HomeThe first and most basic step to financial wealth is having a checking or saving account. This sets the stage for future endeavors, such as investing, homebuying, etc. Many people are unable or locked out to do this due to past bank situations. Some mistrust the financial institution and hide their money around the house. Others use money orders or cash for method of payment. This group of the population is often referred to as the unbanked. There are thousands upon thousands of people in the arena.
Some banks see this as a problem. These individual or families are potential customers, which mean more accounts, which means more money made by the institution. Suppose there are 10,000- 15,000 individuals in a city without checking accounts. At a potential eight dollars per account, per month, can add up to a hefty sum year after year. And depending on the profitability or the bank this can be big business.
While the banks see the unbanked as a problem, the check cashing and payday loan companies see it as a windfall. These operations take advantage of an already bad situation making it worst, charging outrageous fees. Bringing in the bucks. Many of these companies are located in low income areas and prey heavily on minorities.
One way a person can save on the fees from a check cashing business or to help in his every day business transactions is purchase a prepaid debit card. These cards can be used like a credit card. One would load money on the card when needed. The difference is when using your debit or prepaid card you are using your own money. With a credit card you are using someone else money, accruing interest and a bill. These cards have the Visa and Mastercard logo and can be used anywhere these cards are accepted nationwide or internationally.
A person without a checking or saving account, can have his employer deposit money to the card, eliminating the need for a check cashing, saving money. Not only will it save the employee, it can save the employer money in check cost.
Another way a person can save money, is by transferring money to others that have the same type card for a minimal fee. Many minorities send money home weekly to families. With the minimal transfer fee, more money can be sent home for the family. Some cards charge as little as $2.45 per transfer.
The prepaid debit card can be gotten at a bank, but how can you get it at a bank it you can't get a checking or a saving account. Many consumers are locked out when it comes to ordering online, from TV, or some other businesses. Many businesses only accept credit or debit cards. The prepaid card can be gotten online with a check or money order .
The prepaid card can also be used for people who have checking or savings accounts. Most bank debit card is attached to a saving or checking account, leaving the account holder open to fraud. An unknown person can get the account number and withdraw funds without your knowledge. Having a prepaid or debit card can eliminates this threat. With the prepaid or debit card, only the amount of money on the card is subject to loss. This card can also help one stay on a budget and lower credit card debt.
Parents, this card is great for college students. With two cards you can keep an eye on how your child is spending the cash you are sending via transfer to put on the card for college expenses. There is an online statement of all transactions. Or you can make a call to get it.
What a great way to save money and but this on the card for vacation. Add to the card little by little or save and add at one time. Keep saving the pennies, nickels and dimes. They will pay in a great vacation. Make your hotel and rental car reservations.
Not only can this card but used for the above situations, they also can be used for the following: customers with bankruptcies, county court judgments, defaults, a low credit score, are unemployed, payment privacy and income support or benefit. Not only do this cards help save money, some also give a person a chance to earn money in their own business.
Ethel Robinson has an online business. www.directpaycash.com/go/visabiz4us
About the author: Ethel has worked in the financial industry for several years and with an online biz.
