Paying for seekingarrangement
letsgetstarted
New Jersey
I used to be able to buy a pre-paid CC and use it, no problem. For some reason it doesn't work anymore. I get a message that the name doesn't match even though all the info i enter is fake. I noticed that the site says the CC must allow international transactions - not easy to find. I contacted the site, but they were no help.
Anyone have some solutions?
Anyone have some solutions?
12 comments
The challenges with anonymous pre-paid cards is that they are the "go to" tool of terrorists and criminal money launderers, especially for cross-border payments. That means using them is a challenge as merchants, processors and banks are constantly under pressure to add additional security measures to "know" the true identity of users (called KYC) and ensure they are not performing nefarious acts (which from your wife's POV, you are). If they suspect bad actors, they are required to freeze all funds and file a report (SAR) with the US Treasury (OFAC) without explaining to you why.
There is a way for a married guy to get a separate, hidden from the wife, legit, non-anonymous payment method that will have low friction for acceptance. Apply for a separate account at a new bank and use an address that is not your residence (like your work address) and a phone that is not your home phone (like a 2nd cell). It will show on your credit report if it's a credit card (not if it's a debit card), so be prepared to explain if she sees your report (card for work, travel, etc.) Also, if (when?) you go through a divorce, it's likely to be discovered by her attorney during a routine asset search. But by then... who cares?