 One
card best for disabled son
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 Dear
Dr. Don,
I have a 31-year-old son with mental disabilities. He is capable
in many areas, but money isn't one of them. I am his representative
payee. In lieu of giving him spending cash, I recently opted for
a debit card that I can transfer money into as needed. He can use
the card for credit at stores where debit is not accepted.
These credit charges show up one to two days later and there is
not enough money in the account to cover them because I was unaware
of the charges. As a result we are getting bank charges left and
right at $25 per overdraft. Needless to say, this is not working.
Is there a card out there that I can transfer money into and when
the money isn't there he simply can't complete the transaction?
No credit options, no cash advances associated, no overdraft. Thanks
for responding.
-- Eileen Elicits
 Dear
Eileen,
The Visa Buxx card is designed to work as a debit card, and when
there's not enough money loaded on the card, the merchant will decline
the card. However, if the merchant doesn't get preauthorization
on the card there is still the possibility that the card will be
accepted and the account will have a negative balance.
Here's what Visa's
Web site says about this situation:
Occasionally, a merchant does put an item through without prior
authorization. If the purchase exceeds the available balance, the
cardholder's account will have a negative balance. In these rare
circumstances where an overdraft occurs, you would be notified to
load more funds onto the card.
The site's FAQ
page has a lot more information about the program. Visa's zero-liability
policy for lost or stolen Buxx cards should also provide you with
a measure of security about your son carrying this card.
The parent has the choice whether or not the card
is accepted at ATMs. Since banks tend to be a little loose on available
balances when it comes to cash withdrawals, hoping to pick up some
overdraft income, access to automated teller machines isn't a great
idea for your son.
To ask a question of Dr. Don, go to the "Ask
the Experts" page, and select one of these topics: "financing
a home," "saving & investing" or "money."
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