What are prepaid cards?
Prepaid cards are a widely used payment method for online purchases, and they can also be used to pay for your recharges on Fonoma. Unlike traditional credit or debit cards, prepaid cards are not linked to a bank account. You load a specific amount of money in advance and can use it until the balance runs out.
Prepaid cards are ideal if you don’t have a bank account, want tighter control over your spending, or are looking for extra security when shopping online.
Benefits of using a prepaid card
Full spending control: You can only spend the amount you’ve loaded.
Extra security: If the card is lost or stolen, it doesn’t give access to a bank account.
International use: Most prepaid cards work for online purchases worldwide.
Fonoma compatibility: Prepaid cards are accepted on Fonoma just like regular credit or debit cards.
How to use a prepaid card on Fonoma
Start your recharge on Fonoma (web or app).
At checkout, enter your prepaid card details as you would with any Visa or Mastercard.
Make sure the card has enough balance and is enabled for online or international payments.
Confirm the transaction. Your recharge will be processed instantly.
If the payment doesn’t go through, check that your prepaid card allows payments in USD or EUR. Some issuers restrict cards to local use only.
Examples of prepaid cards by region
Below are some common and reliable prepaid card options by region (information verified with official issuers):
Latin America & the Caribbean
🇧🇷 Brazil — Cartão NUI (Visa Prepaid)
Available in physical stores such as Lojas Americanas. No bank account required.
🇲🇽 Mexico — Banorte Visa TravelMoney
Available at Banorte branches with official ID and proof of address. Supports international payments.
🇲🇽 Mexico — Weex Wallet (Mastercard Prepaid)
Available on Google Play. Reloadable at Oxxo stores and usable for international online purchases.
🇲🇽 Mexico — CICash Multicurrency (CIBanco)
A multi-currency card supporting USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and JPY. Available to foreigners with valid migration documents.
🇦🇷 Argentina — BBVA Reloadable Card (Visa Prepaid)
Can be requested online if you’re a BBVA client, or at branches if not. Supports international online purchases.
🇻🇪 Venezuela — Banesco Prepaid Card (Visa)
Available through Banesco’s online banking. Suitable for international digital payments.
🇺🇾 Uruguay — Mastercard Prepaid
Works globally and can be reloaded at ATMs or affiliated payment points.
🇳🇮 Nicaragua — Prepaid Youth Card (Banco Lafise)
International use, valid for five years. Can be requested online or by phone.
🌴 Caribbean — Visa TravelMoney (Republic Bank)
Available in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname. Works like a credit card with no extra fees.
Europe
🇪🇸 Spain — Global Card (Mastercard Multicurrency)
Reloaded in euros and convertible to USD, GBP, CHF, or CAD via online banking.
🇪🇺 European Union — Revolut (Visa or Mastercard Prepaid)
Works in over 150 countries, supports multiple currencies, and offers secure online payments.
🇪🇺 European Union — Wise (formerly TransferWise) Visa Prepaid
Allows holding multiple currencies and paying internationally with transparent exchange rates.
Where to get a prepaid card
You can obtain prepaid cards from:
Local banks (BBVA, Banorte, Banesco, Republic Bank, Lafise, etc.)
Convenience stores or supermarkets (such as Oxxo in Mexico or Lojas Americanas in Brazil)
Online platforms like Revolut, Wise, or N26 (in Europe)
Mobile apps with instant digital issuance (for example, Weex Wallet)
Before purchasing a prepaid card, always confirm that it supports international payments and transactions in USD or EUR, the currencies used on Fonoma.
Prepaid cards are an excellent alternative for paying for your recharges on Fonoma without a bank account. They’re secure, flexible, and widely accepted.
Choose the option that best fits your country and needs, and enjoy a fast and reliable way to stay connected with your loved ones in Cuba.
FAQs about prepaid cards
Does Fonoma accept prepaid cards?
Yes. Fonoma accepts Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards, as long as they’re enabled for online and international payments.
Do I need a bank account to get a prepaid card?
No. Prepaid cards can usually be loaded with cash or transfers and don’t require a bank account.
What if my prepaid card doesn’t work on Fonoma?
Check that it has enough balance, is enabled for international purchases, and supports USD or EUR transactions. If the issue persists, try PayPal or Google Pay.
Where can I check my prepaid card balance?
That depends on the issuer. Usually, you can check it via the issuer’s app, website, or an ATM.