Description

Shakepay Prepaid Visa

In the rapidly evolving landscape of personal finance, prepaid credit cards have become increasingly popular, offering a versatile and secure means of managing your money. Shakepay, a Canadian fintech company, has made a significant impact on the market with its Shakepay Prepaid Visa card. As an expert in prepaid credit cards in Canada, I’m here to provide you with a comprehensive review of the Shakepay Prepaid Visa.

Introduction to Shakepay

Shakepay is a Canadian fintech company that has gained popularity for its innovative approach to personal finance. The company was founded in 2015 with the mission of making it easier for Canadians to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Over the years, Shakepay has expanded its product offerings to include the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card, which bridges the gap between traditional banking and cryptocurrencies.

Shakepay is based in Montreal, Quebec, and has rapidly grown its user base, thanks to its user-friendly mobile app and a commitment to providing a secure and convenient financial experience. The Shakepay Prepaid Visa card is a notable addition to the company’s lineup, offering a range of features that make it a competitive choice in the Canadian prepaid credit card market.

Shakepay Prepaid Visa Features

Funding Options

One of the key features that set Shakepay Prepaid Visa apart is its flexibility in funding options. When you first apply for the card, you can load it with Canadian dollars (CAD) from your bank account. This initial funding acts as your card’s balance, which you can use for making purchases online and in-store, just like a regular credit card. What’s noteworthy is that you can also fund your Shakepay Prepaid Visa using cryptocurrencies.

Shakepay has seamlessly integrated its cryptocurrency exchange platform with the card, allowing users to convert their cryptocurrency holdings into CAD and load their cards with the resulting balance. This feature is particularly appealing to those who are actively involved in the cryptocurrency market and prefer to manage their traditional and digital assets in one place.

Security and Privacy

Security is paramount when it comes to financial products, and Shakepay has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its users’ funds and data. The Shakepay Prepaid Visa card uses EMV chip technology, providing enhanced security for in-person transactions. Additionally, the card is issued in partnership with Visa, a globally recognized brand, which further reinforces the security measures in place.

In terms of data privacy, Shakepay has a strong commitment to safeguarding users’ personal information. They follow Canadian privacy laws and use encryption technology to protect user data. However, it’s important to note that while Shakepay is diligent about security, it’s always advisable for users to exercise caution and take security measures on their end as well, such as using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.

Currency Exchange

Shakepay offers a unique feature for users who frequently travel or engage in international transactions. The Shakepay Prepaid Visa card allows for multi-currency usage, making it a cost-effective option for those who deal with various foreign currencies. You can hold multiple currencies on the card, which can be a great way to avoid costly foreign exchange fees when traveling or making cross-border purchases.

When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, the card will automatically deduct the equivalent amount from your balance in the respective currency, thus saving you the hassle and fees associated with traditional currency exchange. This is a standout feature that sets Shakepay Prepaid Visa apart from many other prepaid cards in the market.

Fees and Pricing

As with any financial product, it’s essential to understand the fees associated with the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key fees:

• Monthly Fee: Shakepay does not charge a monthly fee for the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card. This is a significant advantage over many traditional bank accounts that have monthly service fees.
• ATM Withdrawal Fee: Shakepay allows for free ATM withdrawals at any of the ATMs within the Canadian EXCHANGE Network. However, if you use an ATM outside this network, there may be a fee associated with the withdrawal.
• Foreign Exchange Fee: While the card supports multi-currency usage, there is a foreign exchange fee of 2.5% when converting between currencies.
• Card Replacement Fee: In case your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement card for a fee.

It’s important to note that fee structures are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the most up-to-date fee schedule on the Shakepay website before making any decisions.

Mobile App

The Shakepay Prepaid Visa card is closely integrated with the Shakepay mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app is a central hub for managing your card, making transactions, and tracking your spending. It offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy for both tech-savvy and less tech-savvy users to navigate.

The mobile app provides features like real-time transaction notifications, the ability to lock and unlock your card instantly, and the ability to view your transaction history and balance. Additionally, the app allows you to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies with ease, which is a feature that aligns with Shakepay’s cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Pros and Cons of Shakepay Prepaid Visa

Pros:

1. Flexibility in Funding: The ability to load the card with both traditional currency and cryptocurrencies makes it a versatile financial tool for various users.
2. Security: EMV chip technology, Visa partnership, and encryption ensure a high level of security for cardholders.
3. Multi-Currency Support: The option to hold multiple currencies on the card can be a money-saving feature for frequent travelers.
4. No Monthly Fee: The absence of a monthly fee is a significant advantage over many traditional bank accounts.
5. User-Friendly Mobile App: The Shakepay mobile app is intuitive and easy to use, offering a seamless user experience.

Cons:

1. Foreign Exchange Fee: While the multi-currency support is a pro, the foreign exchange fee of 2.5% may deter some users.
2. ATM Fees: Using an ATM outside the Canadian EXCHANGE Network may result in additional fees.
3. Card Replacement Fee: Requesting a replacement card comes with an associated fee.
4. Limited Support: Shakepay’s customer support, though generally responsive, may have room for improvement in terms of service hours and availability.

User Experience and Reviews

To gain a better understanding of the user experience with the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card, let’s take a look at some user reviews:

• John D. (Toronto, ON): “I’ve been using the Shakepay Prepaid Visa for over a year now, and I love it. It’s super convenient to load with cryptocurrencies, and I’ve saved a lot on foreign exchange fees during my travels. The mobile app is fantastic!”
• Sarah M. (Vancouver, BC): “I was initially skeptical about using a prepaid card, but Shakepay has won me over. The ability to spend my Bitcoin like regular money is a game-changer for me. I’ve also found their customer support to be responsive and helpful.”
• Michael S. (Montreal, QC): “The multi-currency support is the standout feature for me. I often travel to Europe for work, and this card has saved me a lot on currency exchange. However, I wish the foreign exchange fee was lower.”

Overall, user reviews reflect a positive sentiment toward the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card, particularly for its versatility and user-friendly mobile app. Some users have expressed a desire for lower fees, especially in terms of foreign exchange.

Comparison with Competitors

To assess the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card’s competitiveness in the Canadian market, it’s essential to compare it with other similar products. Here’s a brief comparison with two notable competitors: KOHO and Stack.

Shakepay Prepaid Visa vs. KOHO:

• Funding Options: Both Shakepay and KOHO allow you to load their cards with traditional currency from your bank account. However, Shakepay stands out by enabling cryptocurrency funding.
• Multi-Currency Support: Shakepay offers multi-currency support, while KOHO primarily operates with Canadian dollars.
• Foreign Exchange Fees: Shakepay charges a 2.5% foreign exchange fee, whereas KOHO offers fee-free foreign transactions for its premium users.
• Monthly Fees: Neither Shakepay nor KOHO charges a monthly fee for their basic accounts.
• Mobile Apps: Both companies offer user-friendly mobile apps, with features like real-time notifications and transaction tracking.

Shakepay Prepaid Visa vs. Stack:

• Funding Options: Shakepay allows for both traditional and cryptocurrency funding, whereas Stack primarily focuses on traditional funding.
• Multi-Currency Support: Shakepay supports multiple currencies, which is a feature not offered by Stack.
• Foreign Exchange Fees: Shakepay charges a 2.5% foreign exchange fee, while Stack provides competitive foreign exchange rates.
• Monthly Fees: Shakepay does not charge a monthly fee, while Stack offers a free tier and a premium tier with added benefits.
• Mobile Apps: Both companies offer user-friendly mobile apps with similar features for transaction management.

The choice between Shakepay, KOHO, and Stack largely depends on your specific financial needs and preferences. If you value the ability to load your card with cryptocurrencies and multi-currency support, Shakepay may be the preferred option. However, if you seek fee-free foreign transactions, KOHO might be more appealing.

Conclusion: Is the Shakepay Prepaid Visa Worth It?

The Shakepay Prepaid Visa card is a promising addition to the Canadian prepaid credit card market. Its unique features, such as the ability to fund the card with cryptocurrencies and multi-currency support, make it a compelling choice for users looking for financial flexibility.

The card’s security measures, integration with Visa, and user-friendly mobile app contribute to a positive user experience. Furthermore, the absence of a monthly fee is a significant advantage over many traditional bank accounts.

However, it’s crucial to consider the 2.5% foreign exchange fee, which may not be ideal for users who frequently engage in international transactions. Users who primarily deal with cryptocurrencies will find Shakepay’s offerings particularly appealing.

In summary, the Shakepay Prepaid Visa card is a valuable financial tool, but its suitability depends on your specific financial goals and transaction patterns. It’s advisable to carefully evaluate your needs, compare it with other prepaid card options, and read the most up-to-date terms and conditions before making a decision. Whether you’re an avid cryptocurrency enthusiast or a frequent traveler, the Shakepay Prepaid Visa offers a unique blend of features that might be just what you’re looking for in a prepaid card.