Maximizing Your Ready Card Balance
If you're interested in getting a prepaid credit card, it's best to do some research. Prepaid cards can help you build a good credit history, but you should be careful not to overspend and end up with debt. There are several ways to load funds on a prepaid card, some are free and others have fees attached. How to Make a Payment
If you have a balance on your prepaid card, you can use it online to pay for products or services. Some sites may require you to enter your account number and security code (usually three digits on the back of the card) before letting you complete the purchase.
Another way to make a payment is through direct deposit or by adding cash. You can add cash to your prepaid card using a MoneyPak or Visa Ready Link. A MoneyPak is purchased at a store that carries them, such as Wal-Mart or Rite Aid and then transferred to your prepaid card online. Alternatively, you can also load cash onto your prepaid card through an ATM, but you might be charged a fee for this service. How to Set Up AutoPay
With autopay, you can set your prepaid card to pay off its entire balance each month. “This will eliminate the risk of paying late fees, losing reward points and potentially damaging your credit score,” Roper says. However, you need to make sure your bank account has enough money to cover the automatic payment when it is drafted. Otherwise, you could face overdraft fees (the median cost is $34) or your bank may decline the transaction. Ideally, you should monitor your bank account regularly and set up low-balance text alerts to ensure you're always in the clear.
Another option is to have the prepaid card automatically deposit funds directly from your checking account each payday, or when you receive any government-funded checks, such as your income tax refund. This is the best way to avoid expensive check-cashing fees and ensure that your prepaid card's balance is accurate. This method is usually free, though some prepaid cards charge a small fee to use this feature.
You can also load cash onto readycard balance check
your prepaid card using a MoneyPak or Visa Ready Link. Both options are easy, but both require a little extra planning since you'll need to find a store that carries the product and wait for it to be loaded.
Finally, you should review your automatic payments before each billing cycle to see if the dates are still right for your budget and financial situation. Consider whether you should switch to a higher fixed amount or a lower minimum payment, depending on your habits and goals. Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep your prepaid card's balance in good standing and avoid doing anything that can hurt your credit score or lead to debt.