If you have ever considered purchasing a gift credit card, chances are you have a few questions. To help you out, we have noted some of the most common FAQ’s that people have when buying these types of cards.

Where can I buy a gift credit card?

These cards are purchased one of three ways. You can buy them in person at one of the millions of locations that carry them including financial institutions, variety stores and department stores. You can also purchase them at several online retailers like Amazon.com. Or you can purchase them directly from card issuers like Visa, Mastercard and American Express through their online store.

How do I use my gift credit card?

These types of cards are used in the same fashion as a regular debit card. You simply use your card to pay for your purchase by swiping it at the cash terminal. Be sure you know your card balance so you don’t get caught short.

Can I use my card anywhere?

You can use your prepaid card anywhere that major credit cards are accepted. This includes in-person retail stores as well as online shopping and virtual malls.

Does my card expire?

Yes. Each gift card has an expiry date. You can continue to use your card until the funds are depleted or you reach the expiry date on your card. If the card expires and you have not used all of the available funds, contact your card issuer about how to access the remaining balance.

Can I return something that I bought with my prepaid card?

Yes. But be prepared to show the retailer the card you made the purchase with. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep cards that have expired. In most cases, the amount refunded will be put back onto your card.


What if I lose my gift credit card?

Not to worry. Most card issuers have a liability policy in place that will prevent you from being responsible for purchases made on a lost or stolen card.

Prepaid cards are a great alternative to a regular credit card. They are easier to be get, handy to have and are a fantastic gift idea for students.

When we were searching for the best credit cards for people with bad credit, these five were at the top of every list.  They are not prepaid or secured credit cards either.  These are the real deal.  Here are the top five cards at a glance.

If you have less than perfect credit, you have no doubt encountered some trouble being approved for a credit card.  If this is the case, you have two options.  You can apply for a pre-paid credit card or you can apply for an unsecured card like the ones listed below.  Either way, it is important to read all of the terms and conditions of any card application to be sure you are getting the best card to suit your needs.

Here are the top 5 unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit:

First Premier Bank Gold Mastercard

• Welcomes application from those with less than perfect credit
• Instant application decision within 1 minute
• Low Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on all purchases
• Includes credit reporting to 4 major Credit Bureaus

Centennial Gold Mastercard

• Application decision within 1 minute when you apply online
• Credit protection available and tons of free credit information online
• Poor credit applicants welcome to apply
• Provides credit reports to 4 main Credit Bureaus

Orchard Bank Classic Mastercard

• Introductory rate of 0% offered to those who qualify for the first six months
• Easy access to your account online
• Accepted worldwide
• Instant application decision

Centennial Mastercard / Visa

• Your choice of Mastercard or Visa application
• Quick online application response
• Monthly reporting to 3+ Credit Bureaus
• Applicants with poor credit welcome

First Premier Bank Platinum Card

• All applicants welcome
• Instant online application decision
• Low APR available
• Monthly reporting to 4 Credit Bureaus

As you can see, most of these cards offer the same features like instant online decisions as well as low APR, monthly credit reporting and they all welcome applicants with poor credit.  Which ever card you choose, be sure to make your payments on time and start to rebuild your credit today.  If you do, this may be the last time you need to search for credit cards for people with bad credit.