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Bringing Your Card Overseas? Keep These in Mind

In past decades, travelling overseas was a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. Nowadays though, it's much more accessible and many people are taking advantage of this opportunity to see other countries for business or pleasure.

Even before they leave their home, people make sure to bring along international prepaid cards so that when the time comes, there is no worry about not being able to pay for anything.

International prepaid cards have made travel so much more accessible to everyone. First of all, international prepaid cards allow users a lot of freedom when it comes to planning their budget for the trip. 

Anyone who wants to keep track and stay on top of how they're spending can easily do that with an international card because there's no need for any additional steps or extra devices involved in managing funds while abroad.

International prepaid cardholders can enjoy the convenience of credit, but with budgeting limits in place. This prevents them from spending more than they have available on their cards.

Additionally, cardholders are only required to pay a very small amount for currency conversions and transaction fees. There are a lot of reasons why people choose prepaid cards over credit and debit, but the biggest one is safety.

International prepaid cards are a great way to save money when traveling abroad. This is because they can be used in more than 120 countries and accepted at over 30 million locations worldwide, from stores to ATMs or online retailers.

When you take your international prepaid card with you each time you travel, the last thing you need to worry about is whether or not it will be stolen. You can spend more time focusing on travelling and experiencing new places than worrying if someone might try taking advantage of that large wad of cash in your pocket.

Benefits of International Prepaid Cards

There are several benefits to using an international prepaid card for your overseas transactions. These include speed, security, and more protection against fraud than traditional payment methods like cash or credit cards.

If you still aren't sure why it's time to switch from carrying around large amounts of cash or annoying travelers' cheques when travelling abroad instead opt for a secure way that works just as well then keep reading.

An international prepaid card is a smart choice for those who have to travel abroad frequently. You can load up to 16 different currencies on one card, which means you won't be dealing with the hassle of exchanging money each time you visit another country. Plus, these cards are super beneficial when used overseas because many retailers offer discounts if customers pay using an international prepaid card.

To check your card’s available balance, you can inquire at any ATMs it is associated with. It's great that many issuers send text notifications to users each time they use the cards for purchase and withdrawal transactions; this also often includes the current amount of money left on their cards.

In case the card gets lost or stolen, international prepaid users have the option to get on an add-on. In addition, some issuers also reward points each time they use their cards.

There are many benefits to using an international prepaid card. These cards allow you to save money on currency conversions which can be especially helpful if your country uses a different type of currency than the one used in other countries where you frequently shop at or travel through. Some common currencies offered with these types of credit/debit cards include Euro, United States Dollar, and British Pound.

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The Unbeatable Benefits of Reloadable Prepaid Cards

Nowadays, innovative and revolutionary financial tools like debit, credit, and reloadable prepaid cards have become extremely popular. In fact, it has become almost the norm for people to use plastic credit or reloadable prepaid cards in their day-to-day transactions.

There is a reason why plastic cards are so popular nowadays. With unmatched convenience, ease and benefits that can't be missed, it's not surprising to see how many people have switched from cash or checks to prepaid credit cards. 

Confused about whether you should get one? Here below some of the peerless advantages your stand to gain:

Reloadable prepaid cards can be used for transactions online.

You can't beat the convenience of shopping at home! No need to dress up, drive down the road and deal with grumpy salespeople. With a prepaid card, you have access to all your favorite brands from right in your own bedroom or office space. The ability for online shoppers like me is unbeatable: no more retailer hassles ever again.

You're undoubtedly going to be missing out on something if you don't shop using this prepaid card—convenience and ease that's truly hard not to miss as well as being able to avoid those unpleasant retail experiences such as getting dressed (or undressed) while driving outside during rush hour traffic before heading into stores.

No time-consuming credit checks.

Applicants applying for a savings or checking account are subjected to time-consuming and meticulous credit checks. The same experience is true when applicants apply for other plastic cards like the debit card, which often requires a similar process of having an individual’s personal information verified before approving them with access to funds. 

Fortunately, if you want to obtain a prepaid card you won’t have to go through a similar hassle. No pesky credit and background checks are necessary. Any financial mistakes you have made in the past like issuing bouncing checks or the like won’t also hinder you from getting your hands on a reloadable prepaid card.

Prepaid cards are a great way to avoid debt. They don't come with credit capabilities, so users can spend without worrying about the consequences of spending beyond their means or mismanaging their money like they would if using regular debit and credit cards. 

Prepaid card users also get spared from having to pay costly fees for things like interest rates on loans and other charges that those who use traditional banking methods have to deal with every day.

They can be great budgeting tools.

When in debt, people are more likely to let their lives spiral out of control. The extreme stress and financial pressure can lead to long-term consequences that will take years for them to recover from. When using a credit card, you might spend way too much money than what is on your monthly budget because it's so easy just to swipe away.

It's not uncommon for people to end up worse off from credit card purchases than before they made the purchase, according to an article on a financial blog. There are many ways that this can happen—such as paying more in transaction fees and interests or getting into debt over time because of hidden charges.

People often don't realize just how much money is lost due to high interest rates and sneaky hidden costs until it's too late, which makes them feel like they're stuck with their decision even if it ultimately costs them significantly more in total than originally planned.

Prepaid cards are a great option for those who need to maintain control over their spending habits. With prepaid, you will never again have the risk of opening your wallet and finding yourself with zero money because there is no more left on your card.

Prepaid cards also make it easy to stick to an established budget. If you've been struggling keeping track of how much money remains in the account or when payday comes around, then this may be just what you're looking for.

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Prepaid Cards: Why It's Your Best Option

The best prepaid cards allow pre-load of a certain amount of money. They may be purchased by anyone independently and can be used as a substitute for credit cards, ATM cards, or bank checks. 

A person can easily purchase one with cash over the counter at retail locations that offer them. Some retailers will give customers their first card free, but charge a fee to reload it after that point. 

Unlike gift cards which start losing value immediately upon activation, the best prepaid cards allow users to get full use out of their purchases and the service they provide. Who uses the best prepaid cards? 

If you are any of the following, below are the reasons why prepaid card is your best option:

Transactional Account Users 

People who make mistakes with their checking accounts often end up with high interest fees and it can be difficult or impossible to get into good standing after making an error. 

If you use your checking account for transactions like rent and utilities, a prepaid card is a great way to make sure things are paid on time without all the extra charges that come from other accounts. 

In addition, if you tend to bounce checks to retailers, they will often let you know before accepting one from you. Sometimes they'll even deny your purchase entirely until the funds clear first!

Prepaid cards also help people who have poor credit that may not qualify for most other forms of plastic. 

Those with bankruptcy proceedings behind them may face serious issues getting approved for new lines of credit but being able to load a prepaid debit card gives them added financial protection.

Prepaid cards are also used by people with chronic debt problems . They offer a way to send money and help out family and friends who may not have the best personal finance practices. 

Although they don't come pain free, there is nothing worse than having bills that you cannot pay because of insufficient funds or an overdrawn checking account. 

The fees from prepaid debit cards can be less painful and more predictable which is why most people end up keeping them around after using them for these purposes. Those that do this will often simply reload their card each month as needed so it's ready when the bill comes due. 

Students 

College kids will always need money on hand when buying books, eating out, or partying late at night! However, carrying cash or using a personal checking account is sketchy at best for most students. 

With their own prepaid card though, they can use it anywhere that accepts plastic and know that there will be money to pay for the things they buy. Not only do these cards offer teens financial protection, but parents also feel more secure knowing where their kids are spending the money that's made available by them. 

In addition, those who get paid with them have the flexibility to spend what is necessary when buying food or paying rent without going into debt.

Those Living on Social Security

For people living off social security benefits or any fixed income in general, having access to funds through a prepaid debit card is often vital to stay afloat financially. These people need to supplement the money they receive each month with cash from elsewhere. 

Many times, the people who rely on these benefits are elderly or disabled and may have trouble getting around town. A prepaid debit card allows them to take care of necessary business without leaving their home or having to deal with personal checks which can be a hassle in today's digital world. 

Not only do these cards help stabilize social security income for those who use them, but it helps give users more privacy than writing checks as well; since no one has access to your account information.

Those With At Risk Money

If you often find yourself living paycheck-to-paycheck because of job insecurity, unexpected expenses or other financial crunches, getting a prepaid debit card is a good way to protect your money. 

It's easy to overspend when there are no limits on how much you can charge, so when those unexpected expenses happen or if you're not getting paid until next week, having a prepaid card gives you an escape hatch. 

Just because the funds are electronically loaded doesn't mean that they have to be spent immediately!

Those With No Credit History 

If you've never had any credit cards or loans before, it may be difficult for you to ever get approved for new credit. Usually this means that you'll have many different types of accounts available for borrowing purposes as well. 

In most cases however, prepaid debit cards offer people with little or no credit history access to lines of credit that are otherwise impossible to get. The best part about using a prepaid debit card is that you won't have to deal with an inquiry!

[businessmindedchick]

Prepaid card for business: What you need to know about this business tool

Financial technology is developing rapidly, as prepaid cards for business bring an interesting change to how we work with money. We all need quicker, easier and simpler ways to access our money and make or get payments easily. 

If you maintain a business, this advanced change i.e., prepaid card business is much more significant, giving you more ways than any other time to take payments from customers, make payments to staff, and accelerate your income.

Indeed, these cards are important tools to enhance your business and the best way to simplify payments. They help businesses to save time, save money and provide the best business results.

Dealing with money is sometimes a complex process; it needs time and resources to spend on business functions. Businesses need a highly advanced method to implement, integrate and manage all the aspects in terms of money. This can be achieved through these cards.    

They smooth out tasks, lessen expenses and keep payment simple. In addition, it implies the business person gets high-contact accomplices with the business experience to comprehend and deliver precisely what your business needs.

These cards are famous with customers while offering little and developing businesses an abundance of advantages. They additionally deliver utility and an incentive for purchasers, businesses, governments, and financial organizations all over. 

What are prepaid cards? 

These are an approach to pay for goods and services actually like a credit or debit card. The significant contrast between prepaid cards and credit and debit cards is that they aren't reliant upon a connection to savings funds, checking, or credit accounts with financial organizations. 

Prepaid cards are typically lined up with a branded network like MasterCard or Visa and they can be utilized in-store, online, and in-application. 

How could these cards assist your business? 

These are one of the most essential tools that require every business owner as they provide a lot of benefits and effectively assist your business. Some of the given below:

Payroll Cards

This is the most suitable for the business person to load the salary or wages of workers. The most proficient and financially effective approach to pay project workers and employees. 

Corporate Purchasing Cards 

In these cards, employees can easily buy something on behalf of the company. Make cost and vendor payments turn out more enthusiastically for your business with less desk work and better following. 

Corporate Reward/Incentive Cards 

This one is designed to reward employees for excellent performance. Drive customer behaviour, reward workers, individuals, sellers, or partners. Effectively follow and maintain programs online or through mobile apps. 

Custom Payment Solutions 

This one is perfectly designed according to your business. Student cards, virtual payments contract and labourers, jury payments, health repayments and so on.

How do they work?

The employer can load the worker's prepaid organization card with sufficient money for their costs. The employee can, depending on any guidelines that may have been set, purchase things online, book travel, pay for taxis and utilize the card for insignificant sums – like a cup of tea or a sandwich. 

Alternatively, they can utilize it to draw cash from an ATM, as you would with a debit card, in any case, dissimilar to a debit card; prepaid debit cards are not linked to a financial balance. They can also virtual organization cards that can be pre-loaded with assets at the comfort of the employer. 

A card carries straightforwardness and quickness to the following costs. The card sends the information for the spending adds up to an online network that gives ongoing data to the money group.

[businessmindedchick]

The Unbeatable Benefits of Reloadable Prepaid Cards

There are more ways for buyers to pay than ever before. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash continue to be the main forms of payment in most parts of the world. New options like digital wallets, peer-to-peer apps, and plastic cards. 

Another payment option that has become wildly popular are reloadable prepaid cards. Nowadays, reloadable prepaid cards are not only preferred by consumers but also by small and large businesses as well. 

Thanks to the peerless and amazing benefits they offer, reloadable prepaid cards have become a favorite in such a short period of time, even if they are considered the most recent addition to the prepaid card family.

What are actually reloadable prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards are an alternative to moving around and are often referred to as everyday cards. They are ideal if you do not have a bank account, but you want security that comes with cashless transactions. Unlike debit or credit cards, you will be loading money onto the card when you deem fit. You also have the option to decide on the frequency you will load money onto the card.

How do reloadable prepaid cards work?

When you get a reloadable prepaid card, you won’t be able to use it until such time that money has been loaded onto the card successfully. Depending on the provider, you have various ways of loading money onto the card. One of the most popular options would be through secure online portals.

You can also get as many cards as you like depending on how many you think is best. Each time the reloadable prepaid card is used, the amount of the transaction is automatically deducted from the available balance on the card in real time. Once all the balance on the card has been used up, you need to load money onto the card before you can use it again.

Enticing Benefits of Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards offer customers many benefits: they reduce the risk of overcharging, they are safer than cash, they are easier to use and reload, and can help you curb overspending and manage your money accordingly. Below are other benefits of reloadable prepaid cards:  

Low risk of overspending

Prepaid cards offer a lower risk of overspending compared to other plastic cards like credit cards. Since your transactions will depend on the balance that’s available on the card, you can easily avoid overspending or spending more than you can actually afford. This is a truly valuable tool if you don’t want to accumulate massive debts.

More secure than cash

Prepaid credit cards are safer to carry than cash, making them the ideal option for travelers. Quick and easy registration of prepaid cards protects consumers if the card is lost or stolen.

Easy usability and is reloadable

Just like most plastic cards, prepaid cards also offer benefits that are hard to miss. Apart from the fact that they are easy to use, they can also be very easy to reload money to. Depending on the provider, reloadable prepaid cards can be loaded using various ways. The most preferred is loading money through secure online portals. 

Best alternative to banks

If you don’t like dealing with banks for one reason or another, getting a reloadable prepaid card is the next best thing. Unlike banks that require a lot of paperwork and will require background and credit checks, prepaid cards are very easy to obtain and use.

A great payment alternative

Some consumers are wary of using their credit or debit cards because of privacy or security reasons. Fortunately, you are not required to provide confidential information and any financial records when obtaining a prepaid card. Since it is not connected to your bank or savings account, any money or confidential information won’t be compromised. 

[businessmindedchick]

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Using Your Prepaid Card

Even if prepaid cards are considered new players in the plastic card market, they have received quite a reception. In fact, the best prepaid cards have truly come a long way, with their popularity showing no signs of slowing down.

It’s easy to mistake prepaid cards with other options like debit or credit cards. After all, they look quite similar and they also share a few identical features. However, there is one distinct difference that makes the best prepaid cards different from the rest—they are not tied to any bank accounts.

However, just like other plastic cards, it is crucial that you are aware how to use your prepaid card accordingly so you can fully enjoy all the amazing benefits it offers. That said, you have to know more than just the to-do’s when using your prepaid card.

Equally as important is knowing all the common mistakes you need to avoid so you can fully appreciate and enjoy all the exciting benefits this innovative financial instrument can offer. Below are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid at all cost when using your prepaid card:

Not reading the fine print.

This is something many people are guilty of. While unfortunate to note, most people won’t bother reading the fine print before using their prepaid cards. However, the importance of reading the fine prints cannot be overstated. It is important to keep in mind that it is where you can find all the information you need to know about the card.

It is also from the fine prints that you will discover the fees and charges and the things your card is capable and not capable of. As a general rule of thumb, make it a point to read the fine print so you will know what you are in for.

Not choosing a PIN and password carefully.

When using an international or local prepaid card, you will need to use a PIN just like you would when using an ATM card. When creating a PIN, you need to come up with something unique to ensure you are the only one who can do transactions using the card.

As a general rule of thumb, create a distinct number combination and refrain from using your birthday. For added safety, it is also recommended that you don’t write down your PIN and other people might see it and get access to your card. 

Also, as much as possible, do not disclose your PIN to anyone, not even family members or friends. Come up with a combination you can easily remember so you would only need to keep it in your head.

If your prepaid card has an online access platform, like a browser-based website or mobile app, you might be required to register and create a username and password. The same principle applies when choosing a password to ensure your account’s security.

Not knowing your limits.

How much you can load on your prepaid card can vary from one provider to another. International prepaid cards however often have a higher load limit compared to local cards. If anything, it is ideal that you know the ceiling value so you can use your card more effectively and to your advantage.

It is also not advisable that you load a massive amount on your card as you might not be able to retrieve the funds right away in case the card gets stolen, lost, or misplaced. It is important to remember that prepaid cards are not linked to any bank account so you can’t process any transfers online right away.

Ideally, it would be best to tailor fit the amount you will load based on your spending habits and other intended purposes. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your money is secure and you can make the card work for you at the same time.

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Reloadable Prepaid Cards vs Debit Cards: How are They Different?

In today’s modern world, most people find it highly convenient to use plastic cards as opposed to cash. While there are many plastic cards now in use, there is one that’s getting quite the reception: reloadable prepaid cards. 

With competition as fierce as ever, many card issuers are constantly on the lookout for ways they can create new products and financial tools that can cater to the unique needs of many consumers.

Nowadays, there are several plastic cards available in the market. However, apart from credit cards, two of the most popular are debit cards and reloadable prepaid cards. So how are reloadable cards different from debit cards? Let us look at some of their distinct differences (and their similarities) in this article:

Reloadable Prepaid Cards

To entice new clients, cardholders introduced another innovative financial tool in the market: the reloadable prepaid card. Some of the most prevalent classifications of reloadable prepaid cards include:

Standard cards. Standard cards share many similarities with debit cards especially in terms of usage.

Gift cards. Gift cards are often accepted where cashless payments are honored.

Virtual cards. Virtual cards are made especially for online payments.

Reloadable prepaid cards are also referred to as pay-as-you-go cards. They will require that users deposit funds on the card first before they can use it. In a sense, reloadable prepaid cards are pre-funded. 

While they share many surface similarities with the typical credit card, reloadable prepaid cards have no credit capabilities. That means cardholders are limited to the balance that’s available on the cards.

Unlike credit cards, they would be using their own money as opposed to having a third party pay for their transactions. Reloadable prepaid cards are ideal for those who want to curb overspending and manage their money better.

What Makes Prepaid Cards Popular?

Easy access

Unlike debit or credit cards, almost anyone can get access to a prepaid card. Since there is no credit involved, issuers won’t have to do background or credit checks before the cards are issued. 

This makes prepaid cards the ideal option for those who have less than desirable credit scores. It is also considered ideal for those who have yet to build their credit scores.

Budgeting tool

Individuals who need help with managing their finances or sticking to a budget can definitely benefit from using a prepaid card. Once the balance on the prepaid card has been depleted, the card can’t be used until money has been loaded onto it again.

Debit Cards

Debit cards are sometimes referred to as settlement or payroll cards. Debit cards have also gotten quite popular. Many also consider debit cards as another convenient means to do financial transactions.

What Makes Debit Cards Popular?

Ease of use and convenience

Just like reloadable prepaid cards, debit cards also spare cardholders from all the risks and hassles of carrying huge amounts of cash with them anywhere they go. With debit cards, it is also possible to keep a record of your transactions and secure card statements.

Wide acceptance

Akin to reloadable prepaid cards, debit cards can also be used at any ATMs and merchants where the financial institution it is associated with is honored. In addition, debit cards can also be used for online purchases. 

Even more convenient is you won’t need to have a card with a currency in the host country. In most cases, conversion is typically done automatically. In addition, some debit card providers also offer quick and interest free funding for those who frequently travel outside the country.

[businessmindedchick]

Top Tips to Win in Online Baccarat

If you are a novice in online Baccarat, worry no more, we have you covered. We have interviewed Mr. Ong, the CEO of WS88, a licensed online casino in Singapore, to get his expert views on how to play and win at Baccarat online.

This advice only applies if you are playing at an online casino and not at a land-based one. These tips and tricks won't place you at an advantage, but they are indeed good advice that can help boost your gameplay.

Always Check the Odds of the Game

It might be obvious, but you'd be surprised how many players join a baccarat table without knowing the chance for the baccarat bets.

According to Mr. Ong, "the average commission reduced on bets placed on the Banker stands at 5%; Although we have seen some casinos charging as much as 25% on this bet. Granted, some casinos offer less than 5% too, but they don't always come by that number.

"The average odds on a Player stand at 1:1, and this doesn't alter. On the other hand, it always compensates at 8:1. The Tie bet has an awful value, and as asserted many times before, it should be avoided," he added.

It's Best to Bet on the Player

Although many websites recommend betting on the Banker, we reckon it's not worth it. Even though it has greater odds than the Player bet, the commission on Banker bets means you're likely to get a smaller value back.

Quit While You're Ahead

Here is the best advice we can part with you now. Before you sit down for a Baccarat online session, figure out what you anticipate to win with your betting strategy.

"If your bankroll is $250, then you have to work out a reasonable sum of profit you'd gladly be able to step away from the table with. Be it $100 or$150, when you have reached that sum, quit. You can always play on other days," Mr. Ong explained.

Play Short Sessions

Often, the house edge will get you eventually. No betting system or technique will help you withstand the house advantage.

Presume you make the wise decision to play a specific number of games, say 50; compute them as you play along. Once you have played them all up, acknowledge that you've made a loss or a profit and walk away. Don't go hustling after your losses.

Let's put it this way. If you are victorious, the shorter sessions will be in your favor.

Don't Bend the Rules of the Betting Policy

When you have opted for a particular strategy and have begun playing, regardless of what type of experience you have run across, it would still be best to stick to the rules of the technique you are playing.

Unless you have had a great run very early on in the game, you are free to take your money and quit. Many players, however, get frustrated when they undergo losses and get tempted to boost their bets to regain their losses.

When you're using a betting strategy, you need to know that there will be losing sessions. Accept the realities and obey the rules of the strategy.

Manage Your Bankroll

This advice does not only apply to the game of online Baccarat but all games and gamblers similar. You will constantly suffer losing sessions, but you're ensured winning ones as well.

Your major priority should be to have sufficient money in your bankroll to get you through the horrible times.

Read the Terms and Conditions

Before you register to play at a new online casino and make a deposit, scan the terms and conditions of the casino bonuses on offer. Several casinos do not authorize the game of online Baccarat to count towards the wagering regulations.

If they do allow it, though, you'd likely need to wager a bunch more than if you had to gamble at other casino games. It's best to prevent any unpleasant surprises from the get-go.

[businessmindedchick]

What are the Two Types of Prepaid Cards?

In today’s tech-savvy and highly-connected world, going about one’s financial transactions is near impossible without using some kind of plastic card. In fact, even the most basic purchase or payment transactions like renting a car or making hotel reservations would require a debit, credit, or the best prepaid cards.

Of the three plastic cards mentioned, the best prepaid cards are hands down one of the most recent additions to the plastic card family. If you are considering getting the best prepaid card but unsure if it is the right option for you, you’d surely find this article beneficial. 

The Two Types of Prepaid Cards

There are two types of prepaid cards:

Open-system prepaid cards

These cards are typically associated with established payment networks and financial institutions. The card can be easily identified through a particular logo and can be used at any merchants as long as it is within the network.

Typically, the monetary value is maintained by the card issuer and is not on the card itself. The card’s value can be accessed using the unique card number that’s embedded on the magnetic strip of the prepaid card. These types of prepaid cards are usually issued in the cardholder’s name.

Closed-system prepaid cards

Closed-system prepaid cards are merchant specific. This means they can only be used at specific merchant chains or a single merchant chain. One classic example of a prepaid card that is closed-system and non-reloadable is the gift card.

The prepaid card’s monetary value is stored on the card through a small microchip. You won’t be able to find any external records of the card’s value on any payment networks.

The Lowdown on Prepaid Cards

While prepaid cards share a lot of superficial qualities with debit or credit cards, they also have distinct differences. Also sometimes referred to as “pay as you go” cards, prepaid cards are not linked to any savings or bank accounts. Until money has been loaded to the account, it has zero value.

When used to make purchase transactions or ATM withdrawals, the amount of the purchase or withdrawal is deducted directly from the balance that’s available on the card. Once the balance has been depleted, the prepaid card is considered “empty” until such time that money is loaded onto the card again.

As the popularity of prepaid cards grew massively, many users got to appreciate the peerless benefits they offer. Prepaid cards have several beneficial uses. For instance, some prepaid cards are considered GPR cards or general purpose reloadable cards. They are typically used by unbanked or underbanked individuals as a great substitute for bank accounts.

On the other hand, gift cards, government benefits cards, and employee incentive cards are designed to give users a simple system of budgeting and money distribution. In line with this, some employers and government agencies give prepaid cards employees and beneficiaries can use instead of checks and direct deposits.

Peerless Benefits of Using Prepaid Cards

Aside from serving as a great financial tool for those who don’t have access to banks, prepaid cards also provide benefits that are just hard to match. The application process is also very straightforward. And that’s just for starters. When using a prepaid card, you won’t have to worry about credit checks or paying for monthly interests.

For those with less than desirable credit histories, a prepaid card can be a superb alternative. The cards offer convenience, ease, and other perks other plastic cards can offer without the costly monthly charges, fees, and other interests. Not only that, prepaid cards can also be used for purchase transactions and ATM withdrawals.

[businessmindedchick]

Prepaid Card Business: What are the Different Uses?

Nowadays, prepaid cards for business have earned quite a following. This is especially evident in the business world, particularly among startups and small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Just as they are used for personal transactions, prepaid cards for business can now be used for various business transactions.

Prepaid cards offer convenience and ease other plastic cards cannot match. It’s no surprise that nowadays, everyone in the business world, from the business owner themselves down to the partners and employees now use their prepaid cards for business to perform various transactions.

Many entrepreneurs and business owners love using prepaid cards for business as it allows them to carry out important business transactions without any of the stress and hassles associated with banks. Among the many things prepaid cards allows users to do include:

Payroll for SMEs

If your business has less than ten employees, it can be difficult for you to secure a payroll account from any bank. This is primarily because banks have a minimum requirement for those companies that want to open payroll accounts with them. Typically, the requirement is often 20 persons and up.

On the other hand, you have the option to get as many prepaid cards as you want for your business and distribute them to your staff. Since the prepaid cards are intended for business, managing them is easier using the user portal provided by most card companies. It is also easier to schedule fund transfers for salaries rather than handing out checks or cash.

Scheduled payments for various obligations

When running your business, it is a given that there are certain external obligations you need to do. These include payment of utilities that make it possible for your business to operate. Prepaid cards can also come in handy when you need to pay loans and vendors. 

There are instances that you won’t be able to pay your obligations in cash. However, there is an option for you to make scheduled payments depending on when the invoices will arrive. Utility bills are usually linked to various networks so it is highly likely that you can use your prepaid cards to settle them.

Some vendors and lenders also want to receive payments via prepaid cards as it is faster and easier to track. Also, when using a prepaid card, payments can be streamlined easily without any hassles.

Can be used to purchase supplies and other business-related purchases

It is typical for many entrepreneurs to source out some of their supplies from overseas. Fortunately, they can always purchase business supplies from online merchants using their prepaid cards. Nowadays, many vendors now accept payments through prepaid cards.

While prepaid cards are not in any way linked to banks, prepaid card issuers often have a tie up with various payment networks that are also connected to most online merchants. This means online purchases using prepaid cards can be carried out easily and securely.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Prepaid cards are designed for most activities other plastic cards can do. That said, expect that you will be paying for some transactions that you do using your prepaid cards. In line with this, it would be a good idea to check the transaction fees and other possible so you won’t be surprised when there are other deductions.

Also, it is recommended that you find out all there is to know about prepaid cards before deciding on the card you will get. Compare everything by visiting their sites and checking which one can cater to your business needs best.

[businessmindedchick]

Why You Should Get a Reloadable Prepaid Card: Top Reasons

Thanks to the amazing benefits and perks they offer, reloadable prepaid cards have become quite popular. In fact, they have become a favorite in the business space thanks to the ease and convenience they offer. Many SMEs are now using reloadable prepaid cards when making various payments including salaries and bonuses.

Others on the other hand use their reloadable prepaid cards for other personal purposes like paying bills, online shopping, and even saving money. So why exactly should you get yourself a reloadable prepaid card? What makes reloadable prepaid cards a better option compared to other plastic cards available at your disposal? 

If you are considering getting a reloadable card but don’t know what you stand to gain, you’d surely find this article very helpful. Below are some of the top reasons to get a reloadable prepaid card:

Reloadable prepaid cards can help you organize your budget.

Do you always find yourself running low on funds? Are you the type who struggles to keep your financing and spending in check? Prepaid cards might be the best ally for you. Reloadable prepaid cards can be truly powerful tools that can help you keep your budget organized. This is especially helpful if you are living paycheck to paycheck.

Reloadable prepaid cards have different features that allow you to pay for utilities, secure other necessities, and shop via online and merchants with just a few clicks of your mouse. You can also load just enough to your reloadable prepaid card to last you until the next payday.

If you want to be able to stick to the budget you have set, make it a point to only spend money that is available on your reloadable prepaid card. Once all the balance has been depleted, spending will stop automatically as all transactions will be declined temporarily until such time that you load money onto your card again.

Reloadable prepaid cards can be used for international transactions.

Here’s another impressive benefit of using reloadable prepaid cards: they can be used to pay for transactions you do outside the country. If you are an avid traveller, you should never leave home without your reloadable prepaid card. 

Aside from sparing you from the risk and hassle of taking money with you anywhere you go, your reloadable prepaid card also allows you to do payment and purchase transactions seamlessly.

You can also use your reloadable prepaid card to ensure you don’t spend beyond what you can afford when travelling. As mentioned earlier, transactions will be declined once the balance available has been depleted or is no longer sufficient to cover your transactions. 

It is then up to you if you will load money onto the card again or stop spending since you have reached the limit/budget you have set.

Reloadable prepaid cards can be used for business transactions.

We touched a bit on this early on in the article. To elaborate, reloadable prepaid cards have become a favorite among businesses since it can be used to conveniently pay utilities and vendors. It can also be used to pay employee salaries or provide bonuses and other incentives.

Reloadable prepaid cards are not linked to any savings or checking accounts.

You can use your prepaid cards by loading money onto them. However, reloadable prepaid cards are not linked to any of your savings or checking accounts. That means you won’t have access to any of the money you have there. Apart from this helping ensure your spending is in check, it is also very safe.

You see, if your reloadable prepaid card gets lost or stolen, you won’t have to worry about people getting access to your savings or checking account or them being able to access any of your confidential information. Now that safety and convenience you can’t find anywhere else!

[businessmindedchick]

Ng You Zhi’s Tips on How to Make Your Website SEO Friendly

One important aspect of setting up a website is by making it SEO-friendly. This means that the whole website should be eligible for indexing by search engines such as Google, Bing and Alexa. Being SEO friendly is very useful as it allows the website to go up the page rankings easily and become more exposed to target audiences.

Take it from Singapore’s premier investment guru Ng You Zhi, who’s been into SEO for the past decade already. His investments in startup firms have become successful mainly because these companies have optimized their presence online.

According to Ng You Zhi, during its height, site owners made use of various tricks in order to boost the ranking potential of their web pages, to the point that these are already flooded with unnecessary keywords, links and other fluff at the expense of quality. Because of these, Google and other search engines started to apply more stringent rules to ensure that webpages now come with good quality, both in terms of content and design.

So how do you make your website appealing for SEO purposes? Ng You Zhi says:

·         Your website should be easy to navigate. It’s not only your site visitors that go through your pages-Google algorithms do as well. When search engines see that your site is easy to browse through, this gives them the impression that it is functional and serves its true purpose. This way, your site has the better potential to go up the page ranks. Simply put, avoid the ridiculously cluttered layout.

·         Use SEO-friendly URLs. Page urls should also be descriptive of your website’s brand and niche. Using long urls can be difficult to digest, and they give the impression of landing to spam pages. As much as possible make your urls short, clean and appropriate to your page content.

·         Make your site accessible all the time. With this you have to find a highly dependable webhosting service that is able to accommodate your website’s growing needs. Maintaining a low downtime rate proves that your website is useful and working, and not just launched to boost page rankings.

·         Provide quality content. Most of all, keep your content as informative and educational as possible. Spam-like content may only result to your website being banned from search engines and may even lead you to denial of service.

[businessmindedchick]

Characteristics of an Effective Sales Pitch According to Ng You Zhi

 A great sales pitch is not difficult to spot once you see it. Nonetheless, a few characteristics make noteworthy sales pitch stand out. Assuming you are as of now concentrating to turn into that next extraordinary marketing specialist, this article is for you.

To start with, what is sales pitch? Sales pitch is comprised of words that advertisers use to cause individuals to do a particular activity subsequent to going through them either by perusing or tuning in.

Venture capitalists like Ng You Zhi use the power of persuasion to get individuals to think, feel, and react to become familiar with their mission. They use realities, stories, and feelings to fabricate a case. In contrast to different kinds of advertisers, in any case, publicists create their routines so that they convey their case as well as win it too.

What makes a convincing copy? Here’s what Ng You Zhi has to say:

1. It shakes your perspective.

Extraordinary sales pitch goes past convincing. It conveys a message through a specific point that makes you change the manner in which you see things from an alternate light. Without a doubt, it could be incredible to line up with your listener’s necessities and inclinations, however you can't take care of them a similar serving of steak every single time.

2. Your business pitch should create a sense belongingness.

Individuals take the necessary steps to feel like they have a place. Regardless of how they embrace their uniqueness, it remains their main concern to be essential for the group. You ought to have the option to comprehend this when composing your business duplicate in light of the fact that the exact opposite thing you need to happen is to cause your crowd to feel like they're the oddball.

3. It begins with an engaging lead.

When composing a business duplicate, you should work under the aphorism "unexplainable adoration." A compelling pitch, says Ng You Zhi, is one that dazzles audiences from the outset since everything begins from that point. The motivation behind your lead is to get your crowd to peruse the second, third, and the remainder of the lines on your duplicate.

4. Your pitch comprehends your audience.

A pitch that sells is one that not just asks the audience; all the more significantly, it's one that triggers its listeners. Your pitch ought to have an unmistakable and profound comprehension of your crowd, and not self-consumed with your item's brilliance. All your item's best highlights won't be seen in the event that you don't advance them in a language, tone, and approach that is unfamiliar to your audience.

[businessmindedchick]

How Do Prepaid Cards for Business Work?

In today’s technology-driven and modern world, using a prepaid card for business is considered by many as the new norm. In fact, using prepaid card for business is something startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and established multimillion dollar companies share in common.  

The unprecedented rise in companies and entrepreneurs that have resorted to using prepaid card for business is not really surprising if we explore all the peerless benefits this amazing financial tool has to offer. After all, prepaid cards for business provide convenience and ease that’s hard to miss. 

Aside from the hard to beat ease prepaid cards for business offers, they can also make it easy for cardholders to do financial transactions without all the hassles of transacting with financial entities and banks. 

How Prepaid Cards for Business Work

If you’re not using prepaid cards for business yet, you are missing out. If you are already using one but have not mastered its ins and outs yet, below are some of the basics you need to know:

Prepaid cards can be used for employee payroll and compensation

If you are a small business, it can be extra challenging (if not difficult) for you to get approved for a payroll account from banks. By small, we mean those businesses with ten employees or less. Basically, this is because most banks have a minimum requirement (usually 20 employees or more) for companies and organizations they would grant payroll accounts to.

If you don’t qualify, you need not worry. This is where prepaid cards can come in very handy. When it comes to prepaid cards for business, organizations and companies are allowed to secure as many prepaid cards as they want to. They also have the option to distribute them to their staff.

Prepaid cards for business can also make it effortless and quick for your organization to do fund transfers. That means you can also use the prepaid card to pay out employee compensations, salaries, bonuses, as well as other work-related incentives. Undeniably, this can also spare your business from all the headaches and hassles of handing out cash or checks again.

Prepaid cards can be used to schedule payments

Undeniably, any business will involve external obligations and your business is no exception. These external obligations include the payment of utilities that can help ensure your business runs as seamlessly as possible.

If paying for transactions using cash is too much of a hassle, you’d be delighted to know you can use prepaid cards as an alternative. Since most utility bills are usually associated with payment networks that honor and accept prepaid cards, they can be very beneficial.

It has also become very common for lenders and vendors to accept payment through prepaid cards as it is easy to process and to track. That means if you are looking for a financial instrument that can make streamlining of payments easy, you can never go wrong with prepaid cards for business.

Prepaid cards can be used to buy supplies and other supplies

Nowadays, sourcing supplies from abroad has become very common. When ordering and purchasing supplies you need for your business from online merchants, payments are often done through bank transfers and network partners. With the prepaid cards, you have a new and more convenient method available aside from those two.

What makes prepaid cards even more impressive is they are now accepted and honored by many merchants online. While not linked to banks, some prepaid card providers have tie ups with payment networks that are well established. That said, they are accepted and honored where the payment networks they are tied to are recognized.

[businessmindedchick]

Why Go for Prepaid Cards? All You Need to Know

For many years now, credit cards have long been considered as the payment method of choice of many people. Versatility, security, and convenience make them a smart go to options for merchant purchases or online transactions. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to prepaid cards because of restrictions or limitations that prohibit them from meeting certain criteria needed to be issued a credit card.

Fortunately, they have another smart option available: the ever reliable prepaid cards. Prepaid cards are basically like credit cards. However, their balance is predetermined by the cardholders through prepayment.

Prepaid cards can also be used anywhere where traditional cards are accepted: restaurants, online, ATMs, and shops. There are many reasons why people want to opt for prepaid cards. If you are also considering prepaid cards, here’s all you need to know:

Availability

Those with poor credit or with limited credit history, prepaid cards are considered the best option.  To be issued a credit card, one needs to fill out an application. You will also be subjected to background and credit checks.

Prepaid cards on the other hand have no such prerequisite and are available for everyone over 18 years of age regardless of background. Since prepaid cards are prepaid, there is no risk of running past your limit or being charged exorbitant fees. There is also no risk that cardholders will default on their payments.

Security

Prepaid cards are similar to cash. However, it has an added layer of security. Once the balance has been set by loading money onto the card, the cardholder will be protected from risks like theft, loss, and fraudulent purchases.

If there’s any fraudulent charges that occur, the cardholders have the option to have the account investigated and the funds reimbursed. Cardholders can also rest comfortably knowing their money is protected.

Convenience

Like credit cards, prepaid cards are honored around the world (by merchants and online stores alike). This allows you to shop and pay easily and quickly with just a simple swipe of the card. 

You can also use your prepaid card to shop online from the comfort of your home or office. For those who travel with their prepaid cards, they won’t have to seek out currency exchanged vendors. They are also spared from carrying large amount of money with them anywhere they go.

Ease of Use

Most people already have a clear understanding of how to use a credit card. If you have used a credit card, using a prepaid card can be very straightforward for you as they are used almost the same way.

Some issuers will allow you to add money from your bank account to your card, so loading money onto your card is easier. Fortunately, there are other options available when loading money on your card.

You also have the option to load money on your card at any time you deem fit, monthly, quarterly, annually, and even daily. Once the money has been loaded successfully on your card, you can use it for purchase transactions and ATM withdrawals.

Budget-Friendly

Tracking purchases can be challenging especially between accounts, cards, and cash. Prepaid cards fortunately can make budgeting easier and seamless. Since there is no credit line, the balance is determined by the prepayment made to your card. 

That means you won’t have to worry about going into debt or paying exorbitant interests, fees, and other charges. You can also load money onto your card and use it for a specific project alone. 

Once you have consumed or depleted all the balance available on the card, you have the option to load money on your card right away or at a later time.

[businessmindedchick]

Why are Some SMEs Not Getting Financing?

In Singapore, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) make up nearly 85% of all enterprises. But, numbers can become overwhelming instantly when we look at the mortality of these SMEs – only 1 in 10 SMEs tend to survive in the face of a volatile economy and a tough market.

In trying to stay afloat and drive peak performance, these businesses struggle to acquire financing, like invoice financing, quickly, but often to no avail. Here are a couple of reasons why some SMEs are not getting the financing that they need:

Access

Opposed to their larger counterparts, start-ups and small businesses have a shorter running history. They are generally asset-light, i.e., they will not have enough collateral to pledge for an ensured business loan. On the same note, when a company begins, it must withstand the test of time before entering the break-even or even profitable stage.

Time

Even for SMEs which pass for bank loans and government assistance loans, time could be of the essence for them, and they might not be ready to wait a standard of 5-6 weeks for loan consent and a further 3 months for the actual grant disbursement.

What are the Indications of SMEs Not Getting Financing?

With prolonged payments being one of the main problems plaguing SMEs, getting timely financing is an important aspect of their cash flow management. Cash flow is the heart of any enterprise, big or small, and companies stay afloat on cash, not profit.

Small companies often encounter cash-flow problems when their consumers pay their invoices late. Overdue payments make it challenging for businesses to manage working capital and pay operational fees, such as employee wages, electricity, water, rent, etc.

Delayed wages can probably create a vicious cycle. With a shortage of financing like invoice financing, SMEs can get lost in a double credit crunch such that payments will be delayed from clients and companies that are similarly unable to get funding. This, in turn, commences a burgeoning rate of delayed payments amongst companies, which is a notable trend we see today.

Not acquiring sufficient financing may also mean that plans for asset-building, or business expansion overall, would have to be put on the back-burner. This is because a business may not be able to afford it, thus halting its progress potential.

What are Other Options for SMEs?

Having your loan application denied could be a moral and financial letdown. Nevertheless, there are several options that SMEs could rely on to finance their business:

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending (also known as Debt Crowdfunding)

P2P Lending aims to give support supplementary to traditional financial companies to SME business owners by granting loans that can be supported in a shorter period of time and through straightforward means such as online entreaties. These financing products, just like short-term business loans, are crowdfunded by investors. Platforms like Funding Societies utilize proprietary credit assessment models that review SMEs beyond basic factors like assets and financial statements.

Equity Sharing

SME owners also can replace a percentage of shareholding for funds with individual or corporate investors. There is no upfront payment to SMEs to adopt this option, but SMEs are expected to provide their investors with regular business updates. When investors instruct to cash out their shareholding, SMEs’ cost is at the valuation price, which may be more than the original funds received.

Using Credit Cards for Business Payments

While it’s not a unique payment method, most of a company’s biggest expenses today typically cannot be compensated by credit card – for example, payroll, rent, supplier invoices, and more. Some platforms enable companies to make business payments with their credit cards, even if the cards are not allowed. This gives SMEs immediate access to pre-approved credit of up to 55 days and does not need participation from the recipient of funds, allowing SMEs to scale up quickly.

[businessmindedchick]

Tips to Succeed at a Virtual Exhibition

Attending virtual events is the new reality for a lot of us as we go through and adapt to this “new normal.” But, do you know what it really takes to be fruitful at the virtual events you are attending? 

Note that a digital trade show is at the end of the day, still a trade show. To achieve the outcomes that you want, plan for it with the same discipline and rigor that you would for other physical trade shows.

Here are the top tips to be fruitful at the virtual events you are attending:

Invest in Your Virtual Booth

Since you have made the decision to be part of a virtual exhibition, make sure that you make it worthwhile. This also means that you need to make some initial investments. Make the most of the virtual event platform’s advanced features if they are available, such as GIFs or HTML5 banners. Carefully produce the content you are making available for download. 

Content can be categorised for different audiences, and since it is online, you have the flexibility of easily updating them and always providing refreshed content to the virtual event platform up to the day of the event. Note that you do not have to stick to just materials about your product. Make your booth worth visiting by including activities such as speaker sessions, or even just a session of games. The most important thing is to entice the audience to visit your booth among the many others, and that will increase the likelihood of them browsing your products or services. 

Take the Initiative

Ask the event organisers for an attendee list, and schedule a meeting with likely leads. Make it easy for them for example by providing them a meeting link, or by providing an easy avenue whereby attendees can arrange for a session with you. Of course, cross check with the event agenda so that your meetings would be scheduled at convenient times for the invitees. 

Pre-booking a meeting isn’t only advantageous for generating more leads and closing even more deals; it would also let you staff the virtual trade show more effectively.

Send The Best Representative for the Job

As with physical trade shows, you would want to put your best salesperson forward. However, you need to keep in mind that with digital events, your representative should have some additional qualities. Importantly, he or she should be tech savvy, and must be able to engage and capture the audience through the screen.

Prepare Interesting and Relevant Content 

If you think capturing the attention of leads is challenging in a physical event, wait until you’ve tried it in a virtual setting. Other than choosing the most suitable representative, you can be sure of capturing leads if you have well-curated and carefully crafted messages that would cut through the noise and prompt attendees to read and engage. 

Incentivize participants to engage with you. You could gamify the engagements by providing promotional codes or prizes during certain segments. Share testimonials from previous participants, or interesting facts that are unique to your company or brand. 

Ensure that you have a consistent rhythm throughout the day, especially during the periods when participants are paying attention, like in-between sessions, for instance.