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Whether you want to keep some cash separate or would like to give a different kind of gift, a debit card without a bank account could sound like the perfect option for your situation. You wont even need to open a savings account!
Without a bank account providing access to everyday funds, using a debit card can be a more efficient way to manage money for people who find they spend too much and those who worry about security while travelling or shopping online.
They can also be a more specific way to give people money-based gifts when nothing else seems appropriate.
To give you an idea of the different kinds of debit cards available without a bank account, here is a look at three of the most common options.
Store Debit Cards
From Myer and David Jones to Coles, Bunnings and iTunes, store-based debit card options are available almost everywhere.
While these gift cards are not usually MasterCard or Visa options, they can be used in any participating store multiple times and make it easier for people to get the perfect gift for any occasion.
Shopping Centre Debit Cards
Many shopping centres now offer gift cards that can be used at most stores within the complex or shopping centre brand.
Westfield, for example, has a range of debit cards that people will be able to use at any Westfield shopping centre as well as a specialised debit card, called the XS card, that is accepted wherever EFTPOS is available.
Pre-Paid MasterCard and Visa Cards
There are also pre-paid debit card options processed by MasterCard and Visa available for people who want the flexibility of these options.
Australia Post, for example, sells a reloadable pre-paid Visa debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, including online and overseas.
There are also many travel-specific debit cards, like the Travelex card, that are designed to make paying by card safer overseas.
The only thing to be aware of with these kinds of debit cards is that sometimes the surcharges or additional costs can be quite high.
Whatever the reason for wanting a debit card not tied to a bank account, there are many different options to choose from. With these three in mind you will be able to make a good debit card choice for any situation.
susan ponti
January 20, 2014How do I deposit cash into my debit mastercard-card debit account, if I don’t have an account?
Leann
January 29, 2014Hi Susan, it depends what debit Mastercard you own and who it is affiliated with. For example, the Woolworths Prepaid card allows you to top up the card at any Woolworths supermarket or BIG W store. All you’d need to do is present your card in store/at an information desk and ask them to deposit funds into your account.