Virtual Reward Cards vs. Physical Plastic Cards
When you redeem an activation code on MyPrepaidCenter, you will generally be given a choice. You can opt for a digital card or request a physical card to be manufactured and mailed. Each version has distinct features:
| Features | Virtual Cards | Physical Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Instant (On-Screen) | Mailed (Takes 7-10 Business Days) |
| Issuance Fees | Free | Mailing fee (usually ~$3.00) |
| Online Shopping | Yes | Yes |
| In-store Swiping | Limited (Unless added to Apple Pay) | Yes (Any standard POS terminal) |
| ATM Access / Cash Back | No | No |
How to Spend Every Cent of Your Card Balance
Prepaid cards can be annoying because they leave small, odd balances (like $1.43 or $0.78) that are hard to spend. If you try to buy a coffee for $3, the card is declined due to insufficient funds. Here are three smart ways to drain remaining prepaid card balances:
1. Purchase Amazon Gift Card Balances
Amazon allows you to reload your digital gift card balance with custom amounts as low as $0.50. Go to Amazon's "Reload Your Balance" screen, type in your remaining card balance, add your MyPrepaidCenter card as a payment method, and complete the check out. The money is transferred to your Amazon account where it never expires.
2. Split Payments at Grocery Stores
Most large retailers (such as Walmart or Target) permit split payments at their registers. Inform the cashier you have a prepaid card with a specific balance (e.g., $4.50). They will swipe the card for that exact amount first, and then you pay the remainder using your standard credit card or cash.
3. Link Your Card to PayPal
You can link your Visa or Mastercard prepaid card to your PayPal account. You can send money to a friend or make a purchase, selecting the card as the funding source. Note that PayPal may charge minor transaction fees when sending funds directly.
Usage Limitations to Keep in Mind
To avoid declines, remember these rules about prepaid gift tokens:
- Gas Pumps: Gas stations run a pre-authorization hold of up to $100 or $150. If your card has only $25 left, it will be declined at the pump. Always pay the cashier inside and specify the exact amount you wish to buy.
- Recurring Subscriptions: Netflix, Spotify, and other membership services often verify cards before starting a trial. Some merchants reject prepaid cards altogether for recurring billing due to risk.
- International Fees: Check if your card supports international shopping. If it does, a 2-3% fee applies to transactions outside the US.