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Prepaid cards generally allow you to make purchases in the same way as credit and debit cards. The key difference is that prepaid cards aren't linked to a bank account or a line of credit. So, to use one, you have to load money onto the card. You can usually add money to a card in multiple ways, such as setting up direct deposits, loading cash at participating retailers, and depositing checks at ATMs. Some cards also let you make online transfers or mobile check deposits from a smartphone.

Most prepaid cards are issued by a major credit card provider such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Prepaid cards vary widely, but you might have to pay for other transactions like a card activating, making deposits, or using out-of-network ATMs. There's often a monthly fee, which sometimes can be waived.

While prepaid cards allow easy access to funds, they are not a form of credit and do not count towards or improve your credit score. So, if you're trying to improve your credit, it might be better to consider an option that actually uses credit.

First, check your credit score, especially if you're actively working on improving your credit.

You might want to consider the Surge® Platinum Mastercard®. It is an unsecured credit card targeted at those with limited or poor credit, and no upfront security deposit is needed upon approval.

If you cannot qualify for a credit card, you might want to consider getting a credit builder account. Credit builder accounts are designed to allow you to establish a credit history while saving money over a 12- or 24-month period. Your money is kept safe and returned to you at the end of the credit builder account period, which you can use to open a secured credit card.

Although secured credit cards require you to put down an opening security deposit, paying the bills on your secured credit card on time each month can go a long way towards building your credit. Most secured cards report your activity to the major credit bureaus monthly.