Ask HN: How do companies use branded pre-paid debit cards?

2 pointsakhilcacharya2 comments

I've seen these used pretty often these days, from MoviePass having a branded debit card that's used for purchases to Privacy.org creating a way to generate them for the web. Is there a modern approach to do so that doesn't involve incorporating a bank?

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Google “branded debit cards program”.

It’s a bit like starting a virtual telco. You usually work with a white-label reseller who in turn has relationships with {banks, carriers} respectively.

The reseller has a platform and network hookups and they’re ready for you to slap your unique brand on top.

On the other hand, you can also work chain brands to do POS integrations - which may be a better choice for loyalty cards or subscriptions.

How does the company fund them? Do the branded providers have APIs and the like?

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