Smartphones are everywhere, and it’s hard to find a person today that doesn’t have one. From gaming to productivity to social media, apps power much of what we to. While many of these apps are free and only need the occasional update, other apps only offer the basics, and if you want more, you need to pay for it.
Most of these apps allow you to pay for additional services or content in many ways, but many people are reluctant to hand over their credit or debit card details. A prepaid card for in-app purchases is a great alternative for getting the apps and content you want, safely and efficiently. Here’s how…
Table of Contents
- Why Use a Prepaid Card for In-App Purchases?
- How to Set Up Your Prepaid Card
- Prepaid Cards and Apple Devices
- Prepaid Cards and Google Play
- Understand Subscription Terms
- Security Tips for Prepaid Cards
- Get a Prepaid Card with Suits Me
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Use a Prepaid Card for In-App Purchases?
A prepaid card works by loading a set amount of money onto the card. With no overdraft, you can only spend what’s there. This feature can help you:
- Control spending for in-app purchases and subscriptions by loading only a set amount.
- Reduce the risk of debt by blocking any transactions you cannot afford to purchase on your prepaid card
- Avoid sharing your primary bank details
- Add a layer of security for online payments as potential hackers do not have access to other bank accounts which may have more money or the ability to set up new accounts.
Most major app platforms accept prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards, provided they are issued by approved providers.
How to Set Up Your Prepaid Card
Benefits sound good? Let’s walk you through how easy it is to set up a prepaid card for in-app purchases.
1. Check the Accepted Payment Methods
Before you sign up for a prepaid card to pay for your in-app purchases, check the apps to see if you can use these cards.
Some apps accept payment via credit or debit cards, but prepaid card payments may be rejected. The good news is that many of the apps will accept prepaid cards, but only if approved providers have issued them- so it’s worth checking first!
2. Register Your Prepaid Card to Make In-App Purchases
In most cases, when you download an app, you will be prompted to pay a subscription. Before you can do this, you’ll be asked to choose your payment method. In this case, you’d use the details on your prepaid cards and add them in- just as you would with a regular card.
The system will guide you through the process, and you’ll receive confirmation of your payment method being accepted. Once you see this notification, you can make your in-app purchase.
Your card details are typically stored in the app store for future payments- so you can quickly make purchases without having to re-enter every time. And that’s it! Super simple and quick.
Prepaid Cards and Apple Devices
If you have an iPhone or iPad, purchases are processed through Apple.
You can add your prepaid card directly to your Apple ID:
- Open Settings
- Tap your name
- Select Payment & Shipping
- Add your prepaid Visa or Mastercard
Once your card is linked, simply select the app in the App Store and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
Prepaid Cards and Google Play
Android users can link prepaid cards to their Google account for app purchases in the Google Play Store.
To do this:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Select Payments and Subscriptions
- Add your prepaid card
Alternatively, you can also connect your card through Google Pay
Understand Subscription Terms
Now you know how to set up your prepaid card, it’s important to check the fine print before making a purchase.
Many in-app purchases are subscription services, so you may be charged monthly or annually, while others charge a one-off fee. There’s also a change charges may renew automatically. These are details you should check for before you accept the terms and conditions.
Top tip: always make sure to check your subscription fees and top-up your prepaid card accordingly. Some prepaid cards may decline recurring charges if the balance is insufficient.
Security Tips for Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are a smart budgeting and safety tool, but you should still remain cautious when making new purchases.
Here are our top tips:
- Only purchase cards from reputable retailers
- Keep your card details private
- Monitor your balance regularly
Avoid saving card details on shared devices
Get a Prepaid Card with Suits Me
At Suits Me®, we offer much more than just a basic prepaid debit card. Our accounts are personal e-money accounts that work similarly to a traditional bank account but without a credit check.
This means you can pay for app subscriptions with confidence, keep your spending separate from a main bank account and stay in control of your budget.
You’ll also get access to your secure online account and our mobile app, allowing you to track in-app purchases, monitor subscriptions, and manage your balance anytime, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my prepaid card declined?
Common reasons include insufficient funds, lack of registration, or restrictions on recurring billing.
Are prepaid cards safer than credit cards?
They can be safer for online purchases because they aren’t linked directly to your bank account and limit potential loss to the loaded balance.
Can I use a prepaid card for in-app purchases on gaming apps?
Yes, prepaid cards work well for gaming apps and are a popular choice for parents who want to give children a set amount to spend on games without the risk of overspending.
Can I set spending limits for in-app purchases using a prepaid card?
The built-in limit of a prepaid card is effectively the balance you load onto it. By only loading what you’re comfortable spending, you create your own natural cap on in-app purchases. This makes prepaid cards a much safer option than linking a credit or debit card directly to an app store, where it can be easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent.
What happens if a subscription renews and I don’t have enough on my card?
If your balance is too low when a subscription tries to renew, the payment will be declined. This could result in your subscription being paused or cancelled depending on the provider’s policy.
Can I get a refund for an in-app purchase back onto my prepaid card?
This depends on the app store’s refund policy rather than the prepaid card itself. Apple and Google both have refund processes for eligible purchases, and if approved, the refund should be returned to the card used for the original payment.
Is it safe to save my prepaid card details in an app store?
It is generally safe to save your prepaid card details in reputable app stores like Apple or Google Play, as these platforms use strong encryption to protect your payment information. The added reassurance with a prepaid card is that even if your details were ever compromised, the potential loss is limited to whatever balance is currently loaded on the card rather than your full bank account.
