[KarlInOhio]

I've only used them when I don't entirely trust the person I'm purchasing from. For example, before the Google Play Store had gift cards, I got a prepaid Visa with $50 on it so if they lost security I wouldn't have to worry about them knowing a real credit card number. I did a similar thing with iTunes with Apple gift cards and on my prepaid cell phone I only use prepaid cards.

One time someone tapped into my account and purchased about $20 of software. Fortunately I caught it quickly and Apple refunded the money, but I really don't trust having portable devices or cell phones have access to a real credit card.

[jeannineinsd]

That is a good use of a prepaid Visa card. We hear more and more of payment data being compromised.

[grania]

A few years back my wallet was stolen, left for me to find except for the cash and credit cards. (It's always nice to be robbed by considerate crooks). The smartest thing to do was to have no financial activity that connected to credit or banks until my new accounts were established.

The prepaid card was great. The debit card isn't as good, because it attaches to ones checking account. With the prepaid, I took money out of the bank in person and put the cash on the prepaid. Paying with that divulged no personal information.

The only reason I stopped using the prepaid is that it added so many fees and wanted so much more information that it defeated its own purpose.