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Guidelines For Preventing Underground Utility Damage Due TO HDD Operations

Over the past several years, horizontal directional drilling or HDD has become an increasingly popular construction technique. It is used to install underground utilities that would otherwise be very difficult or expensive to install using traditional open-cut methods. 

There are a variety of reasons why HDD may be preferred over other installation techniques, including but not limited to avoiding excessive disturbance to the surface, avoiding excavation in areas containing archaeological artefacts, and minimizing service disruptions.

When using the horizontal drilling method, appropriate precautions must be taken to prevent damage to underground utilities. This should go without saying. However, there have been several instances where this did not happen and resulted in significant damage and service disruption. 

The following guidelines will help reduce the potential for damage during HDD operations.

Steering Clear Of Utilities

Pre-drilling is the most effective method for avoiding utility damage, but it's not always possible. If a pre-hole cannot be drilled, the next best thing to do is slow down and use extra care when crossing or sharing that area with another tunnelling operation. This allows for greater control of the HDD machine and can help avoid a variety of conflicts. 

If a direct crossing is necessary, it must be done carefully. Placing a drive shoe as far away from the utility as possible will help reduce the potential for damage. This may mean going deeper underground or adjusting the angle of the HDD machine. If a drive shoe does contact the utility, the operator should immediately slow or stop the machine and back it away from the obstacle.

Preparation At The Site

Before any excavation starts, the engineer or project manager should carefully survey an area to determine if there are existing underground utilities in the vicinity where the horizontal drilling operation will take place. This reduces the risk of damage, and it also allows for accurate reporting should any problems occur.

In addition to this advance planning, all utilities in the area of an HDD operation should be clearly marked with easily visible paint or flags before any excavation begins. This helps to prevent a situation where one utility company believes a particular underground utility belongs to it while another company believes otherwise.

Unfortunately, some utilities cannot be marked for various reasons. This includes older installations that no longer exist or underground lines that do not belong to any utility company. Therefore, the engineer may need to use other techniques to determine the presence of these unmarked utilities.

Companies can use two different types of GPR scanners to identify the presence of utilities. In addition, a company could send a camera down an existing borehole or other openings to inspect for hazards.

Inspecting A Borehole After Installation

After HDD installation is complete, it is mandatory to inspect the area both above and below ground to determine whether any damage occurred. If the operator installed the borehole accurately, there should not be any problems.

But if a drive shoe contacted an underground utility while creating the borehole and damaged it in some way, this could lead to future issues such as leaks or disruptions of electrical service. A trenchless professional should inspect the area closely for anything out of place and ensure everything is in working order.

If damage does occur, the HDD company should notify the appropriate local authorities immediately. A professional will also need to make sure that all utility companies are informed about the situation to work together to repair any problems.

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What is The Power Number in Numerology?

In numerology, it is not only believed that numbers have the ability to give an insight to your life in its various stages. The power of numbers can likewise lead you to living a successful and fulfilling life, especially when you have learned to master its.

While the fundamental digits focus on the life path, there are also other digits that highlight different aspects, such as compatibility in love and relationships, careers, and power energy.

The question is, how do you wield the power of numbers to do you favours?

One of the numbers you may want to study is the “power number,” also known as the attainment number. This number represents the energy that is waiting to be released from your inner consciousness. However, experiencing its force doesn’t happen overnight, since it takes time to mature.

The force or energy represented by the power number has always been there, but it could not be immediately felt until one enters the midlife years. When it has aged and come to fruition, that is the time when a person realises that their outlook in life has already changed.

Not all of us experience a dramatic life change, though. The force we exude depends on the value of the power number and its correlation to one of our core numbers such as our life path, soul urge, and destiny numbers.

Computing the power number:

To calculate your power number, you have to use your life path number, which is derived from your date of birth.

Then, you have to calculate your full birth name as it shows on your birth certificate, by applying a numeric assignment to each letter and adding their values together to get your destiny number.

Once you have both the life path and destiny numbers, combine their values and reduce them to a single digit to achieve your power number.

What the power numbers say

Power 1 – you are highly focused on your goals. People count on you for protection during difficult times.

Power 2 – You are often tasked in uniting people of different perspectives together to find common ground and achieve a common goal. You are into making connections that last.

Power 3 – You find success and fulfilment in creative endeavours. You are heavily invested in the flow of life, from building familial relationships to being one with nature.

Power 4 – You have high regard for systems, structures, and the organisation of people and things. You are pragmatic and business-oriented, and can exercise leadership in groups and teams.

Power 5 – You have the ability to make use of all five senses in achieving success and greatness. You are empathic and expressive. You are often seen as the life of the party because you’re almost always loud and proud.

Power 6 – You are devoted to your relationships, may they be romantic, familial, and or business and career ventures. It is natural for you to nurture these relationships and make them blossom via a hands-on approach.

Power 7 – You are into spiritual enlightenment and would like to share your knowledge to others. People come to you for advice, and you have the ability to help your peers break out of their comfort zone.

Power 8 – This power number is the symbol for eternity. It is also the number of most great leaders. With this number you can make decisions that will lead you to abundance and prosperity.

Power 9 – This power number reflects your awareness as a human being. It tells you that you are already near the completion of your karmic path, and you can achieve this by enlightening others through snippets of your personal experiences.

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Essentials of Dangerous Goods Shipping

Dangerous goods or DG shipping should not be taken lightly. May it be a logistics or manufacturing business, it is very important to handle DG shipping very carefully and meticulously.

For a refresher, here are the essentials of dangerous goods shipping.

Know the dangerous goods classes by heart

It is very important to familiarize and know the dangerous goods classes by heart. This dangerous goods classification system is the backbone of DG shipping. It basically defines how dangerous goods should be packed and transported.

This is the 9 classes of dangerous goods:

Class 1: Explosives

Division 1.1: substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard.

Division 1.2: Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.3: Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.4: Substances and articles which present no significant hazard

Division 1.5: Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.6: Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Class 2: Gases

Division 2.1: Flammable gases

Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Class 4: Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, on contact with water, emit flammable gases

Division 4.1: Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and solid desensitized explosives

Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Division 4.3: Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances

Division 5.2: Organic peroxides

Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances

Division 6.1: Toxic substances

Division 6.2: Infectious substances

Class 7: Radioactive material

Class 8: Corrosive substances

Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

Because of these classes, DG shipping requires extensive paperwork so the right and proper information about the dangerous goods being transported is passed on. Transport documents for Dangerous Goods include a number of things:

Written instructions on how to deal with the goods in an emergency situation need to be carried and easily accessible in the driver’s cabin.

A license or permit for Dangerous Goods training must be present upon request from officials.

Declaration form prepared by the consignor, which includes information on the consignor’s name and address, the name and address of the consignee, descriptions of each of the types of Dangerous Goods, along with their quantity, classification, and packaging; and emergency contact information. Requirements for the declaration depends on the mode of transport and which country/countries the shipment is transported in/through on its way to the final destination.

Invest in your employees

Employees are the key to a successful operation within the company. That is why it is very important to invest in proper training and equipment for employees who handle and work with dangerous goods.

Allow every staff to master the art of shipping dangerous goods. Guide them to be experts in this field so they can do their job properly but most of all, so they will learn to protect themselves in case of emergencies and other unfortunate events.

Appropriate packaging is very important

Dangerous goods packaging is as important as knowing the dangerous goods classification. Dangerous goods must be packed properly and appropriately with the right materials so as to lessen its danger risks to the people and the environment.

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Dangerous Goods Shipping: Top Tips

There are several hazards and risks when it comes to shipping dangerous goods (DG). Thankfully, there are also companies that offer special DG shipping services and packaging options.

DG shipping strictly adheres to specific guidelines. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best tips for dangerous good shipping. These tips can come in handy for individuals who handle dangerous goods frequently and organizations who want to get into the business as well.

What are hazardous goods?

First and foremost, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the different dangerous goods classification. By doing so, you can identify which items or materials belong to a specific group and you’ll have a better idea how it is best dealt with.

Below is the dangerous good classification:

1.    Explosives

2.    Flammable Gases

2.1 Flammable gases i.e. acetylene and most Aerosols.

2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases i.e. helium and oxygen.

2.3 Toxic gases i.e. chlorine.

3.    Flammable Liquids

4.    Flammable solids

4.1 Flammable solids i.e. phosphorous (red).

4.2 Substances liable to (white) spontaneous combustion i.e. phosphorus.

4.3 Substances that, when they come in contact, emit

5.    Oxidizing

5.1 Oxidizing agents i.e. ammonium dichromate.

5.2 Organic peroxides i.e. ethyl methyl ketone peroxide.

6.    Toxic and Infectious

6.1 Toxic substances i.e. cyanides, arsenic compounds, and lead acetate.

6.2 Infectious substances i.e. vaccines and pathology specimens.

7.    Radioactive

8.    Corrosives

9.    Miscellaneous

Following the dangerous goods regulation

Shipping dangerous goods can pose a threat to human life when not done right. That being said, laws and regulations need to be in place to warrant the proper handling, packaging, and shipping of dangerous goods. There are specific regulations set for the shipper and/or the carrier of dangerous goods. However, these restrictions, regulations, and processes can vary from country to country.

Transporting dangerous goods by sea is internationally regulated by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code or IMDG Code. The code also ensures protection of the ship carrier’s crew at the same time. In addition, they also put guidelines in place so dangerous goods are transported safely from one destination to another.

On the other hand, air freight is governed internationally by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) International Dangerous Goods Regulations. They are the main source of information or help for those who want to process documents for the shipment of dangerous goods.

Moreover, they are also recognised by many of the world’s best airlines for 60 years now (and counting). They are also known to be the comprehensive, most recent, and user-friendly reference in the DG shipping industry.

Ensure proper and suitable packaging

With proper packaging comes suitable packaging as well. Proper packaging is vital for any type of cargo, much more when handling and shipping dangerous goods as they pose a threat to human health and safety. You must ensure that you use appropriate packing materials for a specific type of dangerous goods.

However, this is not a one-rule-fits-all type of situation. Some of the hazardous goods may be affected by a change in temperature, friction, or pressure when not packaged right. If anything, packaging can be the source of serious and extreme situations when not done accordingly.

Train and Educate Workers

Last but definitely not the least, it is crucial that those responsible for the packing and shipping of dangerous goods are properly aware of the dangers and guidelines that have been set.

Since they will be involved firsthand in the chain of shipment, they should know what to do in case something untoward happens. This is key so they can readily protect themselves and others when the need calls for it.

This applies to everyone in the shipment chain such as cargo handlers, packers, equipment operators, documentary staff, truckers, hazardous goods approvers, and more.  

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Key Differences and Utility between SBLC and LC

Both the regular letter of credit and standby letter of credit are payment instruments used in international trade.

According to an article from eFinance Management, a letter of credit is a promise from the bank that the buyer i.e. importer will fulfill his payment obligation and pay the full invoice amount on time. 

The role of the issuing bank is to make sure that the buyer pays. In case the buyer is unable to fulfill his obligation, the bank will pay to the seller i.e. the exporter, but the funds come from the buyer.

Meaning

A letter of credit is a promise from the bank that the buyer i.e. importer will fulfill his payment obligation and pay the full invoice amount on time. The role of the issuing bank is to make sure that the buyer pays. 

In case the buyer is unable to fulfill his obligation, the bank will pay to the seller i.e. the exporter, but the funds come from the buyer.

On the other hand, a standby letter of credit (SLBC) is a secondary payment method where the bank guarantees the payment when terms of the letter of credit are fulfilled by the seller. 

It is a kind of additional safety net for the seller. The buyer may not pay the seller due to multiple reasons such as cash flow crunch, dishonesty, bankruptcy, etc. But as long as the seller meets the requirement of a standby letter of credit (SLBC), the bank will pay.

Features within the Instrument

A letter of credit does not have any specific features that the buyer must adhere to for the completion of a transaction. It does have basic requirements such as documentation, packing, etc. But all in all, it’s a plain vanilla payment instrument.

A standby letter of credit may have specific clauses that the buyer must fulfill so he can use this instrument. 

The Requirement of Issuing Bank

When issuing a letter of credit the bank checks the buyer’s credibility and credit score. Furthermore, it is usually the case that a buyer asks his banker for a letter of credit, i.e. the buyer is usually dealing with the said bank for a long time. So the letters of credit are usually unsecured.

Conversely, a standby letter of credit creates an obligation for the bank, therefore the bank will require collateral in the form of security to issue a standby letter of credit.

Goal

The letter of credit is a primary instrument of payment, so the goal is to use the letter of credit to complete the transaction.

In contrast, a standby letter of credit is a secondary instrument of payment. If a seller is paid by a standby letter of credit, it means that something went wrong. The goal here for all the parties involved is to avoid using a standby letter of payment.

Time Period

A letter of credit is a short-term instrument, where the expiry is usually 90 days.

A standby letter of credit is a long-term instrument, in which the validity is usually one year or so stated within the terms of the instrument.

Purpose

A letter of credit is used to provide security for a transaction such as a sale agreement.

A standby letter of credit is often used to provide security for a long-term obligation such as a long-term construction project.

Geographical Scope

A letter of credit is usually used in an international transaction where the buyer is the importer and the seller is the exporter.

A standby letter of credit is used in an international transaction but it is also frequently used in domestic transactions as well. Its scope is not limited to any geographical area.

Cost

A standby letter of credit is more expensive than a regular letter of credit. While the fees of a regular letter of credit range around 0.25% of the amount covered, a bank may charge anywhere between 1% to 10% to cover the same amount under a standby letter of credit.

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Proper Practices of DG Shipping

A piece of detailed information is provided by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore with regard to DG shipping. You can refer further from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore any further details especially with regards to the by-laws of the dangerous goods handling. 

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 41 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, in accordance with the approval of the Minister for Transport, makes the following dangerous goods regulations:

Citation and commencement

Most of the citations are verbatim from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore:

1.  These regulations or by-laws may be cited as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Dangerous Goods, Petroleum and Explosives) Regulations 2005 and has come fully functional on the 31st of January, the year 2005. Refer to the details provided below and these should be implemented on all dangerous goods, especially for  DG shipping.

Definitions

2. Below is a list of definitions based on what is covered in these regulations specified by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

(1)  In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires — [verbatim from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore]

“approved magazine” means any magazine constructed in accordance with the recommendations laid down by IMO;

“approved strong-room” means any strong-room or safe approved by the Authority for the safe-keeping of arms;

“approved wharf” means a wharf approved by the Authority for the purposes of these Regulations;

“arms” includes —

(a) arms, air-guns, air-pistols, automatic guns, automatic pistols, or any other kind of gun from which —

(i) a shot, bullet or other missiles can be discharged; or

(ii) noxious fumes can be emitted,

and any component part of such arms; and

(b) bayonets, swords, daggers, spears, and spearheads;

“authorized officer” means —

(a) an employee of the Authority authorized by the Authority for the purposes of these Regulations;

(b) a police officer or customs officer; or

(c) any other person authorized by the Authority in writing for the purposes of these 

Regulations

“certificate” means a certificate of freedom from flammable vapor issued by an Inspector of Petroleum under regulation 18;

“Class ‘A’ petroleum” means any petroleum the flash-point of which is less than 23 degrees Celsius and includes liquefied petroleum gas;

“Class ‘B’ petroleum” means any petroleum the flash-point of which is 23 degrees Celsius or more but less than 60 degrees Celsius;

“Class ‘C’ petroleum” means any petroleum the flash-point of which is 60 degrees Celsius or more;

“dangerous cargos” —

(a) means any of the following cargos, whether packaged, carried in bulk packagings or in bulk:

(i) oils covered by Annex I of MARPOL 73/78;

(ii) gases covered by the Codes for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

(iii) noxious liquid substances or chemicals, including wastes covered by the Codes for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and Annex II of MARPOL 73/78;

(iv) dangerous, hazardous and harmful substances, materials and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances (marine pollutants) and wastes, covered by the IMDG Code; or

(v) solid bulk materials possessing chemical hazards and solid bulk materials hazardous only in bulk (MHBs) including wastes, covered by Appendix B of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk cargoes; and

(b) includes any empty uncleaned packagings (such as tank-containers, receptacles, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), bulk packagings, portable tanks or tank vehicles) which previously contained dangerous cargos unless the packagings have been —

(i) sufficiently cleaned off the residue of the dangerous cargos, and purged of vapors, so as to nullify any hazard; or

(ii) filled with a non-dangerous substance;

“dangerous goods” means dangerous cargos in packaged form;

“explosive” means any explosive within the meaning of the Arms and Explosives Act (Cap. 13);

“First Schedule dangerous goods” means any substance or article specified in the First Schedule;

“hot work” includes any repair or alteration involving chipping, grinding, drilling, riveting, welding, burning, or other fire, spark or heat-producing operation;

“IMDG Code” means the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code issued by IMO and such amendment thereto from time to time as may be adopted by Singapore;

“IMO” means the International Maritime Organisation;

“in bulk” means a homogeneous cargo stored loose in a free-flowing tank and which must be handled by pumping;

“Inspector” means an inspector appointed under the Petroleum Act (Cap. 229) or an Inspector of Petroleum;

“Inspector of Dangerous Goods” means a person appointed as an Inspector of Dangerous Goods under regulation 69;

“Inspector of Explosives” means a person appointed as an Inspector of Explosives under the Arms and Explosives (Explosives) Rules (Cap. 13, R 2);

“Inspector of Petroleum” means a person appointed as an Inspector of Petroleum under regulation 27;

“MARPOL 73/78” means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (including its protocols, annexes, and appendices) which constitutes attachment 1 to the final act of the International Conference on Marine Pollution signed in London on 2nd November 1973, as modified and added to by the Protocol of 1978;

“oil terminal” means any place having permanent means of loading or discharging petroleum, whether in bulk or packaged, into or from any vessel;

“petroleum” includes —

(a) the liquids are commonly known by the names of Rock oil, Rangoon oil, Burma oil, kerosene, paraffin oil, petrol, gasoline, benzol, benzoline, benzine or Naptha; and

(b) any like flammable liquid, which is —

(i) a natural product;

(ii) a product made from petroleum, coal, schist, shale or any other bituminous substance; or

(iii) a by-product of a substance referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii);

“terminal manager” means a terminal manager, any person in charge of a wharf, or a representative of the terminal manager or person in charge of the wharf.

(2)  In these Regulations, a reference to any special anchorage, petroleum anchorage, quarantine anchorage, immigration anchorage, explosives anchorage or dangerous goods anchorage means an anchorage —

(a) designated as such under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations (Rg 7); or

(b) declared as such by the Port Master under section 43(d) of the Act.

We keep the laws and regulation terms in-tact so as to keep the original thought and meaning as per the Singapore authority. These data should not be misconstrued nor be misunderstood. 

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Dangerous Goods: Proper Shipping and Handling

How sure are you that the items you are shipping are safe? It is important that you check the different classifications to ensure shipment is safe and compliant with the DG shipping regulations. Note: DG is short for dangerous goods and we will refer to it as either ‘DG’ or ‘dangerous goods.’

What are Dangerous Goods

Many items can be harmful to the health of the environment and humans when not handled accordingly. If you are clueless if the item you are trying to ship is dangerous or otherwise, you may need to ask the supplier or manufacturer for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). 

If in the MSDS it contains a UN number, then it is considered dangerous. You also have the option to reach out to DG shipping services so they can help you figure it out.

Examples of Dangerous Goods

You may be surprised that some items or products that are considered hazardous materials (i.e. aerosols, perfumes, and electronic gadgets that contain lithium batteries such as phones, tablets, and laptops).

That being said, prior to sending off items to anyone, it would be wise to know what are some of the examples of items classified as dangerous goods. For instance:

Paints and varnishes - spray paints, oil-based paints, and even varnishes can  catch fire and might overheat in certain conditions.

Perfumes - alcohol-based perfumes are considered flammable substance

Lithium batteries - if packed wrongly or when damaged during transit, lithium batteries can short circuit, result to overheating, and might catch some fire

Sprays and aerosols - when not packed accordingly, compressed gas can be dangerous and can explode

Dangerous Goods Classifications

DG shipping services have 9 classes of dangerous goods and a few sub-classes. The classification that your DG shipment would fall can affect the type of labelling and how it will be transported.

Like fireworks or flares

DG classification: 1. Explosive articles and substances

Like aerosols or camping gas

DG classification: 2.1. Flammable gas

Like compressed oxygen

DG classification: 2.2. Non-flammable gas

Like insecticide gases

DG classification: 2.3. Toxic gas

Like solvents or paints

DG classification: 3. Flammable liquids

Like matches

DG classification: 4.1. Flammable solids

Like phosphorus

DG classification: 4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Like calcium carbide

DG classification: 4.3. Substances that emit flammable gases when in water

Like fertiliser

DG classification: 5.1. Oxidising substances

Like fibreglass repair kits

DG classification: 5.2. Organic peroxides

Like pesticides

DG classification: 6.1. Toxic substances

Like blood tests or medical trials

DG classification: 6.2. Infectious substances

Like smoke detectors

DG classification: 7. Radioactive material

Like bleach or drain cleaner

DG classification: 8. Corrosive substances

Like airbags, magnets, telephones or laptops

DG classification: 9. Miscellaneous

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New to Reloadable Prepaid Cards? Here's What You Need to Know!

Apart from debit and credit cards, there’s another kind of plastic payment that has earned a truly massive following: reloadable prepaid cards. While most plastic cards offer peerless convenience and allow cashless transactions, reloadable prepaid cards offer so much more.

Over the years, more and more consumers have been using prepaid cards in their day-to-day transactions. In fact, a study conducted by the Mercator Advisory Group revealed that a total of $40.85 billion was loaded onto prepaid cards in 2010 alone. If anything, this is a clear testament of the power of reloadable prepaid cards as an effective financial tool.

Reloading money onto a reloadable prepaid card is pretty much effortless. Some of the loading options provided by reloadable prepaid card issuers include direct deposits, bank transfers, and online portals, among others. If you’re new to reloadable prepaid cards, here are some of the basics you need to keep in mind:

Reloadable prepaid cards offer special freebies and perks

Many reloadable prepaid card issuers provide cardholders with discounts, freebies, and special perks in an effort to entice potential customers. These enticing benefits are often very similar to what most credit card users enjoy.

Some of the exciting (and enticing) freebies and special perks prepaid card users enjoy include 90-day protection for stolen, broken, or lost items, travel security in the form of legal and medical aid, and discounts on popular brands.

Reloadable prepaid cards have various fees and charges

When using your reloadable prepaid card, it is crucial to know all the fees and charges associated with it in order to fully maximise all the benefits it has to offer. If anything, it is reassuring to know that reloadable prepaid card fees are way smaller compared to other plastic cards like debit or credit.

Various transactions such as activation, balance inquiry, withdrawals, etc. will have separate fees and charges so it’s important that you know how much you will be charged exactly. This is also important so you’ll be able to accurately track the balance that’s available on your card.

Reloadable prepaid cards are unbelievably easy to obtain

Unlike their other plastic card counterparts, prepaid cards are really easy to obtain. Since it does not involve credit, you can easily get one without providing any personal information or providing financial documents. The bottom line is obtaining one is basically effortless.

In addition, you won’t also need to undergo those time-consuming and stressful background checks. At the most, all you need to do is provide basic information like your address, contact number, and full name and you’re good to go.

If you are very particular about protecting your privacy and personal information, there is no denying a reloadable prepaid card would be the perfect alternative for you as it will help warrant that any of your personal information will not be compromised.

Reloadable prepaid cards also provide consumer protection offered by most cards

If you’re not qualified to get a credit card, your next best option is getting a reloadable prepaid card. While reloadable prepaid cards won’t offer the exact level of protection associated with credit cards, some of them provide at least a few of the consumer protection.

The added consumer protection understandably makes reloadable prepaid cards even more enticing for many as it is low risk while offering convenience and ease that’s just really hard to miss (or resist!).

In addition, just like credit or debit cards, reloadable prepaid cards can also be used for online purchase transactions. That means you won’t have to leave the comforts of your home and office just to purchase what you want. If you have your prepaid card, you have all you need to shop online.

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Swan logo design process. Geometry behind a beautiful shape. 🧡

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Reloadable Prepaid Cards: Here’s All You Need to Know

If you don’t have a bank account and you are looking for a new and effective way to  manage and budget your money, a reloadable prepaid card can be your helpful ally.  If you don’t know yet, here’s how they work:

What is a reloadable prepaid card?

In essence, a reloadable prepaid card is an alternative card that allows cardholders to spend money they’ve loaded onto the card. Just like a credit card, a reloadable prepaid card can be used at any merchant that accepts and honors the payment network it is associated with.

Without doubt, using a reloadable prepaid card is way safer option as well as a more convenient one. A reloadable prepaid card is also sometimes known as pay-as-you-go card or general-purpose reloadable prepaid card. Unlike credit cards, cardholders can only spend the amount of money they have available in their cards.

What are the benefits of using a reloadable prepaid card?

Since most reloadable prepaid cards can be obtained without any credit checks, they’re undeniably way easier to obtain. In fact, for the roughly 9 million households in the United States that don’t have access to bank accounts, reloadable prepaid cards are considered a great and practical choice.

Aside from the fact that they’re easy to get, reloadable prepaid cards are also deemed beneficial for those who are trying to manage their spending. For those who have transactions that are worth more than the available balance on the card, the transaction will be declined. 

Reloadable prepaid cards are also considered for people who are on a fixed income, relatives visiting from other countries or states, or teenagers who are still trying to make their allowances work. While reloadable prepaid cards understandably have limitations, they typically have online services for added convenience and comfort.

How do reloadable prepaid cards work?

While reloadable prepaid cards can vary from one issuer to another, they often share many of the following amazing features:

Reload options - oftentimes, cardholders have multiple options when it comes to loading money onto their cards. Setting up direct deposits, loading cash at participating retailers, and depositing checks at ATMs are just some of the quick options available at their disposal. Some reloadable prepaid cards will also give users the option to do  online transfers or mobile check deposits using their smartphones.

ATM access - Most reloadable prepaid cardholders have access to free nationwide ATM networks. For reloadable prepaid cards that are issued by banks, they can be used at branded bank networks.

Fees - In several cases, there is a fee for deposits, card activations, and use of out-of-network ATMs. Some reloadable prepaid cards also have a monthly fee but some are waived. Some providers can also charge fees for purchase transactions as well as ATM withdrawals.

Expiration dates - Many reloadable prepaid cards have expiration dates. However, cardholders are often reissued a new card soon as the one they have expires. Funds loaded on the card however have no expiration dates. 

Other features - Some reloadable prepaid cards offer online bill payments, multiple copies of card for family members, as well as check writing. A rare few also offers rewards similar  to what credit cards are offering such as cash back on purchases.

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Aim for what you want to achieve! 🙌

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Prune your contact list yearlySome people say to do this once a quarter and if you have the time to do it, great, but I usually don’t. I find that the best time to get in touch with people that you haven’t spoken to in a while is to just send them a quick personal email or note once a year, at new years, wishing them a happy new year. Almost everyone celebrates it, it’s politically correct, and if you are lucky it can even rekindle a relationship long dormant, whether its business or pleasure.

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Fancy topping up your knowledge while on-the-go?

We’ve rounded-up our top ‘must-listen-to’ marketing podcasts, so you can get the magic marketing juice you’re searching for. Give your career (or business) the boost it needs…

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Create your personal brand.

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