Student Credit Card and Credit Education Blog

Current events and opinions about student credit issues

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

Posted in Credit, Credit Cards, Financial Information by Little Miss Platinum

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.

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142 Comments »

  1. thomasstarish says

    The initiative taken for the concern is very serious and need an
    attention of every one. This is the concern which exists in the
    society and needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as
    possible.
    ==========================
    http://www.allcreditcards.info

    May 20th, 2010 | #

  2. thomasstarish says

    The initiative taken for the concern is very serious and need an
    attention of every one. This is the concern which exists in the
    society and needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as
    possible.
    ==================
    http://www.allcreditcards.info

    May 20th, 2010 | #

  3. Ashley says

    I think this is a great way to show you what’s to come when your on your own. Nice and safe way to learn how to successfully use a card without screwing up your credit score.

    January 24th, 2010 | #

  4. Jasmine says

    this really helped my sister

    December 14th, 2009 | #

  5. Pa Kou says

    This is very good for the student and the parent.

    December 11th, 2009 | #

  6. Katharine says

    this is useful for both kids and parents. It helps both of them get what they want. i had one before and it was very easy to work with and must easier for my parents to deal with me having so much money because the could control it.

    December 10th, 2009 | #

  7. Reeya says

    awesome..i like it

    December 8th, 2009 | #

  8. Divina says

    wOW, i’ll have to tell my parents about this.

    December 7th, 2009 | #

  9. tyler says

    wow…nice

    December 5th, 2009 | #

  10. rachel says

    i love my precards are excellent

    December 3rd, 2009 | #

  11. Brett says

    Interesting.

    November 27th, 2009 | #

  12. saida cooke says

    wowI this really open up my eyes to a knew world.

    November 20th, 2009 | #

  13. saida cooke says

    this is cool because i never kew that.

    November 20th, 2009 | #

  14. Teresa says

    Thats great!

    November 12th, 2009 | #

  15. Cynthia says

    I’ve got one of these and they are so easy to use plus I have a job so with this I dont have to ask my grandma to spend my own money on whatever I want

    November 11th, 2009 | #

  16. Paul Obrejan says

    I wish to get a credit card already so I could build up a credit score for myself.

    November 9th, 2009 | #

  17. 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 | #

  18. roy says

    this is a good idea i approve lol

    October 21st, 2009 | #

  19. jacqueline terrazas says

    i would not mind having a credit card

    October 15th, 2009 | #

  20. 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 | #

  21. Emanuel says

    I don’t have a credit card yet so…

    October 4th, 2009 | #

  22. Lisa says

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

    August 22nd, 2009 | #

  23. taylor says

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

    August 21st, 2009 | #

  24. Evan Haynes says

    Great alternative to credit cards!

    August 19th, 2009 | #

  25. Michael says

    Making purchases online will save me money. Good to know

    August 18th, 2009 | #

  26. Bri says

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

    August 11th, 2009 | #

  27. Gretchen says

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

    August 7th, 2009 | #

  28. 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 | #

  29. kevin says

    dont need credit card

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  30. Cecile Cwikla says

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

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  31. Sam says

    Looks like a great idea.

    July 15th, 2009 | #

  32. 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 | #

  33. 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 | #

  34. Preeti says

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

    July 14th, 2009 | #

  35. Britteny says

    real cool

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  36. 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 | #

  37. Morgana says

    Great!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  38. Morgana says

    Interesting!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  39. Autumn Garcia says

    sounds good

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  40. Autumn Garcia says

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

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  41. 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 | #

  42. Jared says

    no previous credit needed, awesome!

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  43. rach says

    nice :)

    July 12th, 2009 | #

  44. 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 | #

  45. Carson says

    $5.00 a month is a lot.

    July 10th, 2009 | #

  46. Ashley G says

    i like them..

    July 10th, 2009 | #

  47. Julie says

    interesting

    July 9th, 2009 | #

  48. Liam Green says

    very interseting

    July 9th, 2009 | #

  49. 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 | #

  50. Forrest says

    Looks pretty interesting

    July 8th, 2009 | #

  51. 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 | #

  52. Golf says

    real cool

    July 2nd, 2009 | #

  53. Amanda Diaz says

    awesome!

    July 1st, 2009 | #

  54. lisa says

    no previous credit needed, awesome!

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  55. nick says

    this is a good idea

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  56. nick says

    this is a good i idea

    June 30th, 2009 | #

  57. 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 | #

  58. Krystin says

    sounds like a good deal to me.

    June 26th, 2009 | #

  59. Kara says

    sounds good

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  60. joey says

    oh yes

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  61. joey says

    i want one

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  62. joey says

    sounds great

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  63. lisa says

    no previous card needed — sounds great!

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  64. kasey says

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

    June 24th, 2009 | #

  65. laura says

    that’s a good idea!

    June 23rd, 2009 | #

  66. Nicole says

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

    June 22nd, 2009 | #

  67. annemarie says

    this is crazy

    June 20th, 2009 | #

  68. Kevin says

    It sounds cool

    June 20th, 2009 | #

  69. Rontavia says

    SWEEEEEET!!!!!!

    June 18th, 2009 | #

  70. gaudy says

    this is a great way to start building your credit.

    June 17th, 2009 | #

  71. liz says

    this doesnt sound so safe

    June 17th, 2009 | #

  72. joann says

    cool, i had one too

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  73. Cody Leidig says

    sounds cool!

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  74. 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 | #

  75. Ginny says

    this is a great way to start credit.

    June 16th, 2009 | #

  76. Jamie says

    this is a good idea!

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  77. Sam says

    interesting. i already have a debit card

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  78. Briana says

    COOL

    June 15th, 2009 | #

  79. 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 | #

  80. Andrea says

    A posibility when parents are not wealthy

    June 14th, 2009 | #

  81. MacKenzie says

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

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  82. Elizbeth says

    cool

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  83. Lauren says

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

    June 11th, 2009 | #

  84. 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 | #

  85. 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 | #

  86. Sarah says

    Not a teen but sounds excellent.

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  87. Michael says

    Sweet stuff

    June 10th, 2009 | #

  88. katherine says

    its a good idea

    June 9th, 2009 | #

  89. 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 | #

  90. Steve says

    My parents will like that they can limit my spending

    June 9th, 2009 | #

  91. 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 | #

  92. Jamie says

    hm i like this

    June 8th, 2009 | #

  93. Lauren says

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

    June 7th, 2009 | #

  94. Katlin says

    this seems good discover just sent me mail about this

    June 7th, 2009 | #

  95. marilyn says

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

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  96. carmen says

    interesting.

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  97. kluiee says

    its okay

    June 5th, 2009 | #

  98. 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 | #

  99. Jessica Witts says

    very intersting

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  100. Jessica Witts says

    very interesting

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  101. Brittney says

    Looks cool!

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  102. raea says

    i agree

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  103. 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 | #

  104. Tiea says

    pritty cool

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  105. SAMIAH says

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

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  106. Samuel Patterson says

    Thank God for these guys.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  107. Sarah says

    pretty good idea.

    June 4th, 2009 | #

  108. 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 | #

  109. Candice says

    I could see how it could help one build credit

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  110. ALEX says

    THIS WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE IN A PINCH

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  111. logan walton says

    ITS OK

    June 3rd, 2009 | #

  112. Erika says

    pretty neat

    June 2nd, 2009 | #

  113. 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 | #

  114. Jaqi says

    these are good tips

    June 1st, 2009 | #

  115. Jaqi says

    that’s nice

    June 1st, 2009 | #

  116. Aneshia says

    cool!

    May 31st, 2009 | #

  117. Linda says

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

    May 30th, 2009 | #

  118. Daniela says

    Great tips

    May 30th, 2009 | #

  119. meagan says

    interesting

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  120. Tony says

    My parents would like this!

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  121. Gerald Frank says

    Not a bad idea. My mom might just bite

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  122. bianca says

    this is a great idea

    May 29th, 2009 | #

  123. Daniel says

    Sign me up!!

    May 28th, 2009 | #

  124. Nikita says

    sweeeet.

    May 28th, 2009 | #

  125. Ashley Stevens says

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

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  126. Terry says

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

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  127. collin says

    it looks interesting enough

    May 27th, 2009 | #

  128. DeMeisha says

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

    May 26th, 2009 | #

  129. 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 | #

  130. kelsey says

    very cool

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  131. kelsey says

    pretty cool

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  132. Ashley Williams says

    I need help with tuition

    May 25th, 2009 | #

  133. Yarve says

    Cool

    May 21st, 2009 | #

  134. Delisa says

    Cool!

    May 21st, 2009 | #

  135. 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 | #

  136. jill says

    keep that gimmie the real thing

    May 20th, 2009 | #

  137. kressha says

    Will I be able to build credit with this?

    May 20th, 2009 | #

  138. Nick says

    Looks great

    May 19th, 2009 | #

  139. Ashley Chisem says

    I very much agree with these.

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  140. chris says

    wow! how interesting

    May 18th, 2009 | #

  141. 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 | #

  142. jon says

    hmm, looks pretty cool!

    May 18th, 2009 | #

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