 TITLE: Do Prepaid Credit Cards Help Your Credit Score? CONTENT: When Is a Prepaid Credit Card a Good Option?\n--------------------------------------------\nThere are several reasons people choose prepaid credit cards.\n*   **You don't have a bank account.** You need a bank account to get a debit card and most regular credit cards. You can buy a prepaid credit card with cash and get the convenience of a payment card without a bank account.\n*   **You want an alternative to cash.** Prepaid credit cards can be more convenient than carrying cash or for businesses that don't accept cash. If you can't get a credit card or debit card, you can use a prepaid card to make online purchases. A prepaid credit card can be used anywhere the card's payment network, such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express, is accepted.\n*   **You're under 18.** You must be at least 18 to get a credit card in your name. If no one is willing to add you as an authorized user on their credit card, a prepaid credit card could be an alternative.\n*   **You can't qualify for a regular credit card.** Getting a regular credit card requires a credit check; if you have poor credit or no credit history, you may not qualify. There's no credit check for prepaid credit cards; you can get one at drugstores, office supply stores, gas stations, supermarkets and online, and start using it right away.\n*   **You want fraud protection.** Prepaid credit cards offer safeguards similar to what credit cards and debit cards do. Cardholders are only liable for up to $50 if an unauthorized charge is reported within two days of its occurrence, according to federal rules. Some protections only kick in once the card is registered with the issuer. If your card is lost or stolen, the card issuer may transfer your balance to a new card.\n*   **You want help budgeting.** If you tend to overspend, a prepaid credit card can restrain you, because spending is limited to the money in your account.\n*   **You want to give someone money.** Parents sometimes use prepaid credit cards to give children allowances. You can also give a housekeeper or nanny a card they can use to make purchases for your family, like buying groceries. END