Are you looking for a money managing solution to keep your expenses under control? A prepaid card is the ideal solution to help you maintain your budget.

A prepaid card is not actually based on credit. It is based on the money that you have previously stored on the card for your use. Thus, although the transaction process is similar to that of normal credit cards, the money that you are using to make the purchase is your own.

In order to make credit transactions, you first need to purchase a prepaid credit card. Many banks, financial institutions, and even stores will provide you with the re-loadable card according to your requirements. Cards with co-branded card programs are also available for purchase from MasterCard and Visa.

Prepaid credit cards make good gifts for teenagers as it teaches them to make purchases within certain limits. If you have been given a prepaid credit card with a co-branded card program, here are a few ways to use it for your transactions:

When You Visit a Retail Store. Prior to visiting a retail store, remember the amount of money that is on your card. In doing so, it will prevent you from going over the limit. At the retail store, look at the prices of the merchandise, calculate the total amount, see if it does not exceed the total amount on your card, and head to the checkout counter. After the cashier has swiped your card, you may need to sign a receipt, which the store will keep for their records.

Gas Stations. Is your car out of fuel? Do you need to visit the nearest gas station immediately but do not have cash to pay for the gas? Use your prepaid card to pay at the pump by simply swiping the cards. Take the help of the station’s attendants if you are unable to make the transaction on your own.

When You Visit an Online Store. With so many businesses opening online retail stores, people can purchase goods and services sitting from anywhere in the world via prepaid credit cards, which has made shopping a breeze especially if they are linked with co-branded card programs.

For Utility Bills. You can also use your prepaid credit card to pay your monthly utility bills with ease. You can pay the bills online or in person, the choice is yours! Simply enter your card number online or ask the attendant at the counter to swipe it with a credit card machine and the bills are paid.

The perfect prepaid credit cards are the ones that are associated with a co-branded card program. So load your prepaid card with a fixed amount today, and head for the nearest mall, without the fear of overdraft!