Prepaid cards are becoming very popular across different sectors. While e-commerce platforms are among the biggest beneficiaries, the online gaming industry is not far behind. For many reasons, most casino players use prepaid cards rather than conventional credit or debit cards.
A prepaid card is a payment option that is used for online transactions. It is similar to credit/debit cards. Nonetheless, the difference is that it has no connection to any bank account. This is why it continues to gain so much popularity in online gambling platforms. Even more, prepaid cards are loaded with a fixed amount. While many online gambling platforms set limits per regulatory requirements, they offer even more controls, which is fantastic.
This article takes you through a journey about the ins and outs of using prepaid cards in the online casino industry. It unravels the concept of prepaid cards and explores how they work as a secure and convenient payment method.
What is a Prepaid Card and How Does it Work?
Imagine carrying a fixed amount of money in your wallet, except it is not physical cash. Instead, the said amount is loaded inside a card to make payments online and offline. Prepaid cards are like gift cards that can be purchased from a store. They do not build your credit score because they do not have a history of your transactions.
The first step in using a prepaid card is to purchase one. While there are numerous options, one must consider the receiving platform and the location to be sure it’s supported. On most e-commerce platforms, the approved card logos are usually displayed on the page. Likewise, it is the same for many gambling platforms. Prepaid cards are among the most popular payment methods at online casinos in Australia because of their ease of usage. Once you purchase any prepaid card like Paysafecard and Neosurf, it can be used to fund your casino account instantly.
Benefits of Using Prepaid Cards
While prepaid cards are similar to credit/debit cards, they differ in many ways. This forms the basis of the pros and cons of using prepaid cards. Below are some reasons to consider getting one, especially for online gambling transactions.
Accessibility
Getting a credit/debit card takes time. You must open a bank account because it cannot function in isolation. The process takes time and requires documentation. The same goes for online options like Skrill and Neteller. Nevertheless, for prepaid cards, you do not need to worry about providing any details about yourself. Just walk into a shop and purchase the card.
Recently, many platforms offer dedicated prepaid cards for faster payments. So, besides the popular options like Neosurf and Paysafecard, you also get Aussie prepaid cards like ANZ Travel Card, Woolworths, and Qantas Travel Money.
Spending Limits
The flexibility of using prepaid cards is priceless. Because they are pre-loaded with a specific amount, controlling your spending across all platforms is easy, irrespective of the user. You can get cards for kids and not worry about them exceeding the approved budgets.
Prepaid cards are particularly useful for online gamblers. Although most online casinos have spending limits in line with best practices, prepaid cards provide an additional layer of control. That way, you do not have to worry about exceeding your budget, which is the bane of every gambler.
Security and Anonymity
Prepaid cards are way more secure than credit/debit cards. For the latter, there is a high risk each time you make a payment online or if you lose the card. Most platforms require that you provide personal information like your name and some information on the card, including the security pin. This can be risky, particularly if the card is used on a scam platform.
On the other hand, prepaid cards can be used to make payments without disclosing any information about the user. This is very important for online gamblers who prefer to keep their activities under the radar. Even more, you have nothing to worry about if there is a security breach on the site or the card is misplaced. Only the preloaded amount in the card can be accessed. However, for credit/debit cards, there is a high risk of losing all the funds in your bank account.
Promotional Deals
Some prepaid cards offer numerous promotional offers to their users. These include cashback for purchases on specific products or stores. For instance, some online casinos reward players who use specific cards like Neosurf for deposits with a welcome offer. The same applies to other platforms, depending on the card provider.
Concerns About Using Prepaid Cards
Surely, using prepaid cards has some disadvantages. So, while the benefits look fantastic, here are a few things to be concerned about.
Zero Impact on Your Credit Score
For some users, this could be an advantage. It is not tied to any bank account and will not reveal the users’ gambling activities. Nevertheless, because the card does not leave any trace regarding your financial history, it will not improve your creditworthiness.
Assortment of Fees
Almost every card provider charges various fees. Prepaid cards are no different. Depending on how and where the cards are used, you could be charged additional costs that can reduce the face-value worth of the card. Typical charges include re-load fees, atm withdrawal, and transaction fees. Even more, if the payment is made on an international site, there could be an additional fee for foreign transactions.
Final Thoughts About Prepaid Cards
Payment methods are crucial in today’s digitalized world. Users constantly search for payment options that suit their needs regardless of the platform. Prepaid cards offer many benefits, allowing for easier and more flexible access. Unlike credit cards, prepaid vouchers can be purchased by anyone in a store or online. With that, you can make instant payments, keep your transactions under the radar, and easily control your spending limits.
