Western Union Pre Paid Credit Cards

Western Union pre paid credit cards are an easy way to have the convenience of a credit card even if the cardholder might not otherwise qualify for a traditional credit card. The starting balance on this card is the amount the cardholder deposits. The card is used like a debit card.

Western Union pre paid credit cards feature the MasterCard logo and are accepted by any merchant that accepts MasterCard. There is no credit check necessary to obtain a card since there is no credit extended to the cardholder. The only money available to the cardholder is the amount of money loaded onto the card minus any charges or fees.

There are several fees associated with this card:

• A one-time $9.95 activation fee
• A monthly maintenance fee of $4.95. The fee will be waived if direct deposit to the card is utilized.
• A per-deposit fee of $3.95. This fee does not apply to direct deposits.
• ATM fees, charged by both Western Union ($2) and the owner of the ATM (amount varies)
• A $2 fee every time customer service is called with a question
• A $2 fee for a paper copy of a monthly card statement
• A $10 fee to replace a lost or stolen card

Most of these fees can be avoided if direct deposit is utilized. Employers can deposit the cardholder’s pay directly to the card account instead of into a bank account. Cardholders can have an unlimited number of direct deposits to the card each month as long as the total balance of the card never exceeds the preset limit of $2500. Direct deposits can only come from one source, so a cardholder with more than one employer will need to decide which employer will have access to depositing funds to the card.

This card can be used anywhere a MasterCard is accepted, including online merchants and purchases over the phone. Cardholders can also use the card to withdraw money from an ATM.

Although the card works like a regular debit card, special considerations must be made since it is a prepaid card. For example, the card will not work when attempting to pay at the pump for gas if the card balance is not at least $75. If the balance is less, the cardholder can pay inside.

The cardholder will not be liable for charges made by someone else if the card is lost or stolen if the loss is reported to Western Union within two days. After two days, the cardholder becomes liable.

These cards are available to people aged 15 and older. A card can be purchased online or at any Western Union agent participating in the prepaid MasterCard program. Cardholders must be United States residents and must furnish a physical address before obtaining the card.

Money can be reloaded onto the card at a participating Western Union office.

Cardholders can check their balances both online and over the phone. A telephone balance check or ATM balance check may result in fees:

• Customer Service Fee - If you do not utilize the automated telephone system then you may be assessed a fee for speaking with a representative.
• ATM Fee - If you use an ATM to check your balance you may be charged a fee by the owner of the ATM. The amount of the fee depends upon the fee schedule of the institution that owns the ATM.

The prepaid MasterCard issued through Western Union should be treated like any other credit or debit card. You should not share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone because this can result in your money being accessed from and ATM without your permission. You should keep the card either in your wallet or in a safe place, just like you would cash or a credit card. Although Western Union offers the no-liability policy if the theft or loss of a card is reported quickly, it is still a hassle to get a new card issued and to not have access to your money while you wait.

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