Does anybody know how you can use pre-paid debit cards for online shopping?

[rockymountaindem]

I'm thinking they might be a good gift idea for a member of the pre-internet generation who is afraid of online shopping. Can you use pre-paid debit cards online and if so, what kind of information do you have to provide the merchant?

[jmowreader]

1. You use them like regular debit cards

They're also a good idea for anyone who wants to shop online. You buy the card for whatever it costs, go online and buy the thing you want, and pay for it with the prepaid card.

It's expensive to do--the ones I get charge $10 to buy the card, plus however much money you're putting on, and IIRC there's a charge to add more money. (The ones the bank sells might not be like this. I've only used the ones from convenience stores.) OTOH, it's cheaper than letting someone hoover your bank account.

[LeftyMom]

2. My credit union sells them for $4.

[jmowreader]

5. That sounds real good. Thanks.

[rockymountaindem]

3. Is there any risk of identity theft? n/t

[jmowreader]

4. I wouldn't think so...

There's not enough information on one to really give an identity thief what he needs to open a credit card in your name.