NETELLER Blog

Posts Tagged prepaid card

High ATM withdrawal limits on Net+ prepaid cards

Today’s post was written by Nicole. She is the Marketing Manager for Consumer Products on our Brand and Group Marketing team.

If you’re like me, you probably don’t give ATM withdrawal limits a second thought, until you need quick access to your cash. I like prepaid cards with high withdrawal limits because having enough pocket money on-hand is good, especially if you’re nowhere near a bank or a cash machine.

No low limits with Net+

When choosing a prepaid card, consider how ATM withdrawal limits compare to withdrawal fees. I’m always cautious of any card company that offers low ATM withdrawal fees because most of the time they also have low withdrawal limits. And that’s not very helpful.

That’s why I’m pleased my Net+ prepaid card offers high ATM withdrawal limits. Just make sure the bank machine you’re using doesn’t have low restrictions. That way you can better access your cash when you need it, in just 1 withdrawal.

Knowledge is more money in your wallet

Do your research, and spend more time enjoying your money and less time at the ATM thanks to high withdrawal limits on a prepaid card like Net+.

Do you have a Net+ prepaid card? Tell us what you think of its high withdrawal limits.

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Hassle-free travel with my Net+ prepaid cards

We’re excited to welcome 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.
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As a travel writer, I need to book numerous hotels, sightseeing tours and tickets depending on where I’m traveling. Like many of you, I end up paying for all of these with credit and debit cards.

Protect your cash and pay with plastic

From a consumer standpoint, it is better to use plastic to pay, since you’re usually better protected than when you pay with cash or use a wire transfer service. Also, many hotels require a credit card upon check-in, though some will accept a cash deposit instead. But having your fun money tied up in a costly deposit may limit daily excursions or the number of times you dine out.

In most cases you’re not punished for paying with plastic, however, in some European countries like Denmark, Sweden and the UK, customers can be charged for paying with credit or debit cards, regardless of the issuer. National laws in these participating countries require stores to clearly display the added fee and are limited on how much extra they can charge. Rest assured, tourist-friendly stores rarely add any fees.

So what do you do if you aren’t able to get a credit card, or like me, don’t feel entirely safe spending on a card that comes with a high limit and interest charges?

Benefits of a credit card minus the risk

This is where the Net+ physical and virtual prepaid cards come in handy. For one, the physical prepaid card is accepted worldwide and protects you with chip and PIN secure technology. Plus, I have first-hand experience that NETELLER does indeed keep an eye out for suspicious transactions and thus minimizes credit risk even further. It also gives you the same benefits as a credit card that you would use in the “real world” to buy airline tickets, shop or book hotels.

The Net+ virtual prepaid card has added security in that it generates a one-time use number that can never be used again. That means your virtual card number is always protected and it becomes unusable or worthless to anyone who attempts to intercept your information online.

Traveling and transacting with my virtual prepaid card

I’ve really been enjoying the convenience that my Net+ virtual prepaid card offers me. For instance, it works well for reserving hotel rooms, although its expiry date means it’s only valid for around a month.

It’s also great to pay for tickets and tours online, but be careful as you may be required to show or swipe the physical version of the Net+ card you used for payment when picking up your tickets. The virtual card also works well for buying guidebooks online that you might want for your next big trip.

First class acceptance

I have used the Net+ prepaid card to buy several airline tickets and have had absolutely no problems. With that said, you should be able to buy tickets anywhere else the card is accepted. Hotels are more than happy to accept the card, as are most stores and ticket vending machines for public transit that you might come into contact with as a tourist.

Why cash is still good

Using a credit or debit card on your holiday can almost eliminate the need to carry cash, but not completely. The main reason is that not every store, restaurant or office accepts credit or debit for payment. For example, in Denmark some merchants won’t accept international credit cards, only the national DanKort.

When it’s time to make a payment, some online payment systems that handle credit card transactions may be temporarily offline. Again this has happened a few times in Denmark, as well as in other places, so always have some cash on-hand. With that said, still feel safe with your Net+ card in your wallet, knowing it’s a widely-accepted, secure method of payment and will enable you to carry less cash.

Tell me where you have used your Net+ physical or virtual prepaid cards.

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The evolution of the credit card

Today’s post was written by Nicole. She is the Marketing Manager for Consumer Products on our Brand and Group Marketing team.

Years ago, you’d see people listening to their favourite music on clunky, over-sized portable CD players, but over time we saw tiny MP3 players emerge and take their place. Technology definitely revolutionized how we listen to our music – from playing songs off our computers to listening to tunes on a 1-inch player.

Virtual security

A similar comparison can be made about credit cards. Their technology is continually advancing to help protect your money. For instance, the major credit card brands recently introduced virtual prepaid cards that contain next-generation security features and are especially designed to protect you from fraud and identity theft whenever you pay online.

Embrace your online world

Security in “real world” transactions is knowing that your physical card is always protected from shady individuals, thanks to the added security of chip and PIN technology.

In the online world you don’t have the same protection, which is why virtual prepaid cards have their own unique security features. Most generate a one-time use number, CVC and expiry date each time you make an online purchase, thus keeping your card details safe from hackers or thieves.

There are various incarnations of the virtual prepaid card out there. For example, PayPal only offers a virtual debit card accessible from the toolbar, whereas NETELLER offers up two convenient options of its Net+ virtual prepaid card. You can either access your virtual “web card” from your NETELLER account or the desktop version that notifies you when you can use it at a checkout page. With cards like these to choose from, you can pay online to your heart’s content.

Have you ever used a virtual prepaid card? Tell us which one and what you thought of it.

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Go for a virtual prepaid card when shopping online

Today’s post was written by Nicole. She is the Marketing Manager for Consumer Products on our Brand and Group Marketing team.

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that credit cards have made our lives a whole lot easier when buying items online.  But I’ve found that convenience can sometimes come at a price.

For instance, each month I’m in a panic to make sure that I pay my credit card bill on time so that I don’t incur the high interest charges. And I hate the idea of dealing with the headache of a fraudster getting a hold of my credit card number.

Better than a credit card for online payments

I’ve now found a better way to buy my favourite items online – I use my Net+ virtual prepaid card.  Here’s why I think the virtual card is better:

1. Contains next-generation security features

Because the card generates one-time use card numbers, it means I get a new number each time I want to make a purchase online so I never have to worry that someone will get a hold of my card number.

2. Helps me to control my spending

Let’s face it – in today’s economy no one wants to rack up debt.  I use my virtual prepaid card to make sure I don’t spend more money than I have. Plus I never have to worry about paying monthly interest charges.

3. Gives me direct access to the money in my NETELLER account

Since the card is linked directly to my account, I just put money in my account and voila, it’s instantly available on my card – no additional work needed.

4. Lets me set aside some “fun money”

Not sure about you, but I like to keep the money I have for monthly bills and entertainment separate. So I use my virtual card online to pay for games, music, books or whatever else makes me smile that day.

5. Makes online shopping simpler

I tap away on a keyboard all day, so when it comes to avoiding additional keystrokes I do. This is why I love that the virtual card auto-fills the payment web forms for me and since I downloaded NETELLER Desktop it also detects cashier pages for me as well.  To see how it works, check out the prepaid virtual card demo.

So now you’ve read about why I think a virtual prepaid card is so great, why don’t you check it out for yourself?  Just sign in to your account, go to the Net+ cards tab, get the virtual prepaid card and see if you agree.

What have you purchased online with your Net+ virtual prepaid card?

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Are prepaid cards the new credit cards?

Today’s post was written by Gareth. As NETELLER’s Localisation and Communications Specialist, Gareth manages our translations and multilingual content.

Credit cards are great for young people, but they can also bring trouble. I should know. I had a nasty experience when I was only 19, getting into debt with a credit card I could not handle.

The dark cloud of debt

I wasn’t earning enough money to pay it off, and the debt hung around my neck for months. The interest rate was a punishing 18%! When I finally paid it off, I was poorer, older and wiser. To this day I keep a close eye on my debt obligations, and always pay them off each month.

I recently saw an article about how credit card companies in America are not issuing credit cards to people under 21. It makes sense – young people are often not perceived as mature enough to handle credit, which in my case was true. To paraphrase a famous quote, with credit power comes debt responsibility.

Prepaid cards are a good choice

In many countries they make it hard for young people to get credit cards. It’s for your own protection, right? Maybe, but that’s not much comfort when you’re at the checkout page of your favourite music website, or booking a hotel, and the only payment options are credit cards.

That’s why I enjoy using our Net+ prepaid cards. They offer the convenience of regular credit cards, allowing me to shop online or in person almost anywhere, plus let me make ATM withdrawals. But because it is a prepaid card that is connected to my NETELLER account, I never spend more money than I actually have.

Tell me how you use your Net+ card.

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NETELLER’s no fee prepaid cards get even better

Today’s post was written by Brendan. As a web writer, Brendan is responsible for crafting copy masterpieces every single day.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not that alert before my first coffee of the morning. Maybe that’s why I got so confused when Nicole asked me to write a blog post about our new Net+ promotion. Having just caught up on all the work that built up while I was on a vacation in South Carolina, I was starting to feel pretty on top of things. But I couldn’t recall anything about a Net+ promotion. What’s worse, I was still perplexed after she described it to me over a much-needed cup of coffee.

“So you’re telling me that every time a member uses their Net+ prepaid card to make a purchase or ATM withdrawal, they’re going to be automatically entered to win 500 EUR?” I asked.

“That’s right,” Nicole said slowly, as if talking to a child.

“What if they use their Net+ virtual prepaid card,” I asked, trying to wrap my head around it.

“They’ll be entered too,” she explained patiently. “For every transaction made on either card between September 17, 2009 and October 18, 2009, members will be entered into a draw to win 500 EUR, or equivalent currency*. Pretty simple, isn’t it?”

I must admit: the contest, as described, was a shining example of simplicity. It wasn’t the mechanics of the contest confusing me now – it was the logic. I couldn’t understand why we were offering members a chance to win money just for using their Net+ cards. With no application or dormancy fees and anytime, anywhere access to funds in their NETELLER accounts, our members don’t really need any incentive to use their cards.

But I kept my questions to myself, walked back to my desk, and pulled up my Net+ virtual card. I would have used the card anyway, but with a chance to win with every purchase I make over the next month, you better believe I’m going to give that card a workout. I may be slow, but I’m not stupid. Especially once I get a cup of coffee in me.

What will you use your card for? Let us know.

* Each time you make a purchase or ATM withdrawal with your Net+ card, you are automatically entered into the prize draw to win 500 EUR (or equivalent currency). Contest runs from Sept 17, 2009 12AM GMT to October 18, 2009 11:59PM GMT. Winner will be notified by October 24, 2009.

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Travelling to Croatia with Net+ – the verdict

Today’s post was written by Sarah. She is a Marketing Manager and currently works to develop business-to-business programs for NEOVIA merchants. This is the third and final post she’s written about using her Net+ card while travelling through Croatia.

netplus The one thing about Croatia is, it’s a very cash-driven economy and prepaid cards are neither widely accepted nor really preferred. This concerned me at the beginning, since I am not generally someone who carries around hoards of cash on my outings. The good news is, there are ATM machines all over the place, so access to cash is abundant. And I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use my Net+ card to withdraw cash from the ATMs.

This may not be the cheapest way to get money, but it was more reliable and safer than my other options. Even with the exchange rates working against me, my Net+ card was miles ahead of my other cards. And because it’s prepaid, the Net+ card kept my credit in line so I didn’t come home to hundreds of dollars of debt. It kept me in control of my funds.

So if you’re ready to take your travels beyond the all-inclusive scene and want to keep your funds safe, I suggest you try out the Net+ card. It’s quick to sign up for and easy to use.

Happy Trails

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gamescom – Cologne, Germany

Today’s post was written by Jem. He is a Senior Relationship Director. Jem is currently in Cologne with Jens, another one of our Relationship Directors, for gamescom.

gamescomI certainly haven’t experienced everything that life has to offer, that’s why when we found out NETELLER wanted us to attend to gamescom I was right there! This is one of the biggest gaming conventions where we will discover the newest and best games and meet the people playing, making and distributing them.

Here’s what gamescom is all about (according to the gamescom website):

A new era for gamers, retailers and exhibitors starts in August, 2009 in Cologne: the gamescom opens its gates for the first time. As a game trade fair, games festival and business platform, it is the place to be if you want to try out new games, socialise, celebrate or just simply be astonished. Nearly 400 exhibitors from all over the world will present their innovations in the area of interactive entertainment electronics. This is the world and European premiere of numerous computer games which are just waiting for you to test them.

Jens and I already have many meetings arranged with Massively Multiplayer Online Game developers so that we can bring new gaming experiences to NETELLER members and allow you to pay for games you love with your NETELLER account. Of course, you will always be able to use your Net+ cards to pay as well (we know thousands of you are doing that already!).

Anyone else coming to gamescon? If you are, come and find us and sign up for a NETELLER account for a chance to win 500 EUR.

And leave us a comment and tell us the MMOGs you play.

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Travelling to Croatia with Net+ – relishing it

Today’s post was written by Sarah. She is a Marketing Manager and currently works to develop business-to-business programs for NEOVIA merchants. This is the second in a series of posts about using her Net+ card while travelling through Croatia.

netplusFor my money, there’s no better way to enjoy beautiful weather than having a drink on a patio. It’s as far away from sitting in a cubicle as you can get, and the perfect introduction to a new country. That’s why after I flew into Croatia from Canada, I decided to ignore my jet lag and head to the cafés as soon as I dropped off my bags at the hotel.

I started off with a nice iced coffee, but I soon found myself getting into the wobbly pops. As the bevvies started working their magic, I looked around with contentment. One thing I love about travelling to Europe is how highly valued downtime is. People don’t sit around locked up in their homes watching T.V.; they are out socializing, meeting for coffees, catching up and enjoying life. Living in a city where it’s freezing 8 months of the year, this is truly a luxury.

After a couple of days of patio living, however, my cash flow started slowing to a trickle. I was a bit leery about combining open credit with nights on the town, and yet, carrying bundles of cash around a strange city didn’t seem ideal either. Out came the Net+ card.

With the Net+ card, I enjoyed the convenience of accessing funds from ATMs when they were available, and using it as a prepaid card when they weren’t.

I kept thinking that this card would have really come in handy on a lot of my previous trips, as it kept me in control of my spending. Something about the vacation air makes me think I’m richer than I actually am and spend more then I really need to. And coming home to debt is never a fun thing.

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