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Salient Features of Popular Prepaid Debit Cards

Salient Features of Popular Prepaid Debit Cards

Shopping should not stop just because you have limited options to make payments online or at the store. The solution is simple: apply for a universally accepted prepaid Visa® debit card. You can load up this useful payment tool with sufficient balance and use it online or at shopping kiosks across stores accepting Visa® payments. Here are some of the best cards, and the key features to consider before applying for one.

Salient features of prepaid Visa® debit cards
Prepaid cards are not linked to checking accounts, making them extremely easy to use compared to traditional debit/credit cards. These are essential features that you need to consider before applying for one.

No credit check
One of the biggest benefits is the no credit check feature. Banks issue these cards with a basic ID verification during the initial application. Since prepaid cards only allow a limited amount of funds for transfer, withdrawal, and payments, banks do not need to perform a complete background credit check. However, the card is valid only when there is money added to the linked number.
Limited fees and charges
General charges include monthly fees for card services, cash reload fees, and a foreign transaction fee. These numbers will vary depending on the issuing bank on the Visa® network. Since it is not a credit card, most banks offer prepaid cards with minimal usage and penalty fees. This means, you will not pay the penalty for an overdraft, not maintaining the minimum balance, late fees, or even interest on payments. You can also withdraw cash within the available limits at eligible ATMs on the Visa® network country-wide. Note that the charges will vary depending on the issuing authority.
Distinct types of prepaid cards
Visa® networks authorize and accept payments for several distinct types of prepaid cards. All-purpose reloadable cards are suitable for your everyday spending, where you can add funds, pay bills, and make purchases. Gift cards are a convenient option over cash cards. Payroll cards allow employees to get their paycheck transferred immediately to pay bills and make purchases conveniently. Healthcare prepaid Visa® debit cards come in handy for quick payment of qualified healthcare expenses.
Rewards and purchase protection
Banks reward purchases and payments made using these cards. Additionally, banks offer protection from fraud or kiosk errors to rectify the amount debited. This is a necessary feature, considering the money is deducted immediately from your account.
Sub-accounts and savings options
Prepaid debit cards also allow you to access savings account features with certain banks. You can add multiple family members by creating sub-accounts, so they can use the card for purchases and payments. All these changes and updates can be tracked on the mobile banking app.

Popular Prepaid Visa® Debit cards
Banks have made it easy for people who don’t have a checking account to own a debit card. These prepaid cards are suitable for diverse spending habits and vary in terms of benefits. Check out the popular cards you can apply for today.

ACE Elite™ Visa® Prepaid Debit Card
With the ACE Elite Visa® Prepaid, you can directly receive your monthly payroll and government benefits via direct deposit. The card features no-fee cash withdrawals up to $100 per day upon qualifying for direct deposit features. Any withdrawal above that limit is subject to a $2.5 charge per domestic transaction, or 4% levied on foreign transactions across the globe. But you don’t have to worry about paying any activation or monthly maintenance fees. The card is completely free to order online, and there is no mandatory requirement for a background check. The bank will only verify your credentials and identity during the application. 

Currently, they have three plans to choose from, including the free pay-as-you-go plan, which is the default auto-enrollment option. You can also opt for a monthly plan (optional with additional features) starting at $9.95/month, or take a reduced monthly plan starting at $5/month for lower direct deposits. The fees and rates for card usage will vary depending on the plan. Overall, ACE Elite® is the most inexpensive option among popular Visa® Prepaid debit cards.

NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card
NetSpend® is an excellent pay-as-you-go card that requires no credit background check upon application. You can add money to the card using multiple online and offline banking options and transfer funds seamlessly among sub-accounts. Get Anytime Alerts™ for all transactions, earn cashback rewards, and save some money for the future. Moreover, your transactions are FDIC-insured via the issuing bank, so it secures unauthorized purchases with the exclusive Visa® Zero Liability protection. You don’t pay any activation fees or monthly card services fees either. However, a signature and PIN transaction fee is chargeable at $1.95/payment. You will also pay for ATM withdrawals with $2.95 chargeable for in-network and outside network kiosks. The bank additionally charges 4% for any withdrawals at foreign ATM kiosks.

RushCard® Prepaid Visa® Debit Card
RushCard® is one of the best-prepaid cards with no fees chargeable on purchases, withdrawals, account inactivity, or even cancellation. These are exclusive benefits with the unlimited usage monthly plan, starting at $7.95/month. However, some additional fees are chargeable if you opt for the pay-as-you-go-plan. The bank requires no prior credit checks, and you can use the card for purchases and payments without maintaining any minimum balance. RushCard® offers multiple funding options, including a direct deposit, adding cash at approved retailers nationwide, bank and online money transfers, and even loading checks with the RushCard® mobile app. The online application takes only a few minutes. You have to submit your personal details and pay a one-time activation fee of $3.95. RushCard® then checks and activates the direct deposit feature for the transfer of funds. This feature allows for quick salary transfer over paper checks submitted to the bank, and you can access your funds two days in advance. RushCard® is accepted everywhere across online and retail outlets authorizing Visa® payments.

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Top 4 Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

Car insurance is mandatory for all drivers, and while senior citizens may not get behind the wheel as often as they used to, auto insurance for them too is a mandate. Insurance companies offer special discounts, tailored policies, and perks for senior drivers who might not want to use their car often. Mature drivers can compare and choose best priced car insurance plans from insurance companies that offer them. Best car insurance for seniors  These four companies offer the best combination of affordable premiums, senior-specific discounts, and exclusive policies to save money on car insurance. Nationwide® Nationwide® car insurance rates are 21% lower than the national average for drivers over 60. For a cheaper premium, the insurance company pays for all liabilities related to bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, treatments, and comprehensive collision coverage. Nationwide® also ensures quality customer service, a grievance-free claims handling process, and ranks among the top vendors for customer loyalty. One of the company's key highlights is the SmartMiles program beneficial for senior drivers with limited mileage after retirement. The yearly car insurance premiums are calculated based on the total number of miles driven with SmartMiles. This policy, available in 40 states, is suitable for seniors who commute less than 12,000 miles per year and can still afford to pay for car insurance after retirement. Overall, the estimated savings with Nationwide® can go upwards of $400 each year, given seniors meet all the driving criteria specified by the company. GEICO Due to competitively lower rates, GEICO ranks among the popular picks in best car insurance for seniors. Drivers between the ages of 65 and 85 can benefit exclusively from additional discounts. One of the key highlights of the policy is the guaranteed renewal program. Policyholders aged 50 and above qualify for the renewal program and may avail of the Prime Time contract features. For this contract, the company specifies that policyholders cannot have any operators/drivers below 25 for the insured vehicle. They should not have been involved in violations or accidents in the three years prior to application with GEICO. But this contract is currently available in only 30 states. Policies also cover accident forgiveness and feature innovative usage-based insurance for good drivers with a clean driving record. GEICO offers exclusive discounts for careful driving habits, retired government & military personnel, and owners with multiple vehicles using the same policy. State Farm® State Farm® is a more lenient option for commuters who may not have a clean driving record. Key highlights of the insurance include a usage-based policy and decent rates for drivers with DUI (driving under the influence) violations. Senior drivers with prior speeding records or driving offenses can also benefit from better rates for insurance premiums. Policyholders earn exclusive discounts and rewards with the company’s patented Drive Safe & Save™ program. Download the app and let the company actively monitor driving and overall performance. Those who match the criteria can save up to 30% on auto insurance rates for the year. Senior drivers with good credit enjoy excellent policy renewal scores and pay 22%-24% less insurance premiums than the national average. State Farm® operates in all 50 states, making it one of the best car insurance for seniors. Allstate® Seniors can save a lot on the best-priced car insurance policies with Allstate®. The company is the fourth largest auto insurance provider in the business. Allstate® also ranks among the best for customer service and claims handling processes. One of the key highlights is the pay-per-mile insurance policy that allows seniors to get affordable rates as per the number of miles driven in a year. The Drivewise® program monitors daily driving habits and provides the insurance company with on-time updates. Also, seniors with the best driving score and a good driving record can avail of low premiums. Allstate® offers addons, including accident forgiveness that prevents a premium increase and features loan or lease gap insurance. It also has an exclusive app that lets all policyholders review their profile, make payments, and monitor insurance status on the go. How to choose from the best car insurance for seniors Since most insurance companies offer various senior discounts and special deals to lower the premium rates, it can be challenging to make a choice. So here we've listed a few things you can consider to make the right choice and get competitive rates. Update driver status online After retirement, seniors should update their status from regular commuters to driving only for leisure. Insurance companies offer unique low-mileage plans or pay-per-mile policies for seniors who drive a limited number of miles in any given year. This detail can be updated while requesting quotes online. Learn defensive driving Some states, by mandate, require seniors to learn defensive driving. Drivers over the age of 50 can benefit from lowered premium rates and enjoy exclusive discounts on the quotes for qualifying for this eligibility criterion. Seniors can consider courses offered by AAA and AARP and spend no more than $20 for the short refresher course. Maintain a proper driving record The number of traffic violations and even accidents determines how much of an insurance risk seniors pose. Having a clean record with minimal infractions increases the chances of getting affordable premiums. Those who have multiple priors should alternatively consider applying to insurance companies that offer policies for average drivers. Compare multiple insurance companies Seniors must compare premium rates and check available discounts across top insurance providers in the country. It may so happen that a company may offer reasonable rates but no special discounts for seniors. Understand that insurance quotes are subject to changes deemed fit and necessary by the insurance provider. Please check and read all contract terms before giving any consent.

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Types and Benefits of Cash back Credit Cards

A credit card is a convenient financial tool that provides multiple benefits to its users, including cash back rewards. With the help of a cash back credit card, the user can earn high amounts of rewards, which can also help offset the bill. While some cards offer a minimum of 1% cash back on purchases, some provide 5% and above on select categories. Hence, knowing the benefits of such credit cards can be of great value. Rewards to expect A cash back credit card can benefit users in varied forms. It offers the user to get back a certain percentage of the amount paid in terms of goods and services rendered. However, the percentage received on the total amount spent can be redeemed in terms of cash or gift cards. Cash back A specific portion of the amount spent on a product or service gets redeemed straight into the user’s bank account. This percentage of the amount may vary depending on the category of the purchase. Most cash back credit cards offer a flat rate ranging between 1% to 1.5 % on the total net purchases. Some credit institutions also offer double cash back, where a cash back is available on the first purchase, and a subsequent percentage is available after making card payments on time. Statement credit Another way a company issues cash back or rewards is through a statement credit. Under this type of credit card cash back reward, the money is not transferred to the individual’s bank account. Instead, the money is deducted from the bill amount they currently owe the credit card provider.  Gift vouchers/cards Gift vouchers or cards can be bought from stores, brand websites, and restaurants. However, with a credit card, the user can get it at a subsidized rate and sometimes even free on their purchases. This helps save cash on the bills generated while shopping or dining. Various credit card companies prefer providing their users with gift cards as a benefit of using their cash back rewards cards.  Travel benefits Another feasible option that proves beneficial for frequent travelers is having their reward points converted into miles. Many financial institutions allow their users to take advantage of their accumulated points by letting them convert them into travel points. The user can redeem the travel points on the next trip. It is advisable to carefully read the terms and conditions of the potential credit cards being considered. If the benefits offered are not in line with the requirements or preferences of the user, it is better to find another option. Choosing the right card can help users redeem the rewards according to their needs. Find the right card Not all credit cards are the same. The two most common categories of rewards credit cards are cash back and travel rewards; however, some cards might be a combination of the two.  By choosing cash back credit card, users can easily keep track of the benefits earned. Additionally, unlike travel benefits cards, the benefits are not dependent on current travel rates, and the kind of loyalty program users are a part of. With cash back cards, users can choose to redeem their benefits via bank transfer or a statement credit. Flat-rate cash back These credit cards offer customers cash back at a fixed percentage ranging from 1.5% or 2% for all eligible purchases. Users signing up for this card will earn cash back on the net amount spent, irrespective of the purchase. Generally, people prefer this card since the amount is guaranteed on every purchase. However, it is vital to check for hidden costs like annual or other fees that can lower the amount of overall savings or rewards. Flat-rate cards are easy to track, compare, and manage. These are especially beneficial for those who do not want to sign up for loyalty programs. Most importantly, users are always aware of the amount they will earn through cash back or rewards.  Bonus category cash back These types of cash back credit cards offer customers bonus cash back in specific categories, including grocery stores, gas stations, travel, and entertainment. Some cards might even offer a different percentage of cash back across categories. For instance, some cards offer 2% cash back on gas and 3% on grocery purchases. On the other hand, some bonus category cards offer an earning limit for each quarter. If the user reaches this limit, their benefit rates are cut down till the end of that quarter. Also, this type of cash back is limited to a certain amount spent each year. Rotating category cash back A rotating category credit card allows users to earn a high percentage of cash back, generally 5% or more. The credit card company regularly rotates the categories that earn high rewards. This type of cash back credit card gives the cardholder the opportunity to earn high amounts of cash back on different kinds of purchases made and rendered. The primary appeal of these cards is the high rate of cash back offered on bonus category purchases. Unfortunately, the bonus rewards earnings are limited to maintain the rewards cap. It is important to note that with the cap on quarterly cash back rewards, the earnings with this card might be significantly less compared to a flat rate card.  Cardholders can choose to redeem the benefits on their cards through bank transfers, statement credits, or gift vouchers. Other redeeming options include making online purchases with the help of points, gaining entry into the company’s reward program, and more. In addition, some cash back rewards credit cards require users to have a minimum amount available in the form of points or rewards to redeem them.

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Renovation and upgrades are not just limited to the aesthetic changes around the house. It also includes the necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure there are no unnoticed damages that could worsen with time. Rain gutters collect all the water and provide a proper outlet flow to prevent leaks during a heavy pour. And gutter protection systems ensure these drainage outlets operate efficiently. Here are essential points to consider before installing these systems. Gutter guards function as a primary filter Protective covers prevent leaves, mud, sticks, and even smaller rodents or pests from washing into the small opening designed for water collection. This helps lower the cost of maintenance significantly, as you do not have to frequently clean these outlets. Most guards have a crisscross mesh pattern that allows only liquids to flow into the drainage system. With protective covers installed, you spend no more than a couple of hundred dollars to have the entire system serviced twice a year. Long-term utility benefits When water flows freely within the drainage system, it reduces the risk of pooling or overflowing and ultimately leaking. Water pooling, if left unchecked, can also damage the structural integrity of the home. Moreover, dirty, backed-up rainwater becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites, increasing the risk of infection.
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How to Choose the Best Monthly Disposable Contact Lenses Online

Contact lens users can choose from a range of categories of lenses. Among the different types, a popular choice is monthly disposable contact lenses, requiring minimum cleaning and easy handling. You can wear a pair of monthly lenses for 30 days before replacing it. But with several options available online, it can be challenging to find a suitable pick. For your convenience, we’ve discussed a few things you can consider before buying disposable lenses online. Popular monthly disposable lenses available online Purchasing a pair of high-quality contact lenses is imperative to ensure good eye health. We have listed six popular lenses from different brands that you can pick from online. Note that each lens for your left and right eye is designed based on a prescription from an eye doctor. Alcon AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® Approved by the FDA, the AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® flexible lenses are designed to sit comfortably in the eyes for 30 consecutive days and nights as you can sleep in these lenses. A box of six lenses costs about $95.99. The product boasts a SMARTSHIELD® Technology – a protective layer of moisture that repels unwanted deposits that may irritate the eye. Moreover, it is one of the softest and most breathable lens options.
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Tips to Get the Best Deal for a Junk Car

It might be difficult to sell your beloved trusty old commuter car due to its frequent repairs. However, car selling can help you get an extra slice of income, even if it is junk. Statistics suggest that selling your junk car to the auto recycling industry contributes at least $25 billion per year to the national GDP. So, read this article if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for some extra cash. Know your car’s true value You will be surprised to know the worth of a junk car as it stands stationed in your garage, gathering dust. There are multiple services and history-based value tools available online that can help you get an estimate of your old car. A thorough evaluation can help you get a good deal, especially if you are looking to sell your car to a junkyard for cash. If your car is inoperable, gathering rust and dust in your garage, consider selling it to auto salvage yards or junkyards. These yards might not offer a higher price, but you can certainly earn some profit by selling your junk car to them. Ask around or look online for the best auto salvage yards that offer you a good deal.
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Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

With energy bars gaining immense popularity, it comes as no surprise that their market is expected to grow by $1.09 billion this decade in the continent alone. These protein bars have become the go-to choice for a quick and healthy snack as people become increasingly conscious about their food choices. These nutritious mini-meals are highly preferred by young people and athletes alike. Let’s look at some of the leading healthy options for you. Boom If you are among those who love to start their day with a caffeine kick, Boom bars help you just the right amount of that jolt. A single energy bar contains about 150mg of caffeine, which is more than that in a single espresso shot or a regular cup of coffee. Not only that, but they also contain 11g of protein, making it a filling snack. Understandably, they cater to a niche market that specifically enjoys the deliciousness of edible coffee. Boom focuses on highlighting why eating caffeine makes for a smoother experience than simply drinking it. A box of 7 bars costs about $24.  GoMacro These are vegan bars made from sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy energy bars are organic, Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even soy-free.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

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Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
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Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
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