a method of issuing a purchase card is provided . the method includes the steps of presenting a purchaser with the opportunity to buy the purchase card , determining whether the purchaser has sufficient funds to pay for the purchase card , creating a purchase card account for a recipient designated by the purchaser , and issuing the purchase card . the purchase card may also be issued in connection with another credit card , for example as a rebate for purchases on the credit card . the purchase card may also be converted to a credit card .