If you‘re an avid Amazon shopper, you likely already know the convenience of being able to buy nearly anything with just a few clicks. But did you know that in addition to credit and debit cards, Amazon also accepts prepaid cards as a form of payment?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using prepaid cards on Amazon, including which types are accepted, how to add and manage them in your account, and expert tips for getting the most out of your prepaid card spending. Let‘s dive in!
What are prepaid cards and how do they work?
First, let‘s start with the basics. Prepaid cards are a type of payment card that you load money onto in advance. They work similarly to debit cards, in that you can only spend up to the amount of money available on the card. However, prepaid cards are not linked to a bank account like debit cards are.
There are a few key benefits of using prepaid cards:
- They provide more control over spending, since you can only use the amount loaded onto the card
- They offer privacy and security, as they aren‘t tied directly to your bank account or credit
- They make great gifts, allowing recipients to choose their own purchases
- They are widely available and easy to obtain from many retailers, banks, etc.
Prepaid cards have exploded in popularity in recent years. According to a report by the Federal Reserve, the number of prepaid card payments increased from 9.9 billion in 2015 to 13.8 billion in 2018, a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%. And in 2021, the global prepaid card market size was valued at $1.73 trillion and is projected to reach $4.87 trillion by 2030.
While prepaid cards were once limited in their usage, today they are accepted nearly everywhere credit cards are – including on Amazon. Speaking of…
What prepaid cards does Amazon accept?
Amazon accepts prepaid cards from three of the major card networks:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
This means that as long as your prepaid card is issued by one of these brands, you can use it to make purchases on Amazon just like you would with a regular credit or debit card. Note that Amazon does NOT currently accept prepaid Discover cards.
To use a prepaid card on Amazon, simply add it as a new payment method in your account:
- Log into your Amazon account and go to "Your Account"
- Click on "Payment options" under "Ordering and shopping preferences"
- Click the "Add a card" button
- Enter your prepaid card information, including the card number, expiration date, and name on the card
- Click "Add your card" to save it to your account
Once added, you can select your prepaid card as the payment method during checkout on any Amazon order. Easy!
Are there any restrictions when using prepaid cards on Amazon?
While Amazon allows you to freely use prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards, there are a few limitations to be aware of:
- You cannot use multiple prepaid cards on a single order. If your order exceeds the balance on one prepaid card, you‘ll need to place separate orders.
- Prepaid cards can‘t be combined with other payment methods. For example, you can‘t split payment between a prepaid card and a credit card.
- Some prepaid cards may require registration before using them online. Be sure your card is properly registered with your current information.
- Prepaid cards may be subject to temporary authorization holds. When you first use a prepaid card, Amazon places a temporary hold to verify the card is valid. The funds typically become available again within 2-3 business days.
Here‘s a handy chart summarizing Amazon‘s policy on accepted payment methods:
| Payment Method | Accepted by Amazon? |
|---|---|
| Credit Cards (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover) | ✓ |
| Debit Cards | ✓ |
| Prepaid Cards (Visa, MC, Amex) | ✓ |
| Prepaid Cards (Discover) | X |
| Checking Accounts | ✓ |
| Amazon Store Cards | ✓ |
| Gift Cards/Certificates | ✓ |
| Cash | X |
As you can see, prepaid Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards get the green light, while Discover and cash are no-gos.
Tips for managing prepaid cards on Amazon
To get the most out of using prepaid cards on Amazon, consider these expert tips:
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Check your card balance before shopping. Make sure you have enough funds to cover your entire order to avoid any issues at checkout. There‘s nothing more frustrating than getting all the way to the payment page only to realize your card is declined!
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Use the Amazon Reload program. If your prepaid card is running low, you can use Amazon Reload to add funds instantly. Just keep in mind that you need to connect a bank account as a backup payment method. This is a great way to ensure your card always has sufficient funds when you need it.
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Set up balance alerts. Many prepaid card providers allow you to set up email or text alerts to notify you when your balance falls below a certain amount. This can help you stay on top of reloading your card before it‘s too late. I recommend setting the threshold at least $20-$50 above your typical Amazon order size.
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Save your prepaid card to your Amazon account. By saving your card info, you can easily select it as your payment method on future orders without having to re-enter the details each time. This saves precious seconds during checkout, which can mean the difference between snagging a lightning deal or missing out.
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Keep an eye out for prepaid card promotions. Some prepaid cards occasionally offer special deals or cash back rewards when you use them at certain retailers, including Amazon. It pays to stay in the loop! Follow your card issuer on social media and sign up for email newsletters to be the first to know about these offers.
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Consider Amazon gift cards as an alternative. If you don‘t have or want to obtain a prepaid card, you can still enjoy a similar level of spending control by purchasing Amazon gift cards to use on your own account. You can buy these online or at most major grocery, drug, and convenience stores. They also make great gifts for the Amazon addict in your life!
With these strategies in your back pocket, you‘re well on your way to becoming a savvy prepaid card user on Amazon and beyond.
How does Amazon compare to other retailers?
Amazon is fairly generous in its acceptance of prepaid cards compared to some other major online retailers. Here‘s a quick look at the policies of a few of Amazon‘s competitors:
- Walmart.com accepts prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards. However, they specify that prepaid cards may not process if the billing address is not registered to the card.
- Target.com also accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex prepaid cards, as well as Discover prepaid cards, which Amazon does not take.
- eBay allows Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards, but not Amex. They also specify that some cards may not be accepted based on the policies of the card issuer.
- Best Buy accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Amex prepaid cards both online and in-store. They do note that some prepaid cards are not compatible with their online system and may be declined.
As you can see, Amazon‘s policy is quite competitive, if not even more flexible than some other big retailers in the prepaid card space. This is just another reason why Amazon remains a top choice for online shopping.
Choosing the best prepaid cards for Amazon
If you‘re in the market for a new prepaid card to use on Amazon and elsewhere, you have plenty of options to choose from. However, not all prepaid cards are created equal. Here are some factors to consider as you compare different cards:
- Fees: Some prepaid cards charge fees for activation, monthly maintenance, reloading, ATM withdrawals, and more. Look for a card with minimal fees to keep more money in your pocket. A few cards, like American Express Bluebird, even offer fee-free options if you meet certain usage requirements.
- Rewards: Certain prepaid cards offer cash back, points, or other perks on your spending. If you use your card frequently, these rewards can add up to significant value over time. The American Express Serve Cash Back card, for example, offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. Just be sure to read the fine print, as some rewards come with catches.
- Loading options: Consider how easy it is to add money to your prepaid card. Can you link a bank account for online transfers? Load cash at retail locations? Set up direct deposit from your paycheck? More flexibility is always better. Aim for a card that offers at least 3-4 loading methods to fit your needs and lifestyle.
- Mobile app: If you like to manage your money on the go, choose a prepaid card with a user-friendly mobile app. Features like balance checks, transaction history, digital wallet integration, fingerprint login, and in-app customer service are all convenient to have at your fingertips. Top cards like Mango Prepaid Mastercard and Netspend Visa Prepaid have highly rated mobile apps.
- Brand reputation: Stick with prepaid cards from well-known, reputable brands and issuers to ensure your money is safe and your card will be widely accepted. Be wary of cards from unfamiliar companies, as they may not have the same robust security, customer support, or reliability as major issuers. When in doubt, do your research and read user reviews before signing up.
A few of the top-rated prepaid cards on the market specifically for online shopping include:
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American Express Serve FREE Reloads
- No monthly fees with $500 monthly direct deposit
- Free online Amex Serve account reloads
- Free in-network ATM withdrawals
- Early direct deposit and mobile check capture
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PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
- Free card-to-card transfers between PayPal accounts
- No purchase fees or bill payment fees
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- Free direct deposit and mobile check deposit
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Netspend Visa Prepaid Card
- No activation fees or minimum balance requirements
- Free direct deposit and balance alerts
- Cashback rewards via Netspend Payback Points
- Mobile app for on-the-go account management
Ultimately, the best prepaid card for you depends on your individual needs and spending habits. Don‘t be afraid to compare several options before making a decision. And if you already have a prepaid card you‘re happy with, contact the issuer to see if they offer a co-branded or upgrade option specifically for online shopping – it never hurts to ask!
The bottom line on Amazon and prepaid cards
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to using prepaid cards on Amazon. To recap, here are the key takeaways:
- Amazon accepts prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards
- You can use prepaid cards to purchase almost anything on Amazon, with a few exceptions
- Adding a prepaid card to your Amazon account is quick and easy
- Some restrictions apply, like not being able to combine prepaid cards with other payment methods
- Savvy strategies like checking balances, setting alerts, and scouting promos can help you maximize your prepaid card use on Amazon
- Amazon has one of the most generous prepaid card policies compared to other major retailers
- When choosing a prepaid card for Amazon, consider factors like fees, rewards, loading options, and brand reputation
Armed with this knowledge, you‘re ready to start taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience of using prepaid cards for your Amazon shopping. Whether you‘re looking to stick to a budget, keep your bank account info private, or simply find a payment method that works for your lifestyle, prepaid cards can be a great tool in your online shopping arsenal.
So go ahead and load up that card – your next Amazon box will be on your doorstep before you know it! And if you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with your friends and family who also love scoring deals on the ‘Zon. Happy shopping!
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