Privacy Virtual Cards
Spending Limits

Set a spending limit and Privacy will decline any transactions that go over the limit

Merchant-Locked Cards

Lock Privacy Cards to the first merchant they’re used at to prevent misuse if stolen

Single-Use Cards

Create Privacy Cards that close automatically after the first purchase is made on them

Pause/Close Cards

Pause or close your Privacy Cards at any time to block future transaction attempts

Can You Buy a Prepaid Card Online? What To Look For

Reviewed by
Jul 26, 2023
 • 
10
 Min Read

In 2023, the prepaid card market was worth $2.8 trillion globally[1].While it’s a massive figure, prepaid cards are still not as popular as conventional credit or debit cards.

Based on a study conducted by The Pew Charitable Trusts, only a little over 5% of Americans use prepaid cards at least once a month[2]. With this in mind, it’s no surprise there’s some confusion around these cards—but if you’re looking to buy a prepaid card online, you should first understand how they work.

This guide has all the information regarding:

  • Types of prepaid cards available online
  • Steps for purchasing prepaid cards
  • Pros and cons of prepaid cards

Prepaid Cards—Quick Overview

A prepaid card is a payment card that comes preloaded with a fixed balance that you can use to make purchases. 

Prepaid cards can be non-reloadable and reloadable. Non-reloadable prepaid cards (such as gift cards) can be used until exhausting the balance, while reloadable cards allow you to add additional funds as needed. Most prepaid cards available in the market are branded with prominent card networks like Mastercard®, American Express®, and Visa®.

A top-view shot of a person holding a black cardholder purse containing cash and a payment card

Source: Lukas

Prepaid cards can be used at physical locations or on merchant websites, and they work like regular credit or debit cards. You can purchase prepaid cards online or at physical locations—here are some examples:

Retailer
Examples
In-store

- Supermarkets
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Select banks and credit unions
Online
- E-commerce websites (like Walmart)
- Online financial institutions (including some banks and credit unions)

Most prepaid cards in the U.S. are issued in the Visa network, which handles more than 54% of the debit and prepaid card purchases in the country. The company also offers a specialized prepaid Visa card option for gifting, healthcare, and payroll, providing flexible payment solutions for various needs. 

Mastercard comes second, handling a purchase volume of about 22% in the U.S.

How Do Prepaid Cards Work?

Prepaid cards function similarly to debit cards and credit cards, except they aren’t directly linked to a traditional bank account. Instead, you load funds to your prepaid cards in advance before using them for purchases.

Here’s how they typically work:

  1. You add money to the card through a bank transfer, direct deposit, cash reload at retail locations, or online payment.
  2. Once the funds are loaded, you can use the card for online or in-store shopping, tapping or swiping at payment terminals, linking to mobile wallets, or withdrawing cash from ATMs.
  3. You can view your card balance, track spending, and manage transactions using the card provider’s app or online portal.
  4. When the balance runs low, you can top up the card using the available reload options.

While prepaid cards offer convenience and flexibility, you should keep in mind the potential fees associated with their use. These can include charges for transactions, monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals, and reloading funds.

Difference Between Credit Cards and Prepaid Cards

Credit cards and prepaid cards are both widely used payment tools, but they work in different ways and serve distinct purposes, as highlighted in the table below:

Factor Credit Cards Prepaid Cards
Funding source To make a purchase, you borrow money from the card issuer based on a credit limit they set. You load your own money onto the card before using it. You can only spend what you’ve added.
Impact on credit score Your usage is reported to credit bureaus, which can help build or improve your credit score if you make timely payments. Your transactions aren’t reported to credit bureaus, so using a prepaid card doesn’t affect your credit score.
Approval process You need to apply, and your chances of approval depend on your credit history and income. You can get a prepaid card regardless of your credit history.
Fees and interest You may need to pay annual fees, late payment fees, and interest if you carry a balance. You may face activation, maintenance, transaction, and ATM fees, but no interest applies since you’re spending your own money.
Spending limits Your issuer sets a spending limit, and exceeding it may lead to fees or declined transactions. You can only spend what you load onto the card and must reload when the balance runs out.
Safety If your credit card is stolen or compromised, unauthorized transactions can affect your available credit until they’re disputed. Prepaid cards aren't tied to your bank or credit, so if compromised, only the loaded balance is at risk.

What Types of Prepaid Cards Can You Buy Online?

You can generally purchase two types of prepaid cards online:

  1. Physical prepaid cards—These are standard plastic payment cards. Once purchased, they get shipped to the specified address via mail.
  2. Digital prepaid cards— A digital prepaid card exists only in digital form and has a 16-digit card number, security code, and expiration date required to complete online transactions. You can typically load it to e-wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay to make contactless payments at stores.

Prepaid cards can also be categorized as open and close looped. Open-loop cards have an identifiable card brand logo (like Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) and can be used anywhere a particular card brand is accepted. Closed-loop cards are issued by specific retailers (like Amazon or Starbucks) and can only be used at the particular merchant’s online or physical storefront.

How To Buy a Prepaid Card Online

The process of purchasing prepaid cards online depends on the vendor. The most popular options to get a prepaid card online are:

  1. Purchasing prepaid cards on a retail platform
  2. Ordering prepaid cards from Visa’s online portal
  3. Ordering a prepaid Mastercard online

Purchasing Prepaid Cards on a Retail Platform

To buy a prepaid card online on retail websites, you don’t have to provide extensive identification details in advance. Below are the standard steps required to get them:

Step 1
Log in to the e-commerce website.
Step 2 Look for the prepaid/gift card of your choice and specify the card denomination.
Step 3
Add the card to your cart (the cart value may be greater than the card denomination because of a load fee or similar component—e.g., if the card denomination is $50, the checkout amount could be up to $53–$54).
Step 4 Specify whether you want a physical or online delivery (add your shipping or email address as required).
Step 5 Complete the payment.
A close-up shot of a person browsing products on a retail website on their Macbook Pro

Source: Campaign Creators

How To Buy a Prepaid Visa Card

Visa prepaid cards are versatile and can be used to:

  • Complete online and in-person purchases[1]
  • Pay bills[1]
  • Withdraw cash at select ATMs[1]

Visa purchases are typically protected by a zero-liability policy[1] (certain commercial transactions and anonymous payments are excluded from the cover, and a cardholder has to meet certain conditions like taking reasonable care to protect their card).

Various financial institutions offer prepaid Visa cards with different perks and customization options. If you’re struggling to pick one, you can buy a prepaid Visa card online directly on Visa’s website. Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to Visa’s reloadable prepaid cards portal.
  2. Click on Get a Visa prepaid card.
  3. Explore the benefits of the featured cards and pick an option that works for you.
  4. Click on Get a card—you will be redirected to the website of the financial institution that sells the card.
  5. Enter information required to verify your identity (name, address, Social Security number, etc.).
  6. Select a load value for the card and complete the order.

For some Visa prepaid cards, you may be asked to sign up or open an online account before you can order.

How To Buy a Prepaid Mastercard Online

Mastercard prepaid cards provide a secure and convenient cash alternative, enabling global purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted. Here’s how to order your prepaid Mastercard online:

  1. Visit Mastercard's official website[5] to explore various prepaid card options—commercial, gift card, healthcare, public sector, general purpose reloadable, non-reloadable, etc.
  2. Click on Get Your Mastercard.
  3. Choose a provider that aligns with your needs.
  4. Access the chosen provider's website and fill out the required application form, providing necessary personal information.
  5. After approval, add funds to your prepaid card and activate it.

Using Prepaid Cards Purchased Online—Important Considerations

Your prepaid card credentials can be used for purchases at most online and physical locations provided the card is activated. If it’s not, you have to activate the card online or over the phone—the details are usually provided in the card packaging or delivery email.

Some financial institutions also offer similar solutions that are available to apply for online, but that are not necessarily prepaid. For example, you can get an American Express temporary card number online, which can be loaded onto a digital wallet to make payments with. This is a good option for those looking to access their funds immediately, but it does not have the same benefits as a prepaid card.

Pros and Cons of Prepaid Cards

When acquired from reputable sources, online prepaid cards have versatile use and offer robust payment security. The primary benefits of using a prepaid card are that it:

  • Isn’t linked to a funding source—A prepaid card is independent of your credit or debit card, which reduces the damage in the case of fraudulent activities. If a prepaid card is stolen, you cannot lose more than the current balance on the card.
  • Allows for budgeted spending—Using a debit or a credit card means you have access to a significant balance, which can often lead to overspending, high-interest payments, overdraft fees, etc. A prepaid card is a safer choice in terms of budgeting because you cannot spend beyond the amount loaded on the card.

One of the disadvantages of using prepaid cards is the cost. You accrue fees at multiple stages, which may significantly reduce the available balance. For example, take a look at the charges that typically come with Netspend® Visa prepaid cards[2]:

Cost Element
Detail
Card delivery fee
$0–$25
Balance inquiry fee $0.50 per inquiry (additional third-party ATM operator fees may be applicable)
Reload fee (at physical locations) $3.95 per reload
Overdraft protection service fee $15 per use
ATM decline fee $1 per decline
Inactivity fees $5.95 per month
Individual transaction fee $2 (for the Pay-As-You-Go plan)
Signature purchase fee $1 per transaction
Monthly maintenance fee Varies


If you want to enjoy many of the benefits of prepaid cards without paying multi-level fees, Privacy Virtual Cards may be a better option than a traditional virtual prepaid card.

A Smarter Investment—Use Privacy Virtual Cards Instead of Prepaid Cards

Virtual cards have unique, randomly generated 16-digit numbers, security codes, and expiration dates. They are linked to a funding source, such as a debit card or bank account, but allow you to pay without revealing your true bank details to the merchant. This makes virtual cards a more secure option than traditional cards as a potential data breach on the merchant’s website won’t expose your real card or bank data. 

Virtual cards are typically branded within major card networks like Visa and Mastercard, making them as versatile as conventional cards.

Privacy is one of the most reputable virtual card providers in the industry, allowing users to mask their debit card or bank account details during online purchases. The company is BBB®-accredited and acknowledged by Forbes as one of the most consumer-focused businesses of 2022.

A person making a contactless NFC payment with a virtual card using a smartphone

Source: Ivan Samkov

Privacy Cards Features

Creating a Privacy account provides access to features beneficial for personal and business use. You can:

  • Create Merchant-Locked, Category-Locked, and Single-Use Cards—You can set up Merchant-Locked Cards that “lock” to the first merchant they’re used with. These cards cannot be used with other merchants if stolen. Category-Locked Cards can be used only with merchants that belong to a merchant category of your choosing. There’s also the option to create Single-Use Cards that close after the first transaction, rendering them useless to a potential hacker.
  • Save time during checkout—Privacy’s browser extension for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS enables fast and seamless checkouts. The extension auto-fills the card data into payment fields, allowing you to complete quick and spontaneous purchases without having to memorize card numbers or look for your wallet.
  • Set spending limits—Privacy Virtual Cards enable you to set spending limits, helping you avoid overspending and unexpected charges. You can share your Privacy Card with a trusted family member and feel confident they won’t go over the designated limit as you remain in full control of the card settings. Privacy allows setting limits per transaction, month, or year.
  • Monitor account in real-time—You can monitor the activities associated with your active virtual cards on Privacy’s centralized dashboard. The platform also sends real-time push notifications and email alerts every time a virtual card is used or declined.
  • Close, pause, and unpause cards instantly—With Privacy, users can close, pause, or unpause cards in a few clicks. If you suspect fraudulent activity on your virtual card, close it immediately to block further transactions. You can also close or pause a card if you want to avoid charges for an unwanted subscription (but remember to also cancel your subscription directly with the merchant).

Requesting Privacy Cards

Privacy Cards are available to U.S. residents over 18 years of age with a bank account or debit card at almost any U.S. bank. Here are the steps for requesting a virtual card with Privacy:

  1. Access the Privacy signup page
  2. Enter mandatory KYC details
  3. Connect your debit card or bank account
  4. Request a Privacy Virtual Card

Privacy users on the Personal plan can create 12 Single-Use and Merchant Locked Cards virtual cards and use them for free for domestic transactions. Unlike with prepaid cards, you don’t have to worry about inactivity fees, delivery fees, or ATM fees.

Source: Tim Douglas

If you shop on your phone frequently or use mobile wallets, go to Google Play or App Store to download Privacy’s mobile app. The app enables you to create and close cards and monitor transactions on the go.

Privacy also enables free integration with 1Password, a password manager that keeps your passwords and other financial data in a secure vault.

You can choose from the four plans Privacy offers to cater to different consumer needs:

Plan Price Number of New Virtual Cards per Month Benefits
Personal Free for domestic transactions only 12
  • Single-Use & Merchant-Locked Cards for secure transactions

  • Set spending limits and pause or close cards anytime

  • Quick and secure checkout with the Privacy Browser Extension and Privacy App

Plus $5/month 24
  • All Personal plan features

  • Priority support and Live Chat (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)

  • Features like Category-Locked Cards, Shared Cards, and Card Notes

Pro $10/month 36
  • All Plus plan features

  • Zero-fee foreign transaction

  • 1% cashback on eligible purchases (up to $4,500/month)

Premium $25/month 60
  • Everything in Pro

References

[1] Allied Market Research. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/prepaid-card-market, sourced March 4, 2025
[2] The Pew Charitable Trusts. https://www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/legacy/uploadedfiles/pcs_assets/2014/prepaidcardssurveyreportpdf.pdf, sourced March 4, 2025
[3] Motley Fool Money. https://www.fool.com/money/research/credit-debit-card-market-share-network-issuer/, sourced March 4, 2025
[4] Visa. https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/prepaid-cards/all-purpose-reloadable.html, sourced May 2023
[5] Mastercard. https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/find-a-card/prepaid-mastercard.html, sourced March 4, 2025
[6] ToughNickel. https://toughnickel.com/personal-finance/Your-Guide-to-25-Prepaid-Debit-Card-Fees, sourced August 23, 2022
[7] Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2022/05/01/the-top-100-most-customer-centric-companies-of-2022/, sourced March 4, 2025

Privacy — Seamless & Secure Online Card Payments
Checkout securely online by creating unique virtual card numbers for every purchase. Avoid data breaches, unwanted charges, and stolen credit card numbers.
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Privacy — Seamless & Secure Online Card Payments
Checkout securely online by creating unique virtual card numbers for every purchase. Avoid data breaches, unwanted charges, and stolen credit card numbers.
Sign Up
Privacy Virtual Cards
Spending Limits

Set a spending limit and Privacy will decline any transactions that go over the limit

Merchant-Locked Cards

Lock Privacy Cards to the first merchant they’re used at to prevent misuse if stolen

Single-Use Cards

Create Privacy Cards that close automatically after the first purchase is made on them

Pause/Close Cards

Pause or close your Privacy Cards at any time to block future transaction attempts

Privacy — Seamless & Secure Online Card Payments
Sign Up