A prepaid credit card provides the safety of a credit card without concerns of your child racking up a bunch of debt. He may use it the same way a debit or credit card can be used. For instance, he may use the prepaid card to withdraw money from an ATM machine or he may use it to purchase books at the college bookstore, pay tuition, buy groceries, or go out to a movie with friends.

Prepaid cards may be used anywhere Visa and MasterCard is used, assuming you get a prepaid Visa or MasterCard. The biggest difference with a prepaid card and a regular credit card is that when the money is gone, the card no longer works.

You may add additional funds to a prepaid card online, so this is a very convenient way to send money to your child in college.