When activating or using a prepaid Visa debit card for online purchases, the address associated with the card often causes confusion. These cards, unlike traditional credit cards, are not linked to a specific individual’s residential address. To circumvent this, card issuers typically allow customers to register the card online with a chosen postal address. This address, although not verified in the same manner as a credit card billing address, serves as the reference point for online transaction authorization. For example, when prompted for a billing postal code during an online purchase, a user might enter the postal code associated with their current residence, or a postal code they’ve registered with the card issuer.
Providing an address serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, it can help prevent fraudulent activities. Even though these cards are prepaid, online vendors sometimes use address verification systems (AVS) as a security measure. Supplying a consistent address, even one not directly linked to the cardholders identity, can increase the likelihood of a successful transaction. Historically, the need for an associated address has evolved from early attempts to mitigate card fraud in the burgeoning e-commerce landscape. As online transactions increased, so did the sophistication of security measures aimed at protecting both vendors and card users.
