Showing posts with label prepaid cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prepaid cards. Show all posts

Monday, May 17, 2010

Gift Giving for a Younger Generation: Consider a NetSpend Prepaid Credit Card

Trying to find a gift for a family member can sometimes be a difficult thing to do, and it is usually a hassle. It can be difficult to think of something that they will like, but don’t already own; driving to every store around, just hoping to find it. In the end, you usually settle on one thing or another that you think will be acceptable. Next time, consider giving them a NetSpend prepaid credit card instead.

NetSpend’s prepaid cards are available online, available for purchase 24/7. Then you can choose the exact amount to load onto the card. This saves both time and effort on your part, making it the easiest gift to buy. Eliminate the hassle of driving around everywhere and pick up a NetSpend prepaid card while you’re already online!

Net Spend’s prepaid credit cards are great gifts for sons, daughters and grandchildren alike. Many times they are just getting started in life, getting their first job or heading off to school. Opening a bank account is a big step and usually has many associated fees. With a NetSpend prepaid credit card, there are no fees and the card can be updated with funds over and over again. Many times, the gift giver can put an initial amount on the card, and then the gift recipient can spend and load more money onto the card as they see fit.

NetSpend prepaid credit cards allow your family member the absolute freedom to buy something that they really want or need. They can even use it to buy gas or pay bills. NetSpend prepaid cards can also be used to shop online, which is great for anyone who doesn’t have a traditional credit card. Giving checks can be difficult because then the recipient has to go to the bank to cash them, but NetSpend prepaid cards are ready to use right away.

The greatest benefit in giving a NetSpend prepaid credit card as a gift is that it is an easy thing to give and receive. They are great for any recipient. Net Spend prepaid credit cards are better than cash or checks because of the added convenience of online shopping. Also, they are more useful than a store gift card which restricts the user to one particular store. Take the guesswork and the hassle out of finding a gift and pick one up next time you’re out. Regardless of the occasion; a Net Spend prepaid credit card is the perfect gift to give and receive.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

How to Budget for a Vacation: NetSpend’s Prepaid Cards & Other Tips

Everybody needs a little vacation at some point. It’s hard enough to find the time to go and even then, many people are worried about the associated costs. But vacations should be relaxing, not stressful. With the right planning, you can make it just so.

When you’re thinking about going on a vacation, choosing your destination is the first step to take. Consider the time of year and where you want to go. If it is peak season for beaches, costs will typically be higher. Compare your options with different dates and do some pricing to see when the most reasonable time would be. This also applies to airfare. Different days of the week will cost more, as will holidays. Planning this far enough in advance will save you money, as prices generally rise closer to the date; this will also give you more time to save up for your trip.

When going on a trip you shouldn’t have to worry about money the whole time you are there. In order to avoid this, consider using a NetSpend prepaid card. NetSpend Prepaid cards are a great way to keep yourself on budget. Decide how much you intend to spend during your vacation and put that amount on the prepaid card. Include the amount of the costs you already know are set, such as transportation and lodging. Past that, estimate additional costs on the higher end and place that total amount on the card – then you will be set. On vacation, it’s very easy for people to overdraft from their bank account and be charged, or spend way too much on their credit card. Opting for a NetSpend prepaid card ensures that you will stay on budget throughout your entire trip. Additionally, Net Spend’s prepaid cards can be used at any ATM where Visa or MasterCards are accepted, making them a safe and secure way to travel without having to carry cash.

When the time finally arrives for your trip, you can relax knowing that you have the money for your expenditures already set aside on the Net Spend prepaid card. You can use your NetSpend prepaid card as soon as you arrive, or pay in advance online for some things like your car rental and hotel room. Another added bonus is you can leave your credit cards safely at home and you only have to carry this one card with you everywhere you go. Also, in the event that it should be lost or stolen, you can always immediately cancel it.

If you want to know how much is left on your Net Spend card, there are multiple ways to check your balance. If you have access to the internet, you check your balance 24/7 at NetSpend.com. You can also check it by text message, phone call, or at ATMs. Check your balance as much as you want, so you can alleviate your worries.

Whether your vacation is across the world, or just a few hours down the road; using a NetSpend prepaid card will give you the ease and convenience you need. Net Spend prepaid cards help you set a budget and stick to it, avoiding the regret of spending too much while you are on vacation.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Credit Cards Users’ Spending Habits are quickly changing in this economy

With the economy still in a deep recession, consumers are changing their buying habits. Not only are people spending less, they are evaluating their purchases a little more thoroughly and only buying necessities. Just a few years ago, the percentage of credit card users was continually growing, however, due to an increase in fees and the economy, the percentage of users has experienced a drastic drop off. While the percentage of credit card users decline, prepaid debit card companies like NetSpend Corporation are becoming fiercely competitive as an alternate option to spend money and manage finances.

According to the Federal Reserve, “consumer credit card spending suffered its biggest decline in more than 30 years in February 2009.” Their report further concluded that, “revolving credit declined by 9.17 percent which is the biggest drop since January 1978.”At a time in the economy when consumers are tightening their belts and being laid off, purchasing items on credit has lost a lot of its appeal. Dennis Moroney, a research director from TowerGroup, confirms that consumers’ spending habits have drastically changed stating that “people are fearful” and “you don’t see them in the shopping center buying big screen TVs.” Instead, they are likely to be saving money and paying off any loans accruing interest in order to stay financially strong in this recession.

Peoples’ spending habits aren’t the only thing changing either. Credit card companies are lowering their limits and enforcing stricter rules. In anticipation of the CARD credit card reform act and according to an article recently published by the Consumerist, some credit card companies have begun to reduce grace periods, cut credit lines, increase fees on balance transfers to 5%, and increase minimum payments and APR. These are big changes a lot of credit card users may not even be aware of yet, and after they are, they may consider changing their means of spending on an even greater scale.

Of course, as credit cards users are declining, people are choosing a better way to spend and manage their finances with prepaid debit cards provided by companies like NetSpend. Due to massive loans and credit card debt, many people have ruined their credit – prepaid cards offer them another option, as no credit checks or bank accounts are necessary in order to obtain one. NetSpend’s prepaid cards also give users the added benefits of being able to make purchases worldwide and online, allow them to be in control of their money with no fees and no debt, and allow them added security as carrying prepaid cards are much safer than carrying cash.

It’s plain to see that in this economy people are focusing on how to better manage their finances as consumers lose their jobs, deplete their unemployment, and use up their savings. The overwhelming amount of debt accrued by many credit card users wasn’t an issue until people realized they may not be able to make their payments after unexpected losses in their personal income. Stay out of debt and start managing your finances better with a NetSpend prepaid debit card today!