you have loaded onto the card.
This means unlike a debit card (where you may be able to go overdrawn) or a credit card (where you are borrowing money before paying it back at a later date), you are only spending your own cash and cannot run into debt.
How do I check the balance on my prepaid card?
There can be a variety of ways to check your balance on a prepaid card, including logging into your account online or through an automated phone line. You may be able to check your balance at an ATM and some cards also give you the option to receive card balance updates through text.
What is a prepaid Mastercard?
Lots of household-name brands/service providers, such as ASDA, the Co-op and the Post Office, offer pre-paid cards that are powered by Mastercard. These take in prepaid travel cards as a substitute for travel money, general purpose cards and youth-targeted cards.
What happens if the card issuer goes bust?
Money held on a pre-paid card is classified as electronic money. And under UK operating rules, pre-paid card service providers are obliged to hold your cash in a separate bank account, where it's kept entirely apart from the card issuer's operating capital.
With this in mind, as long as the card issuer has observed the rules, and it went bust, your cash would still be held in a bank or building society and would be protected. With the result that you'd be able to get it back.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that if the building society goes bust, your cash is not protected. So you may want to choose a card provider that stores your money in a big-name high-street bank that's likely to be more stable.
Is my money safe with a prepaid card?
While prepaid cards aren’t covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), your money is typically held in a safeguarded account by the provider, which offers a level of protection if the company goes bust. However, they don’t offer the same fraud protection as a credit card, so it's important to use them carefully.
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Contact your card provider as soon as possible to block the card and prevent unauthorised use. Most providers offer a replacement service, and if any fraudulent transactions occurred, you may be able to claim a refund depending on the provider’s terms.
How do I choose the best prepaid card?
The best card for you will differ depending on how you plan to use it. Consider the following:
How frequently will you use the card?
If you’re going to use the card frequently, an everyday prepaid card with a monthly fee but no transaction fees may be more suitable. A pay-as-you-go card could suit occasional users better as they are often free, but charge fees when spending
Where will you use the card?
If you’re planning to use the card overseas, look to choose a prepaid card that is fee-free for the currency of your destination. This can save you a significant sum in travel-money spending over the course of your trip
Do you need to build your credit score?
If you’re looking to get a prepaid card because you have a low credit rating, an everyday card with a credit builder facility can be a way to help build your credit rating
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Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025