Actually, you can. I spoke with my Trustee, and she said that if I'm applying for any credit over $500, then I have to disclose that I am an undischarged bankrupt. However, I can apply for a secured credit card... her stated reason was that in some instances, a credit card is needed (ie renting a car, hotel, getting utilities hooked up (in my case, I may be moving, so I'd need a credit card to 'secure' hydro/water/phone/ect. hookups).

In the mountain of paperwork I've recieved, under Bankruptcy Duties, number 7. states "Disclose your bankruptcy if you apply for credit of $500 or more before you are discharged."

If your Trustee told you otherwise... I'd recommend talking to another Trustee.



Capital One only has secured cards... you have to put a deposit/pre-pay of $300.00. Here's the addy to compare the three cards they offer: triple w dot capitalone dot ca  click on 'credit cards' on the top left corner then click on "Establish Credit" from the list on the left hand side.

As for other pre-paid (NOT secured), go to dan dot matan dot ca/Canadian-Prepaid-Mastercard-Visa-Card-Reviews-Information for a breakdown of available cards and their pros/cons (note that there is no triple w in front... )

Good luck!

I ended up getting a pre-paid card from Canadian Tire. No monthly fee. A reasonable fee when loading money. Was working great, and then suddenly they decided to exit that business. 

Now I am stuck. I owed money to both BMO and Capital One, so I do not want to chance it with their cards.

I consider the ones I can buy off the rack at stores pricey, but may be stuck that way for now. Have checked that matan site, but the best ones there are no good for me as stated above.

HereWeGo:

Is that BMO card an actual prepaid one, or is it a normal MasterCard that you have made a deposit on?  I once had a deal with a bank where I gave them a $1,200 GIC and they gave me a $1,000 limit credit card. That way it is a normal card.

PrePaid is prepaid, no matter who it is from.

I have a Capital One secured card AND a prepaid Titanium card from Money Mart. The CO card is a real credit card with revolving credit. I provided a $300 security (cash) as well as a $60+ annual fee - which is a ripoff but what are you going to do?

It's not easy working with a $300 limit. That covers *maybe* one night in a hotel. I keep a running tab on my BB and when I have charged $100+, I submit a payment which takes 2 business days to clear. I have had NO problems with the card otherwise. Never been charged a penny of interest because I am constantly monitoring its use and paying it off.

I contacted CO about [a] paying interest on my $300 and increasing my limit and was declined on both counts.

The MoneyMart card is what I use for larger, planned purchases. There is a $2 fee to load it at a MoneyMart store and I've used it to purchase airline tickets, pay for hotel rooms or cover large expenditures online (like my son's summer camp fees). I read where some of you had your prepaid card declined at htoels. That hasn't happened to me.

What I dislike about the MoneyMart card is all the fees!! Loading fees! Transaction fees! Monthly fee of $7.50! Foreign fees (if buying something from a US site)! They get you every which way!

Cuz I'd never heard of the BMO card until today. I've already submitted an application online.

Hopingforhelp.......I'm just at the 6 week plus 6 days after signing my CP, and have applied for and been approved for a BMO pre-paid Mastercard. I'm not employed, but have income. I have not actually received it yet, but it's showing up on my on-line bank statement already, and they said that it's been mailed to me!!!

I asked my Credit counsellor if it was 'legal' to have a pre-paid (like a) credit card, and she said...absolutely alright. It is not credit and does not contravene any rules.

I will inquire about a secured credit card down the line...but am not ready for that yet. Not even sure if my Trustee would allow it. Will cross that bridge when and if I feel that I need one.

Hope that helps! 

Thank you for the reminder, bilium. I don't think that aspect had been discussed. I chose the BOM prepaid card over the RB one simply because it looks to me like a much more versatile one, and less expensive to have. It doesn't expire for 3 years and the limit you can load on it is much higher than the RB prepaid card.

I've used my BOM prepaid card for on-line purchases (both Canadian and US), and for retail store purchases without a hitch.

It's most important to read the fine print to determine which prepaid card most suits one's lifestyle.

JEC