Posts Tagged Net+ virtual prepaid card
Back to school without breaking the bank
Having the student tuition blues? Going to school nowadays can be quite expensive. Last year I was feeling pretty down about my cash flow situation. I did some research, looked around, and finally came up with these 10 tips that helped keep my budget and my stress on track.
10 tips to help students save money
1. Drop the fancy data and phone plans
We are told through the media that we need fancy data plans, unlimited SMS, and free calling. Communications companies even have plans specifically for students. I recommend dropping the big data plan, as most phones come equipped with Wi-Fi, and your campus usually provides free Wi-Fi. Keep your phone for important calls. You can use online calling services such as Skype and ooVoo to make free calls PC to PC, or use your Net+ Prepaid MasterCard® to set up a paid account.
2. Laptops and Gadgets
Shop early. Typically by August all of the major electronics retailers have their back to school sales for computers. Buy what you need, don’t get lured into fancy features that usually end up costing you more. Keep an eye out for exclusive student deals.
3. Meals on us
Ever heard about the school meal plans? Try to avoid these if you can. School meal plans are more expensive than they sound, and will actually end up costing you more. On the other hand, having your grocery money lying around your house might vanish too quickly on video games, booze and parties. Instead, I use my Net+ card as my meal card; it’s accepted anywhere you can use MasterCard. I buy all my groceries on my card, putting 150 USD on my card every month. This way I can ensure I don’t spend beyond my means.
4. Avoid fancy gyms
Doctors recommend 1 hour of physical activity each day. There’s many alternative ways of getting this physical activity other than paying 30+ EUR for a gym membership every month. Your school will typically have a free gym for students – check that out first. Second, drop by the athletics department; most student organizations offer several intramural teams and pick-up games to join. It’s great way to stay active and make new friends, all for free.
5. Leave the car at home
The cost of gas, insurance, car payments, and parking are just too much for any student to afford. You don’t need a car, especially when there’s public transportation available at a fraction of the cost. Don’t forget, skateboarding, rollerblading, biking and walking can also get your around for free.
6. Buy used books
After my first semester, I realized that new textbooks were a waste, especially since I would never open them again. You can save a small fortune by buying used books. Shop online for books with your Net+ virtual card, or try finding a peer who might have taken the class before. Click here if you’d like to compare textbooks.
7. Don’t pay bank fees
You need to store all your hard earned cash, scholarship, or student loan money somewhere. Most banks offer a student account; however, these accounts only offer you limited transactions, only a few free transactions per month, as well as a monthly account service fee. With a NETELLER eWallet, you can keep your funds in your account and pay for all your needs for free using the Net+ Prepaid MasterCard.
8. Avoid the credit cards
As students we love anything free. This is how most high-interest rate credit card companies take advantage of us. They’ll offer a free water bottle, shirt or a chance to win something for just signing up for a credit card. Credit card companies offer you high limits so you’re enticed to spend beyond your means and then are stuck paying off a loan with a very high interest rate. Avoid paying interest and spending beyond your means with a Net+ prepaid card.
9. Watch it online
It’s pointless to pay for cable TV when you barely have time to sit in front of the TV. Nowadays you can purchase tons of music, TV shows and even movies directly online. You can make your entertainment purchases securely online using your Net+ virtual card.
10. Control your spending.
There’s no better way to stay on budget than to know what you’re spending your money on. Keep your receipts. Set yourself up with a monthly budget for your expenses, deposit the amount you have to spend into your NETELLER account and use your Net+ card to track and control your spending. The Net+ cards won’t allow you to spend more than what you have in your account.
I hope these tips help you out as much as they have helped me. Good luck with the upcoming semester!
Today’s post was written by Jag, a Marketing Manager. Jag loves driving her big truck and visiting Las Vegas (but not necessarily both at the same time).
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Loading ...Smart surfing
At work I’m on the web, at home I’m on the web. I could probably surf the web all day. Maybe that makes me a computer geek, but I’d like to think of myself as web savvy. Either way, I can’t stress enough how important it is to look out for security features when shopping online. It’s so easy to get dumped onto the wrong site with just a click of a mouse. To avoid any viruses, misunderstandings or stolen information, I’ve created a short list of helpful tips.
7 tips to stay safe while surfing the web
- Prizes/Promotions: Yup, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Don’t waste your time trying to shoot the monkey for a new iPad.
- Personal information: Don’t give out your personal information; keep your information and credit cards safe. Use NETELLER’s eWallet and Net+ Virtual Card when shopping online to keep your information private.
- Web browser: Keep your web browser up to date. Deleting your temporary files helps keep your personal information safe. Web browsers have their own security features, so pick the one that’s right for you. Click here to learn how.
- Computer security: Ensure your computer has security features, like a virus detector, anti-spyware, popup blocker & firewall. Remember to always update your personal software.
- Emails: Watch out for phishing emails. Click here to learn more.
- Public Wi-Fi: Avoid public Wi-Fis. Public Wi-Fis are usually open and unlocked, which allows others to access your personal information. You never know who’s tuned in!
- Websites: Check the sites you shop on. Look for security features such as VeriSign. When making NETELLER transactions make sure they display a NETELLER logo.
By following these tips, I have saved myself money by not having to take my hard drive to be cleaned out as often, maintained my surfing speed, as well as avoided many unnecessary inconveniences that nasty viruses may leave behind.
So go ahead, have fun on the web. Just remember to use these 7 easy tips for safe surfing.
Today's blog is by Ashton. She’s a strong charity advocate, loves Pilates, long walks on the beach… Oh yeah, and she’s a typical red head.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Country spotlight: deposit money online in Argentina
Do you live in Argentina or know someone who does? We’ve compiled some resources to give you all the ins and outs of using NETELLER from Argentina.
Deposit funds to your NETELLER eWallet
It's easy to make a local deposit using Cobro Express and Bapro. Just follow these steps:
- Sign into your NETELLER account and select the DineroMail banner.
- Enter your Account ID and the amount you wish to deposit .
- Select your deposit option and complete your deposit.
Once DineroMail has processed your deposit, the funds will typically be credited to your NETELLER account within 1 business day. Click here to watch a demo.
Other deposit options:
- International Bank Transfer – transfer funds from your bank account into your NETELLER account within 2-3 business days
- Credit card and debit card deposits – deposit instantly using a card; however, if the card declines click here
Transfer money online to and from other sites
Transfer money to a merchant from your NETELLER account:
- Log in to your account at the merchant website.
- Go to the “cashier” page. This may also read “deposit funds” or “bank."
- Choose NETELLER from the list of deposit options to continue to the transfer request form.
- Enter the following required information: NETELLER Account ID, NETELLER Secure ID and transfer amount.
- You will receive confirmation from the merchant once you have completed the transfer form.
- The funds will be immediately directed from your NETELLER account into your merchant account and you will have instant access to them.
Read more about how to transfer money to other sites.
Transfer from a merchant to your NETELLER account:
- Log in to your account at the merchant website.
- Choose “withdraw” or “cash out."
- Complete the transfer form with the required information: NETELLER Account ID, NETELLER Secure ID and amount to transfer.
- The transfer may or may not be instant and this is dependent on the merchant.
Read more about how to cash out your winnings.
Send money to others
- Sign in to your NETELLER account
- Select “Transfer Money” from the QuickLinks menu
- Input the email address that your friend has registered with NETELLER and confirm the details for the funds you’d like to send
- The funds will be instantly deposited into your friend’s account
- If your friend doesn’t have an account they will receive an email informing them how to receive their funds
Learn more about Money Transfer
Withdraw funds from your NETELLER eWallet
- Net+ Prepaid MasterCard® – withdraw cash instantly, spend in stores or use the funds in your account to shop online
- Member Wire – request for funds to be wired from your NETELLER account to your bank account within 5–10 business days. Email memberwire@neteller.com to request a Member Wire withdrawal
- Cheque – have a cheque mailed to the address registered on your NETELLER account. Sign in to your account to request a cheque withdrawal
Sign in to your NETELLER account and select the Net+ tab to apply for the Net+ prepaid card or to download the virtual card.
Need extra help? Download our Spanish eWallet guide or contact us.
Today’s post was written by Jag, a Marketing Manager. Jag loves driving her big truck and visiting Las Vegas (but not necessarily both at the same time).
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Staying loyal to NETELLER
Today’s blog is a guest post from Christian, one of our VIP members.
NETELLER has been my number 1 eWallet for the past 5 years or so. While there’s a lot of eWallets out there, NETELLER has always met my expectations. I was enrolled pretty early into the VIP program, giving me lots of benefits such as cash rebates, fraud guarantee, exclusive promotions, free deposits and much more. On top of this, their customer service has always gone the extra step in giving 100% dedicated quick and great service.
Travelling with NETELLER
Wherever I travelled, whether it was around Scandinavia, to the UK, to central Europe or the Mediterranean, they have always been available if I needed any help at all. Oh, did I mention their Net+ Prepaid MasterCard®? I have it with me wherever I go, and it’s really simple. Make sure your NETELLER account is funded, go to an ATM, enter your code and there you go, CASH 
. I used it in different countries, never any hassle. But make sure to inform your NETELLER agent that you are travelling, so they don’t block your card for security reasons when they notice it’s being used in another country. I think this is actually great, in case you lose your card for whatever reason. On top of that, the fraud guarantee you have on your account together with using the virtual card should probably make NETELLER the safest option to have as an eWallet.
Cash back
Now I am waiting for cashback on my activity for the last month or so. Come on, how great is that? You actually receive percentages of your activity. Gotta love it . With the funds available, you can do whatever you want. Withdraw it at an ATM for a small weekend break or transfer it to your favorite merchant. Maybe you even want to surprise your friends or family with a little gift; just use the Money Transfer option in your account. If you need to deposit extra into your account, there are numerous ways to do it, although some countries have restrictions on deposit options. I prefer the bankwire option. It’s cheap, quick and you get a notification in your account as soon as the money has been credited.
So to potential new members, do not hesitate to try out NETELLER. You would simply love it. To all the other loyal members, keep enjoying it!
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Skip the credit card and game with your Net+ card
More and more online gaming is revolving around online micropayments. As an example, consider your Xbox Live account. Any time you want new missions for Mass Effect, new multiplayer maps for Halo or new songs for Rock Band you need to pull out your credit card, buy new Xbox live points, spend those points on your DLC, and then deal with the credit card charges when your next statement arrives. And if you’re playing games online, you might need to supply further personal information as well. But there is an easier way.
A simpler alternative for payments
The Net+ Prepaid MasterCard® provides a simpler way to handle all of your online gaming micropayments. It’s like going to an arcade back in the 80s: you didn’t need a credit card and 2 forms of ID, just a roll of coins. Your NETELLER account keeps all your coins in 1 place so that when you are ready to play, you just need to use your Net+ card. And that means you don’t need a credit card.
The Net+ Prepaid MasterCard provides a measure of convenience over other prepaid cards or vouchers. Most such cards need to be purchased or loaded up at a store, but with Net+, you can add funds and monitor your balance online. It’s perfectly convenient: make payments in 1 window while you check your balance in another.
From the virtual wallet to your wallet
Perhaps most useful, the Net+ Prepaid MasterCard allows you to turn your virtual money back into real world cash. When your game pays money back to you, simply use your Net+ card to take out cash from any Cirius or Maestro ATM or just use the card to pay for a nice dinner. It gives you access to and control of your money at all times.
Your Net+ card lets you arrive at your gaming site with a virtual roll of coins. Spend whatever you need to without credit cards or having to share your personal information, and when you’re done your virtual coins can become real cash again. It’s the quick and easy way to handle gaming charges.
Today’s post was written by Danny. As part of NETELLER’s social media team, Danny is active on our blog and Facebook. Danny can be found on Twitter (@danny_g).
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Paper or plastic?
Today’s post was written by guest blogger Niclas Aarestrup from Denmark. He is a travel writer and he uses his Net+ card everywhere. Follow him on Twitter today (http://twitter.com/niclasaa) and keep up with his latest travels.
I remember years back when I went on a holiday to Germany and France, armed with a bunch of Eurocheques and an EC card, the now defunct European, improved travellers cheque. The system had to give up when the popularity of international credit cards made the system obsolete, though in Germany the system continued as an ATM card on the Maestro network.
An imperfect solution
The original travellers cheque is still alive and fairly well, available at some banks and exchange bureaus. But they suffer from many of the same problems the Eurocheques had and maybe even more:
- You have to buy travellers cheques before you depart
- You buy the amount in the denominations you expect to need
- They are not easily redeemable everywhere, so when you need to cash them in you may have to look around a bit
Add to this that you pay a premium on top of the exchange rate, you will usually pay a fee to cash them in and they are only available in certain currencies. If your travellers cheques are not in the currency of the country where you cash them in, you will lose even more of your hard-earned cash to exchange fees. However, they do have 1 advantage: you can get them replaced if they are lost or stolen, even without travel insurance.
Pick up a Net+ Prepaid Card
I have personally been using the Net+ Prepaid MasterCard® for a while now in several different countries and paying in several different currencies. It has many advantages over travellers cheques. Perhaps the biggest advantage is the fact that I can use Net+ to pay at many locations. The Net+ card works at ATMs when I need cash, but it also works in hotels, stores, restaurants and onboard all the ships I’ve been travelling with lately, which reduces my need to carry large amounts of cash.
I have set up my NETELLER account and Net+ card in my local currency, which makes it easy to keep tabs on costs and also means that no matter what foreign currency I pay in, I will only incur a single exchange fee. But even if I hadn’t made this choice I could usually still spend less on exchange fees than I would have with travellers cheques.
As for security, the card is protected by the Chip & PIN system, and only the funds in your NETELLER account are available for withdrawal or purchase with certain limits to how much can be spent or withdrawn within any 24-hour period. Do remember to carry the Net+ support phone number and remember the details needed to cancel the card if you should have your card stolen (and don’t forget to report the theft to local police as well).
Control your spending with a prepaid card
If you’re going to be travelling for a while, for instance that dream trip around the world, you could set up bank transfers from your bank account to your NETELLER account at an interval you choose. This can help control your spending as well as limit any loss you might incur from theft. But if you find you need more money than you had planned, you might also be able to make additional transfers while you are on the road. 1 other smart feature is that if you have close family or friends with NETELLER accounts, they can quickly and easily send you more money if you run into problems, without having to pay high fees.
Final travel tips
As always when travelling abroad I would recommend taking out travel insurance or making sure you are completely covered by your existing policies. Not only can you get money or other valuables replaced, but if something unforseen happens, like the recent grounding of all planes in northern Europe, or if you need to go to a doctor or even a hospital, your policy will cover it.
And above all, always remember:
- Never carry around large sums of cash and don’t let anyone see what you have inside your wallet
- Never let anyone see or know your PIN
- If at all possible, never let your Net+ or other debit and credit cards out of sight. This can be hard at bars and restaurants but unfortunately apply even more so in these locations where skimming of cards can happen in mere seconds. Luckily the increasing use of the chip function eliminates this risk.
- Make sure you have the phone numbers and details available if you should need to close your cards.
- And above all of this, always use common sense when travelling
Safe journeys this summer!
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Tips to protect your Net+ prepaid MasterCard PIN number
Today’s post was written by Amanda. She is part of the Card Operations team and is passionate about our Net+ cards. This is her second article discussing PIN numbers. You can read her first article here.
The introduction of Chip and Personal Identification Number (PIN) cards is 1 of the biggest changes for shoppers in decades. The new technology uses sophisticated processing to identify genuine cards and makes counterfeiting more complex and expensive. The technology checks the PIN you entered in the keypad against the PIN held on the chip embedded in the card. This is used to verify your identity instead of someone just checking your signature on a receipt. Protecting and remembering your PIN is a golden rule for all Net+ cardholders to follow.
7 ways to keep your Net+ PIN safe and secure
- Always keep your card in a safe place, out of sight and never let anyone else use it.
- When you receive a new PIN, memorise it quickly and immediately destroy the record. Never keep the PIN slip with your Chip and PIN card.
- Please – and I cannot stress this enough – do not save your PIN number in your mobile phone where it can be easily discovered if someone steals your phone and payment cards. Even if you think you have hidden your payment cards and mobile very well, criminals will look through every part of the bag or briefcase hoping to obtain personal information such as PINs.
- You don’t need your PIN when you buy things over the telephone or the internet. Remember, you should never tell anyone your PIN. Only the 3–digit security number on the signature panel on the reverse of your card is required. Your PIN is for machine use only!
- If you think someone has seen and learned your PIN, notify your card issuer urgently.
- Only use your PIN where you or the store clerk can physically insert your card into a Chip & PIN till, PIN pad or a cash machine.
- When entering your PIN, shield the number from prying eyes or hidden cameras. If you can move the PIN pad, move it to where you feel the most secure.
I’ll say it again, it is never safe to reveal your PIN to anyone – not ever! Keep your PIN a secret. You should never tell the sales assistant, your issuer, bank or even the police. Remember, your PIN number is the key to easily accessing your money, so you need to make sure that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
How do you keep your PIN number secure?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...A prepaid card that can keep a secret
I have a confession to make. This won’t be a surprise to any of my friends or colleagues, but I’m kind of a geek. My husband and I have Penny Arcade comics framed on our walls, we’ve recently been fighting over who gets to play the latest Dragon Age expansion (I won, finishing it 4 days after its release) and we regularly have friends over for Dungeons & Dragons. I wanted to get a Yoda costume for our miniature schnauzer at Halloween but that idea was quickly rejected.
A few months ago, a friend (yes, 1 of those Dungeons & Dragons-playing friends) invited me to play a Facebook game called Castle Age. It’s really simple. Choose a character type (like a warrior or thief) and click buttons to attack monsters, demons, dragons, etc. It’s not a great game, definitely no World of Warcraft, but I can’t seem to stop playing it. I’ve also gotten friends to help me with boss fights, ruining their lives by getting them addicted to the same Facebook game I can’t stop playing. Don’t judge me—at least I’m not spending all day milking cows or whatever it is everyone does on Farmville.
Staying in the game
Because you run out of things like energy and stamina quickly in this game, there’s a great mechanic called “Favor Points”. With just 10 of them you can get an instant refill on your energy, health or stamina. What’s the catch? You have to pay for them.
I don’t know who the developers of this game are, so I’d rather not use my credit card. That’s why I always use my Net+ Virtual Prepaid MasterCard®. I know my details are safe and I don’t have to pull myself away from the game to figure out where that rascally schnauzer dragged the bag where I keep my wallet. Not only that, but it means my husband doesn’t have to know that I spent money on such an embarrassing habit. My ultimate geek secret is safe with me and Net+.
Do you use your Net+ virtual card for online gaming? Let me know what game and I might check it out.
This post was written by Tara. She is our Manager of Marketing Communications and you can catch her blogging regularly about pop culture and geek stuff at www.versusboredom.com.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Net+ wins Best Gaming Prepaid Card Award
Posted by I am delighted that the prepaid card industry, along with you – our valued members – have really embraced our Net+ prepaid MasterCards®. When we launched the Net+ card services program in 2008, we intended to create the best prepaid card program around.
And thanks to your loyalty and input, Net+ prepaid cards have garnered yet another award! Last month we were thrilled to find out we won the Best Gaming Prepaid Card for the second time. That came on the heels of winning Best New Prepaid Card Product Launch at the Cards & Payment Europe awards last June.
Why gamers love our prepaid cards
It makes sense that our online gamers prefer the cards. After all, the cards are free to get and are linked directly to your NETELLER account. Plus, you can get instant access to your money by using the Net+ card(s) for online and offline purchases without having to wait or even pay a fee. And if cash in hand is important, the Net+ Chip & PIN prepaid card is great for withdrawing cash at ATMs with some of the highest limits plus points on every transaction.
To all you gamers out there, do you agree? Do you use the Net+ cards to get instant access to your winnings? If so, which card version do you prefer?
Today’s post was written by Nicole. She is the Marketing Manager for Consumer Products on our Brand and Group Marketing team.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Use NETELLER without paying a fee
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. I wouldn’t know. I always pack my lunch in a paper bag. I prefer to save my money for the important things in life, like gaming and hanging out with my friends.
I also like to keep the fees I pay down to a minimum. And with my NETELLER account, that means zero. Zilch. Nada.
Don’t believe me? There are actually lots of ways you can use your NETELLER eWallet that won’t cost you a thing.
Free account
Let’s start with your NETELLER account – signing up for an account is hassle-free and won’t cost you a cent.
Free services
Once your free eWallet is ready to go, there are lots of things you can do with it without paying a thing.*
- Fund your NETELLER account using transfers from a local bank or instant bank deposits such as DIRECTebanking/sofortuberweisung, POLi and giropay.
- Apply for a Net+ Prepaid Chip & PIN MasterCard® without paying fees
- Instantly download and securely shop online with your free Net+ Virtual MasterCard
- Enjoy the convenience of free gaming transfers**
Sign in to your account today to take advantage of everything you can do with NETELLER without ever paying a fee. Explore our blog and website for many other great offers and promotions exclusive to NETELLER members.
What free service will you use today?
*Be sure to choose your accounts and services in the same currency
**Availability varies by country
Today’s post was written by Chris. He is one of our web writers, a comic book aficionado, news junkie and sports nut. Sit back, relax and enjoy his posts.
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