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Compare cards based on how you plan to use them, checking any monthly, transaction, top-up and overseas spending fees.
Prepaid debit cards
Choose from our best prepaid cards
What is a prepaid card?
Prepaid cards, sometimes called everyday spending cards, are payment cards that operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. You load money onto the card before using it to pay in shops or online.
Prepaid cards are worth considering if you can’t get a bank account or want to limit your spending, because you can usually only spend the money you’ve loaded onto the card.
You can also get prepaid cards designed for travel. These may help you avoid some of the fees charged by credit and debit cards when used overseas, but check the exchange rate and charges before choosing one.
How do prepaid cards work?
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Apply online
Applications usually don’t involve a credit check, although the provider will need to verify your identity. You may also have to pay a one-off or monthly fee.
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Load the card
Once you receive and activate your card, add money using one of the top-up methods offered by the provider.
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Spend on the card
Use it much like a debit card, provided you have enough money loaded. When your balance runs low, you can top it up again.
What types of prepaid cards are there?
There’s a range of specialist prepaid cards to choose from, depending on your needs. These include:
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Everyday prepaid cards
Load money onto the card and use it for everyday spending or cash withdrawals. Some cards charge a monthly fee.
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Prepaid travel cards
Load the card with euros, dollars or multiple currencies to use overseas. Some offer fee-free spending, but exchange rates and other charges vary.
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Children's prepaid cards
Help children learn how to manage money while giving parents or guardians controls to monitor and manage their spending.
How do I load money onto a prepaid card?
Loading money onto a prepaid card is usually straightforward. Depending on the provider, you may be able to top up by bank transfer, debit card or cash at participating retailers. Some providers also let you set up automatic top-ups through their app.
The details you need will depend on the top-up method, so follow your provider’s instructions and check whether any fees or limits apply.
How do I check my balance?
Most prepaid card providers let you check your balance and recent transactions through their website or mobile app. Some may also offer balance checks by text message, phone or at a cash machine.
Always use your provider’s official website, app or contact details to keep your account information secure.
What are the pros and cons of prepaid cards?
Prepaid cards have advantages and disadvantages, including:
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Pros
Could help you save on transaction fees when spending abroad
Some cards offer rewards or cashback
Can make budgeting easier because you generally can’t spend more than you load
Applications usually don’t involve a credit check, although your identity will be verified
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Cons
Some cards charge a monthly or one-off fee
You may face additional charges for top-ups, cash withdrawals or inactivity
Purchases aren’t covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which protects eligible credit card purchases costing more than £100 and up to £30,000
Topping up a travel card while abroad may be difficult, depending on the prov
Who is a prepaid card right for?
Whether you’re managing your own money or someone else’s, a prepaid card can offer a simple way to stay in control of spending.
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Children and teens
Useful for pocket money and learning good spending habits, with parental controls available on some cards.
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Budgeters
Helps control spending by limiting access to the money loaded onto the card.
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Travellers
An alternative to carrying cash, with some cards offering competitive exchange rates and low overseas spending fees.
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People with poor credit
Applications usually don’t involve a credit check, although providers will still need to verify your identity.
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Online shoppers
Keeps your main debit or credit card details separate when shopping online.
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Gift-givers
Some prepaid gift cards offer recipients more choice than retailer-specific vouchers, although fees and expiry dates may apply.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I use a prepaid card?
You can use most prepaid cards wherever their payment network, such as Visa or Mastercard, is accepted. However, some businesses may not accept them for payments that require a deposit or pre-authorisation, such as car hire, hotel bookings or pay-at-pump fuel.
Can I use my prepaid card online?
Most prepaid cards can be used online like a debit or credit card, provided you have enough money loaded onto the card.
Can I use it abroad?
Many prepaid cards can be used overseas, but check the exchange rate and any foreign transaction, currency conversion or cash withdrawal fees.
Can I use it to withdraw cash at an ATM?
Most prepaid cards allow cash withdrawals, although the provider or cash-machine operator may charge a fee.
How do I choose the best prepaid card?
The best prepaid card for you will depend on how you plan to use it. Consider the following:
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How frequently will you use the card?
If you’ll use the card regularly, a card with a monthly fee but no transaction fees could offer better value. A pay-as-you-go card may suit occasional users, but check what you’ll be charged each time you spend or add money.
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Where will you use the card?
If you’re planning to use it overseas, compare the exchange rate as well as foreign transaction, cash withdrawal and top-up fees. A card with low or no fees for the currency you need could make your travel money go further.
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Do you need to build your credit score?
Ordinary prepaid-card spending won’t usually build your credit score. A specialist card with a credit-building feature may help if you keep up with any required payments, but check how the feature works before applying.
What are the alternatives to a prepaid card?
Other options to consider include:
Debit card
Linked to your bank account and suitable for everyday spending. Unlike a prepaid card, it may let you spend more than your balance if you have an arranged overdraft.
Credit card
Lets you borrow money and could help build your credit history, but interest and charges may apply if you don’t repay what you owe.
Basic bank account
A fee-free account with essential banking features and no overdraft. It may be available if you don’t qualify for a standard current account.
Cash
Easy to budget with and widely accepted, but some businesses don’t take it and it may be difficult to recover if lost or stolen.
Gift cards
Useful for one-off gifts, but usually limited to particular retailers or businesses. Fees and expiry dates may also apply.
Our expert says…
A prepaid card can be a smart way to stay in control of your money. It could suit you if you want to stick to a budget, manage spending abroad or avoid going into debt, because you can usually only spend the money you load onto it.
Just remember that some cards charge fees, so check the costs first. Ordinary prepaid-card spending won’t usually help build your credit score, either.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Why compare prepaid cards with MoneySuperMarket
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Compare at a glance
See the key features of each prepaid card, including spending, top-up and cash-withdrawal fees.
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Weigh up the pros and cons
Review the main benefits and drawbacks of each card to help you choose one that suits your needs.
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Apply online
Once you’ve chosen a card, click through to the provider to apply. Applications usually require an identity check but not a credit check.
Can a prepaid card build my credit score?
Using an ordinary prepaid card won’t usually affect your credit score because you’re spending your own money rather than borrowing.
However, some specialist prepaid cards include a credit-building feature, such as paying a fee in instalments that are reported to credit reference agencies. Check how the feature works before applying, as missed payments could damage your credit score.
Keep track of your credit score
Applying for a standard prepaid card usually won’t involve a credit check, although the provider will need to verify your identity. Using the card itself won’t normally improve your credit score.
You can keep track of your score with our Credit Score tool and get personalised tips to help improve it.
Is a prepaid card better than a credit card or debit card?
It depends on how you want to manage your money. A prepaid card only lets you spend money you’ve loaded in advance, which can make budgeting easier and help you avoid borrowing.
A debit card is linked to your bank account and may include an overdraft, while a credit card lets you borrow money and could offer additional purchase protection. Compare the features, fees and protections of each option to decide which best suits your needs.
What is a prepaid Mastercard?
A prepaid Mastercard is a prepaid card that uses the Mastercard payment network. You load money onto it before spending and can use it at many places that accept Mastercard, subject to the card’s restrictions, limits and fees.
The card itself will be issued and managed by a bank or prepaid-card provider, rather than Mastercard.
What happens if the card issuer goes bust?
Money held with a prepaid card provider is usually classed as electronic money. It isn’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), but regulated e-money providers must safeguard eligible customer funds by keeping them separate from their own money or using an approved insurance or guarantee arrangement.
Safeguarding is designed to help return your money if the provider fails, but it isn’t the same as FSCS protection. You may have to wait while an administrator identifies and returns the funds, and you might not recover the full amount. It’s sensible not to keep more money on a prepaid card than you need for spending.
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Contact your card provider as soon as possible so it can freeze or cancel the card and prevent further use. You may also be able to freeze it through the provider’s app.
Report any transactions you don’t recognise promptly, as you may be entitled to a refund depending on the circumstances. Most providers offer replacement cards, although a fee may apply.
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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