How can I order stuff off the internet and/ or catalogs if I don't have a credit card?

Question

I'm only sixteen, so I'm getting my paychecks in cash but I don't have a credit card so I can't order stuff off of E-bay or anywhere else on the internet. My dad doesn't want to get any bills in his name, and he won't let me get a credit card or anything else under his name either so thats out. Anything else I can do?

Answer 1

Prepaid credit card uses Not only can a prepaid card enable customers who find it hard to get credit, but this type of card can help you take control of your finances, if you have found normal credit card interest rates too high and the balance offered too tempting. You can be confident that you will stick to your budget with a pre-paid card, as you are the one who sets it by deciding how much to top-up your card with!

Most prepaid credit cards can enable you to: No longer have to carry cash when shopping Use an ATM to withdraw money - at home and abroad Transfer funds - send money to other cardholders Shop on the internet with security Top up your mobile phone Have an additional prepaid credit card for family use - useful for a teenager for emergency use (usually 13 years plus for a named card holder)

Pre-loading your card You will need to pre-load your card before use and this can be done in different ways: by direct transfer from a bank account, or by paying in cash at a nominated outlet. The prepaid credit card is accepted in most of the ways that a normal card is, but unlike a credit card because you pay before you make a purchase, you can't exceed your credit limit.

Prepaid credit card fees and security Check carefully before signing up that there are no hidden charges. Firstly, is there a fee for opening a card account? Are there any monthly or annual service charges? Are there any charges when you top-up, such as with a direct deposit reload or bank account reload? Are there withdrawal fees if you use ATMs? Also find out whether there are fees when you use your prepaid card for purchases with a merchant or online. All these charges can mount up and as there are now more prepaid cards becoming available, with the increased competition not all card providers are charging fees. Compare the various card options, it's easy with an online comparison site and can save you money. It is advisable to find out what protection the card company offers you, such as if you have a stolen or lost card, or if something goes wrong with your purchase? Also is there a 24 hour helpline?
Get all information about prepaid credit card and apply online at :http://www.credit-card-gallery.com/article/183,Prepaid_Credit_Cards_The_Credit_Card_Without_Debt

Answer 2

Walgreens and CVS drugstores and probably some other places now have prepaid VIsa Cards available for sale for just your situation. I don't know all the details as I saw it advertised for the first time only in the last week on TV. It may require that your Dad has to sign for it. I don't really have the details for it, but was happy to see that because I buy things for other people online and I don't have to float my own VISA for their purchases any longer.

Also, as others have mentioned, you can get a checking account at 16. You can link your checking account to Paypal as well and that will enable you to instantly pay for purchases. Unfortunately, most checking accounts require that you maintain a balance of $200-500 depending on region and bank. Your alternative would then be a savings account (which you can still link to Paypal) and then get money orders when you need a check.

Answer 3

You could buy a prepaid credit card. It works like a debit card, but you don't have overdraft fees... You can "reload" most of these cards, but there's often a charge. Odds are that it's best to just buy another prepaid card since you don't have a bank account.

There may be some problems if you must be over 18 to purchase because the age verification system won't work.

I'm assuming that he won't let you get a joint checking account, either... if you had one (as you cannot get a check account solely in your name until you're 18), you could get a debit card that works like a credit card... You may be able to send in a money order to some places (such as certain eBay sellers), but you're technically too young to use eBay. You could offer to pay cash and ask someone else to purchase on their credit card.

Answer 4

Some sites like ebay use paypal. Do you have a bank account? If so you can put money in a paypal account from your bank and then you can buy things off of ebay and other sites from paypal. You can also get a prepaid credit card but it's not a good idea because they charge you a lot. Why don't you ask your dad if he can buy whatever you want for you using his credit card and then pay him back?

Answer 5

Most catalogs will take checks. You just have to get your dad to write the check for you. He might even let you use his credit card if you pay him back.

If he won't do these things for you consider it a good thing! Save your money now because when you move out on your own (and have to pay rent/mortgage and bills) you won't have any! Trust me :o)

Answer 6

You can get a checking account, and then get a Visa debit card. They are the same as a regular credit card, but be careful because in reality, they are taking cash out of your checking account in turn. That is what I have. =) (I don't trust myself with credit cards)

Answer 7

Use a gift card. Sometimes I use a Wal-Mart gift card to buy stuff online. I'm pretty sure you can do the same with the other stores too.

Answer 8

Ever heard of a DEBIT card? if you've got a checking/current account, you be able to get one issued to you via your bank that can also be used for withdrawals from ATM's (or switch to an account that will give you one).

http://www.fool.com/money/banking/banking.htm
http://www.fool.co.uk/news/your-money/credit-cards/2006/12/15/credit-cards-versus-debit-cards.aspx

Answer 9

get ur own credit card,or checking acct.