When it comes to using our phones for calls, text messages, and data connection, the common option is mobile subscriptions. While this is now the norm, another option which used to be the rave some years back exists. We’re talking about cash cards here. Therefore, this article will shed light on these almost forgotten cards.
History and Evolution of Cash Cards
People first started using cash cards as an alternative to standard cell phone plans in the early 1990s. You can visit https://mobilabonnement.com/kontantkort/ to see examples of some of these cards you can choose from. At first, cash cards were the best option for people who wanted to be free from monthly contracts and have control over how they used their phones.
As technology has improved and smartphones have come out, people have become more interested in cell subscriptions, which has made cash cards less popular. But in the last few years, they've become popular again, especially among users who value simplicity and budget control. It's easier to understand how these cards work now and, in the future, if we know how they've changed over time.
The Operation Mechanism of Cash Cards
To use this plastic money, you need to top it up with money. When you transfer money to the card, it can be used until you use up the amount in it. Once the money is used up, you have to refund it to have access to sending messages and making calls.
However, there are certain situations that might warrant an exception. For instance, some mobile providers will still allow you to call family members you’ve already registered, even without money. This solution ensures that you are not completely cut off from your loved ones. Furthermore, it can come in handy during emergencies.
Who Should Apply for a Cash Card?
As we said, these subscription solutions are not as common as they used to be a decade or two ago. However, you can still get one if you need it. For some people, it might even be a better option than a normal subscription. The following will help you determine if you should apply for a prepaid card:
- Your phone is mostly used for sending messages and calls. In other words, you do less internet browsing or anything data-related. If this is your situation, then you can opt for this solution. In fact, choosing this option will profit you better.
- You’re dealing with a payment notice, then this might be the last resort to staying in touch with your loved ones. Why do we say that? Well, some mobile providers might reject your subscription application if you’re currently dealing with a payment notice. No such assessment is made when you want to get a cash card.
- You lack a Norwegian social security, maybe as an expat who just came into the country. Rather than apply for a subscription, which would be denied, you can simply pick up this prepaid solution.
- You just want a phone that would be used for calls and SMS only, then getting a cash card is what you need for that phone not a subscription.
- You have kids, and you want to monitor the amount they are spending on the phone. Once you register your kid as a user, you can reduce the possibility of them spending on services and goods through applications.
How to Get a Cash Card Online
The following easy steps will guide you on how to get these plastic solutions online:
- Visit the website of your preferred mobile provider.
- If it’s your first time on the site, create a user account. Log in if you already have an account.
- Request a cash card order.
- Once you put in the order, the mobile provider will terminate the subscription currently running on your number and then move your number to the cash card package.
- There are usually two pick-up options. You can pick it up at the mobile provider’s store. Alternatively, you can have them send it to you via post. Bear in mind that there might be additional charges for the latter option.
- You can determine when you want the card activated by selecting your preferred date and time on the website.
Topping Up Your Cash Card
Now that you have your prepaid card, you have to top it up to use it. The process is not difficult, and you can use different methods to accomplish it. Let’s take a look at them:
- Provider’s App: This option might just be the easiest and most convenient way to top up your card. All you need is the provider’s app installed on your phone. You can download it from your phone’s app store if you don’t have it installed.
Open the app, and log in to your account. After that, transfer funds from your bank to the prepaid card. Bear in mind that you’ll need your BankID to sanction this transaction.
- Provider’s Website: You can use the provider’s website for this top-up task if you don’t have the app or you don’t want to use it. Go to "My page" after logging in. There, you’ll find the option to top up. Follow the steps to complete the process.
- SMS: An excellent way to add money to the cash card if you don't have access to the internet is via SMS.
- Booths and Stores: Cash cards are sold in many stores and booths. When the card is out of funds, you can easily walk down to any of these stores and booths to purchase a cash card. This option is perfect when you cannot top up the plastic solution.
Cash Card Advantages
What good are these cards? Find out below:
- You can get deals and save money: You might save money on a contact card if you use your mobile device for only calls and text messages.
- There is no contract or monthly fee: There is no monthly payment for contact cards. Also, when you don’t need it, you can choose not to top up.
- You have total control: Unlike subscriptions, you have total control over how you use the plastic solution and the amount you top it up with.
- Extra data packages: One data hack that many people don’t know is that these solutions offer you access to extra data packages that aren’t available to subscribers. These packages are often great deals that can help the user save money.
Cash Card Disadvantages
These solutions are not without their disadvantages. Here are a few of them:
- They are less flexible: The flexibility differs depending on when you make the payment. If you make payment ahead of time, the flexibility is not as great as when payment is made later. Furthermore, immediately after the money in the card is used up, you’re left hung to dry without being able to call or send an SMS.
- You don't get extra services: When you have a mobile subscription, there are many other services you can enjoy, and sometimes many of them are free. For instance, you get free cloud backup and music services access. You don’t get to enjoy these services when using this top-up payment method.
- It might cost a lot: Although proper usage will allow you to monitor usage and save money, the following situations might lead to you paying through your nose:
- You surf the internet a lot on your phone. You can click here for some tips on how to browse on your phone better. If you’re such a person, using this top-up payment method will cost you greatly.
- You have to pay the initial fee to activate this mobile solution and then use it.
- Making international calls with the plastic solution can set you back a couple of Norwegian Kroners.
Conclusion
A cash card lets you pay ahead of time, and it's easy to place an order through several means. This solution might work well for you if you mostly use your phone for texting and calls. Having this prepaid option can also make it easier to monitor your kids' phone use.
Using a cash card can cost a lot if you surf the web on your phone. It costs more to use data than to have a cell plan. At the end of the day, you’ll need to decide if choosing this solution is best for you based on your phone usage and preference.
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