These cards, with their Visa and Mastercard branding, make it easy for consumers to make purchases online, but do not carry the same robust federal protections as debit or credit cards and their use does not establish a relationship with a financial institution that can serve as the entry point for other financial services such as loans.
As more and more new products are introduced to the financial marketplace, it becomes more important for consumers to be able to evaluate and compare products’ benefits and potential costs. Many consumers seek the advice of friends and family when making financial decisions.