Prepaid cards seem to never go out of style. Maybe it’s the anonymity of it all that makes them so popular. You’re able to make deposits without anyone having to know. Especially handy when it comes to depositing at online casinos (wink wink). Anyway, let’s dive in and break down the most popular gift cards.
Overview of Key Prepaid Gift Cards
| Card Type | Usability | Fees | Expiration | Reloadable |
| Vanilla Prepaid Cards | Widely accepted online and in-store | One-time purchase fee | Funds never expire; card expires after 9 years | No |
| American Express Prepaid Cards | Limited to AmEx merchants | One-time purchase fee | No expiration date | No |
| Walmart Prepaid Cards | Walmart stores and online | Lower purchase fee | Never expires | No |
| Amazon Gift Cards | Amazon website and app only | No fees | No expiration date | No |
| iTunes & Google Play Gift Cards | Respective app stores | No fees | No expiration date | No |
Let’s go a bit more in-depth and explore each one.
1. Vanilla Prepaid Cards
Overview
Vanilla prepaid cards, available as Visa or Mastercard, are among the most widely accepted gift cards in Canada. They can be used anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, even visa gift card casinos in Canada.
Key Features
- Usability: Accepted both in-store and online across Canada and internationally.
- Fees: There is a purchase fee when buying the card, but no monthly fees.
- Expiration: The funds never expire, but the physical card may have an expiry date. You can request a replacement card if needed.
- Security: Transactions are secure, with no link to your bank account, making it safer for online shopping.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Widely accepted, no monthly fees, secure for online use.
- Cons: Initial purchase fee, cannot reload the card after funds are used.
2. American Express Prepaid Cards
Overview
American Express prepaid cards offer similar benefits to Vanilla cards but are less widely accepted due to the more limited merchant acceptance of American Express.
Key Features
- Usability: Accepted at any location that takes American Express, but this may be fewer places compared to Visa and Mastercard.
- Fees: Purchase fees apply, but there are no monthly fees.
- Expiration: The funds do not expire, though the card itself may.
- Security: Strong fraud protection and secure transactions.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Strong fraud protection, no monthly fees, prestigious brand.
- Cons: Limited merchant acceptance, purchase fees.
3. Walmart Prepaid Cards
Overview
Walmart prepaid cards are designed specifically for use at Walmart stores and online. They are most suitable for frequent Walmart shoppers.
Key Features
- Usability: Can be used in Walmart stores and on Walmart’s website. May also be accepted at affiliated retailers.
- Fees: Typically lower purchase fees, but limited to Walmart’s ecosystem.
- Expiration: Like other cards, the funds don’t expire, but the physical card might.
- Security: Safe for in-store and online purchases within Walmart’s network.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Lower fees, ideal for Walmart shoppers, secure transactions within a controlled network.
- Cons: Limited usability outside of Walmart, cannot be used universally like Vanilla or American Express cards.
4. iTunes and Google Play Gift Cards
Overview
These cards are specialized for purchasing digital content on the Apple and Google Play stores. They are perfect if you’re frequently buying apps, music, or movies.
Key Features
- Usability: Can only be used in their respective app stores to purchase apps or subscriptions.
- Fees: No fees.
- Expiration: None, these cards don’t have expiry dates.
- Security: Secure, as they are tied to your account within the app store.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: No fees, ideal for buying digital content, secure.
- Cons: Limited to specific platforms, not usable for general purchases.
5. Amazon Gift Cards
Overview
Amazon gift cards are perfect for purchasing a vast array of products available on Amazon. They are flexible but limited to Amazon’s platform.
Key Features
- Usability: Can only be used on Amazon’s website or app.
- Fees: No fees are associated with purchasing or using these cards.
- Expiration: Funds typically do not expire.
- Security: Secure as they are redeemed directly into your Amazon account.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: No fees, can be used for a wide variety of products, easy to redeem.
- Cons: Limited to Amazon purchases, not a general-purpose card.
Choosing the Right Prepaid Gift Card
As you can see, there are gift cards for everything. American Express and Visa are more known for offering credit cards when it comes to gambling, but they are becoming ever more popular when it comes to gift cards as well now.
So which one should you get? Well it depends on what you need it for. If you’re using it for online gambling, get a Vanilla Visa. Using it to buy apps? Buy an iTunes or a Google Play gift card. Feeling more fancy? Get an Amex gift card.