If you’re finding it hard to qualify for a credit card due to poor or no credit, the only option left for you is either a secured credit card or prepaid card. These two are not the same. They have different features but they both give you access to electronic payment. Both secured credit card and prepaid card require you to deposit money before you can use them. Both can be used in the same places that credit cards can be used, such as, grocery stores, gas pumps, etc. But, that’s all they have in common. The differences between secured credit card and prepaid card are outlined below;

Secured Credit Card vs. Prepaid Card | A Comparison

The Difference Between Secured Credit Card and Prepaid Card

A secured credit card requires you to make a security deposit against the credit limit before you can be approved for the card. Your security deposit is placed in a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) and kept there until your card is converted to an unsecured credit or until you default on the credit card payment.

Applying for a secured credit card is similar to applying for a regular credit card. Many card issuers still check your credit history, but you’re more likely to be approved even if you have a bad credit history. When you use a secured credit card, you’re borrowing money, just as with a regular credit card. Purchases made with a secured credit card go against your revolving credit limit and you’re required to make regular monthly payments on your credit card balance.

Prepaid cards are different. Though they’re often called prepaid credit cards, they’re not credit cards at all. Instead, they’re more similar to debit cards, which are tied to a checking account. There’s no credit limit for a prepaid card. You make a deposit onto the card and it goes into an account.

When you swipe the card for purchases, instead of borrowing money from the credit credit card issuer, the purchase amount is deducted from your card balance. Once you spend up to your deposit, you must redeposit money before you can spend again.

With a prepaid card, you won’t have to worry about making monthly payments on time or late penalties and credit damage. There’s no credit check for a prepaid card, so you won’t be turned down because of a bad credit history.

Which Card Costs More



Secured Credit Cards vs. Prepaid Cards


A prepaid card is often a choice for people who can’t get a checking account or want to avoid banks. Many employers can direct deposit your paycheck onto a prepaid card and some prepaid cards even let you send a few checks each month or enroll in online bill pay. Prepaid cards are also recommended for teenagers and students who get an allowance from their guardians.