Shopping online has become a very popular way to purchase items of all shapes and sizes for all kinds of purposes. Even medicines can be purchased online today. This further boosted the popularity of credit cards as a form of payment. This small plastic card has become a necessary part of everyday life. It could also be very easy to abuse. Such a temptation to keep shopping and loading your purchases onto your card without having to worry about whether or not you have the money may be too strong to resist. It’s very easy to overspend and get into too much debt with credit cards.

Those who lack a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions can fall into the debt trap. In fact, there are studies that show a growing number of cardholders in their 20s have already filed for bankruptcy due to credit card spending. A recent innovation that helps control spending is the prepaid credit card. This type of plastic is especially useful for those who shop online most of the time.

It is a cross between a credit card and a debit card. It is used in the same way as a normal card when you make a purchase. However, the maximum amount you can withdraw is limited by the amount of the deposit you make to your account. This way, you don’t overspend and you don’t have to deal with interest rates. It also eliminates late fees since you’ve already preloaded your plastic. Generally, these types of cards are accepted in most establishments both online and offline. However, self-loading facilities for purchases or services that require regular and recurring payments are not available with this type of plastic.

Another advantage is its relative security when used for online purchases. Cases of credit card fraud and identity theft have made people wary of using them to make purchases online. If all you need is to shop online, you may be able to opt for a virtual prepaid card. Just like your physical plastic card, you must load it with cash before you can use it. The only difference is that you don’t get a physical card with a virtual card. The additional protection that these virtual cards could give you is the limitation on the amount of data that could be transmitted.

You can apply for such a virtual card account online. Once you are approved, you get an account number that you can fund with a deposit which is also done online via your regular plastic card, a debit card, or other payment facilities like PayPal. With your account loaded, you can now click and shop online without having to fight crowds or wait in line at the checkout counter.