Student Credit Card and Credit Education Blog

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05.18.09 | Discover’s Prepaid Card, Teens & Parents Approve

Posted in Credit Card Info, Credit Information, Student Banking by Platinum Student

If your pleas to convince Mom and Dad that you’re responsible, and that you will not abuse a credit card or debit card have been met with sadistic laughter and your least favorite word, “No,” than perhaps it’s time to try a new strategy. Look at things through their eyes.

They were young once too (believe it or not) and felt the temptations of the mighty plastic themselves. They know how easy it is to run up a huge debt or deplete a savings account. They basically view your request as another bill they’ll have to pay in a time when most are trying to pay down outstanding balances and ride out the economic storm. What I would suggest doing is to speak their language. Tell them about the Discover Teen Prepaid Debit Card with built-in parental controls. It’s not only great for you, but probably your best chance at getting your own debit card and proving just how responsible you are.

Why it’s great for Teens

  • No previous credit needed
  • Make purchases online, over the phone, & in stores
  • Withdraw cash from ATM’s
  • Exclusive discounts at your favorite merchants
  • Unique card designs

Why it’s great for Parents

  • Easily to add funds from a credit card or bank account
  • No APR
  • Daily, Weekly, and monthly Spending limit management
  • Restrict use in unwanted shopping categories (e.g. Liquor Stores, Tobacco Stores, Hotels, etc)

Additional Card Details

  • $0 Fraud liability (safe way to keep and spend money)
  • Free Direct Deposit for Parents and Teens
  • $5 monthly fee or $50 annually

Discover’s prepaid card really is a win-win for all. Teens get the financial independence they crave (up to the maximum on the debit card of course) while parents maintain control over the daily, weekly, and monthly limits, as well as the shopping categories.

Teens and parents don’t see eye to eye on many things, so relish this rare moment of nirvana.

Special code for scholarshippoints.com members: LUVPREPAY


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126 Comments »

  1. jon says

    hmm, looks pretty cool!

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  2. Tara says

    I actually think my Mom would go for this. I know if I had my own card I would spend spend spend, which is why she’s said no to me in the past, but being able to set the limit would appeal to her. Setting the limits is probably a good thing – even if I want those shoes!!!!

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  3. chris says

    wow! how interesting

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  4. Ashley Chisem says

    I very much agree with these.

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  5. Nick says

    Looks great

    May 19th, 2009 | #

  6. kressha says

    Will I be able to build credit with this?

    May 20th, 2009 | #

  7. jill says

    keep that gimmie the real thing

    May 20th, 2009 | #

  8. racquel says

    Does this build my credit? what are the age limits for this card? It realy does look interesting and even my mom says so. Great opportunity.

    May 20th, 2009 | #

  9. Delisa says

    Cool!

    May 21st, 2009 | #

  10. Yarve says

    Cool

    May 21st, 2009 | #

  11. Ashley Williams says

    I need help with tuition

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  12. kelsey says

    pretty cool

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  13. kelsey says

    very cool

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  14. Valerie says

    This does sound interesting – but what if I just want a card like that – one that limits me? I don’t depend on my parents anymore, despite the fact that I am only 18

    May 26th, 2009 | #

  15. DeMeisha says

    I think my mom would actually agree….for once.

    May 26th, 2009 | #

  16. collin says

    it looks interesting enough

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  17. Terry says

    Its a good way to learn how to bugget your savings.

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  18. Ashley Stevens says

    That’s cool. I wonder if it has overdraft protection. That’s my biggest problem.

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  19. Nikita says

    sweeeet.

    May 28th, 2009 | #

  20. Daniel says

    Sign me up!!

    May 28th, 2009 | #

  21. bianca says

    this is a great idea

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  22. Gerald Frank says

    Not a bad idea. My mom might just bite

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  23. Tony says

    My parents would like this!

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  24. meagan says

    interesting

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  25. Daniela says

    Great tips

    May 30th, 2009 | #

  26. Linda says

    This is a great way to control you childs spending yet give them a sense of freedome and choice.

    May 30th, 2009 | #

  27. Aneshia says

    cool!

    May 31st, 2009 | #

  28. Jaqi says

    that’s nice

    June 1st, 2009 | #

  29. Jaqi says

    these are good tips

    June 1st, 2009 | #

  30. James says

    It wouldn’t suit someone who needs to build credit. It’s just a sure fire way to stay out of debt and pay with plastic so one doesn’t feel out-cast for not paying in plastic.

    June 1st, 2009 | #

  31. Erika says

    pretty neat

    June 2nd, 2009 | #

  32. logan walton says

    ITS OK

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  33. ALEX says

    THIS WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE IN A PINCH

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  34. Candice says

    I could see how it could help one build credit

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  35. Semira says

    my parents actually think i am the most responsible person in earth so, i really don’t have to worry.
    but really great tips.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  36. Sarah says

    pretty good idea.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  37. Samuel Patterson says

    Thank God for these guys.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  38. SAMIAH says

    this looks cool i think that it would b better for college freshmen.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  39. Tiea says

    pritty cool

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  40. Kier says

    This is really good… I think that I will talk to my mother today about this… She is worried about me going into debt when I attend college..

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  41. raea says

    i agree

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  42. Brittney says

    Looks cool!

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  43. Jessica Witts says

    very interesting

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  44. Jessica Witts says

    very intersting

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  45. Sarah says

    Well, my mom trusts me with money and this isn’t something she’d take advantage of. But, I know some parents who’d love this. Looks like a great idea!

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  46. kluiee says

    its okay

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  47. carmen says

    interesting.

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  48. marilyn says

    This is really great and the teens can learn how to save..

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  49. Katlin says

    this seems good discover just sent me mail about this

    June 7th, 2009 | #

  50. Lauren says

    I don’t agree with the $5.00 Charge!!!!

    June 7th, 2009 | #

  51. Jamie says

    hm i like this

    June 8th, 2009 | #

  52. Woldine says

    this sound great, but i still think its more safe to stay without any credit card, especially when you young

    June 8th, 2009 | #

  53. Steve says

    My parents will like that they can limit my spending

    June 9th, 2009 | #

  54. Steve says

    I like that my parents can help me with budgeting by preloading the card with a certain amount of money

    June 9th, 2009 | #

  55. katherine says

    its a good idea

    June 9th, 2009 | #

  56. Michael says

    Sweet stuff

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  57. Sarah says

    Not a teen but sounds excellent.

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  58. Jasmine says

    I agree with parents because I know I get the urge once in a while to go blow money on clothes, shoes, and electronics. Thank god I had a smart, stubborn grandmother who made me get a bank account on my own. I have a debit card and it works just like a credit card only your spending money you really have instead of someone other company’s money, and the best part about that is you don’t have to pay anyone back, with interest, you just have to refill your bank account. Another good thing about having a bank account/debit card that is your money acculuates interest as it sits in your account, I love that, so you get to see your money grow as well.

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  59. Chasity says

    it sounds good but dont think i should have any credit cards especially when i have seen how credit cards get people in serious debt.

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  60. Lauren says

    Sounds good. :) I already have a debit card though with my checking account

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  61. Elizbeth says

    cool

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  62. MacKenzie says

    I think it is a good idea to start building credit when you can.

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  63. Andrea says

    A posibility when parents are not wealthy

    June 14th, 2009 | #

  64. Evie says

    Hi Everyone,

    From my understanding these do not build credit especailly when previous credit history is not required. But nonetheless it helps create credibility with parents and it allows us to learn how manage our spending.

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  65. Briana says

    COOL

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  66. Sam says

    interesting. i already have a debit card

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  67. Jamie says

    this is a good idea!

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  68. Ginny says

    this is a great way to start credit.

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  69. Erica says

    I have one of these and it really helps me not spend to much and be way more careful with my money! :D

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  70. Cody Leidig says

    sounds cool!

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  71. joann says

    cool, i had one too

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  72. liz says

    this doesnt sound so safe

    June 17th, 2009 | #

  73. gaudy says

    this is a great way to start building your credit.

    June 17th, 2009 | #

  74. Rontavia says

    SWEEEEEET!!!!!!

    June 18th, 2009 | #

  75. Kevin says

    It sounds cool

    June 20th, 2009 | #

  76. annemarie says

    this is crazy

    June 20th, 2009 | #

  77. Nicole says

    My mom will probably go for this!!!:)

    June 22nd, 2009 | #

  78. laura says

    that’s a good idea!

    June 23rd, 2009 | #

  79. kasey says

    seems like a sensible idea – im just figuring out how to take care of my own finances!flunkey

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  80. lisa says

    no previous card needed — sounds great!

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  81. joey says

    sounds great

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  82. joey says

    i want one

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  83. joey says

    oh yes

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  84. Kara says

    sounds good

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  85. Krystin says

    sounds like a good deal to me.

    June 26th, 2009 | #

  86. Mariana says

    I beleive that everyone has had the emptation of shopping like crazy at least once in our lives. What I like about this card, is that since it is meant for teens, parents get to restrict the use of unwanted categories. After reading some of the comments above, I believe that this does not help them build up credit, but it sure is a good way to know what it feels like to be, RESPONSIBLE. :D

    June 29th, 2009 | #

  87. nick says

    this is a good i idea

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  88. nick says

    this is a good idea

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  89. lisa says

    no previous credit needed, awesome!

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  90. Amanda Diaz says

    awesome!

    July 1st, 2009 | #

  91. Golf says

    real cool

    July 2nd, 2009 | #

  92. AeGray says

    I still don’t think I would be allowed to do this,even though I’m old enough.Besides I already have an account with another place where I could get a debit or credit.

    July 4th, 2009 | #

  93. Forrest says

    Looks pretty interesting

    July 8th, 2009 | #

  94. Ryan Howard says

    Why not just apply for a student Discover card of your own with limits? Asking your parents to pay a fee, when you can have your own at no charge seems irresponsible.

    July 8th, 2009 | #

  95. Liam Green says

    very interseting

    July 9th, 2009 | #

  96. Julie says

    interesting

    July 9th, 2009 | #

  97. Ashley G says

    i like them..

    July 10th, 2009 | #

  98. Carson says

    $5.00 a month is a lot.

    July 10th, 2009 | #

  99. Sujeidy says

    Me and my mom were actually considering getting this for my little brother. It’ll give him a sense of responsibility and its easy for us to control.

    July 11th, 2009 | #

  100. rach says

    nice :)

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  101. Jared says

    no previous credit needed, awesome!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  102. Autumn Garcia says

    I know my parents would be willing to do something like this for me, but I have a sibling that they’d never even consider it.I know theres safe gauerds, but he’s just too irresponsible, he losses everything!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  103. Autumn Garcia says

    I know my parents would be willing to do this foe me

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  104. Autumn Garcia says

    sounds good

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  105. Morgana says

    Interesting!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  106. Morgana says

    Great!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  107. ashley says

    I think that this is a good idea. It helps you become an adult and build credit for the future.

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  108. Britteny says

    real cool

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  109. Preeti says

    This really seems cool! I might go for this one! :)

    July 14th, 2009 | #

  110. Theresa says

    This actually seems like it would benefit teenagers instead of hurting us like credit cards do. Its not that credit cards are totally bad, its just that we’re not prepared to handle the responsibility.

    July 14th, 2009 | #

  111. Sasha says

    Yes, one does need to have a credit card these days, for emergency purposes. However, pizza delivery does not fit into the “emergency” category! Please take care of your budget and be smart. Kthx.

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  112. Sam says

    Looks like a great idea.

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  113. Cecile Cwikla says

    A very safe/controlled start for teens. I’ll go for it.

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  114. kevin says

    dont need credit card

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  115. Gwen says

    Looks like a good idea for any teen! i know I had trouble gaining credit myself, great way to start!

    July 31st, 2009 | #

  116. Gretchen says

    Sounds cool actually but do you really want your teen to have that?

    August 7th, 2009 | #

  117. Bri says

    It’s a great start and it teaches you how to limit your spending.

    August 11th, 2009 | #

  118. Michael says

    Making purchases online will save me money. Good to know

    August 18th, 2009 | #

  119. Evan Haynes says

    Great alternative to credit cards!

    August 19th, 2009 | #

  120. taylor says

    i think that i would like this.it seems like a good training tool for when i leave home.

    August 21st, 2009 | #

  121. Lisa says

    This is pretty cool. Now I would have to persuade my parents to do this.

    August 22nd, 2009 | #

  122. Emanuel says

    I don’t have a credit card yet so…

    October 4th, 2009 | #

  123. Maria says

    My parents didn’t trust me with my own credit card until I turned 18 and got my own one. However, I now am beginning to not trust myself with it.

    October 14th, 2009 | #

  124. jacqueline terrazas says

    i would not mind having a credit card

    October 15th, 2009 | #

  125. roy says

    this is a good idea i approve lol

    October 21st, 2009 | #

  126. Rachel Richardson says

    I donot like pre pay credit cards if you got the money to put on a card you can pay cash for what you want to buy I want on credit card

    October 26th, 2009 | #

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