FUNImation to offer pre-paid cards.

[Manga4life]

www.Funimation.com
Click for more on this article and some pictures as well.

With the growing trend of buying anime from online retailers like Amazon and Right Stuf, it becomes more inconvenient for those without credit cards to get their favorite DVDs and Blu-rays. That’s just one reason why FUNimation is starting this program as a responsible, easy, and secure way to make purchases.
I know I’ve heard some of you guys complain that you or someone you know doesn’t have a credit card making anime buying quite a hassle. Actually, here are a few of your past comments from the blog:
jmfsilenthil I wish I had a credit card :cry: .
Scott my dad doesn’t want to reveal his credit card number
Leslie I think the main demographic for Funimation should be minors below the age of 21 who don’t have access to credit cards yet
Ayinde And it’s not as if many teens can buy DVDs online at their own leisure. I would assume they need credit cards or a parent’s permission.
Hopefully, these prepaid cards can alleviate those issues. Not only are they convenient, but they are adorned with anime favorites like Soul Eater and Fruits Basket. And for you parents, they make great gifts for your kids.

We are launching this August with a variety of card designs, including – Afro Samurai: Resurrection, Soul Eater, Fruits Basket, Sgt. Frog, and Tsubasa Reservoire Chronicles. New designs will be added and available as the program grows over time.

Here are some of the features that the prepaid cards offer:
- self-sufficient spending
- buying flexibility of credit cards with no risk of debt or interest rates
- a safe “charge” option for online purchases
- protection if a prepaid card is lost or stolen
- parental control features
- online account monitoring
- financial independence

Very cool alternative for those who don't want to use their credit card online or for those who are not old enough for a credit card, I love how FUNI is doing this for it's fans. Personally, I purchase all my anime on DVD from retail stores, but I may pick one or two of these up and try purchasing online for (hopefully) better discounts, anyone else going to try these out?

[Jacob T. Paschal]

What, no Dragon Ball?


So FUNimation makes it's move into the financial sector at last. Next we'll have Adam Sheehan serving as legal counsel to otaku who murder due to being in a fearal state from a lack on anime...

[River26]

This' cool. First it's PSN, XBLA and Nintendo Points pre-paid cards. Now this.

[GingaDaiuchuu]

I guess that's cool, although I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't just get a debit card. I guess it's a better option for those who are more comfortable with not using a real card online.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

RightStuf still allows money orders, which is how I order from them, and as along as they allow that I won't have have to bother with credit cards either.

[GingaDaiuchuu]

RightStuf still allows money orders, which is how I order from them, and as along as they allow that I won't have have to bother with credit cards either.

And you shouldn't bother with credit cards, because credit cards suck. But debit cards are awesome and everyone should have one.

[MarineCorps]

How is one supposed to buy one of these anyhow?

[Karl Olson]

How is one supposed to buy one of these anyhow?

My guess is just like XBLA, Nintendo, ITunes, imvu, Nexon and so on, you'll be able to get them at your local Walmart/7-11/Best Buy/Grocery Store/etc.

[Manga4life]

How is one supposed to buy one of these anyhow?

I'm sure major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and various supermarkets will probably carry them, plus usually stuff like this can be found at drug stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and others. Usually wherever you run into a giant spinner full of gift cards you will find stuff such as this, I'm sure they will be just about everywhere with the upcoming holiday season coming up, but I'm sure major retailer will begin carrying them come the August launch.

[Matt Hazuda]

RightStuf still allows money orders, which is how I order from them, and as along as they allow that I won't have have to bother with credit cards either.

And you don't have a debit card why? You jsut need a checking account and you they just give you one with it (unless you're just hiding all your money under the matress )

And you shouldn't bother with credit cards, because credit cards suck. But debit cards are awesome and everyone should have one.

Credit cards don't suck. People who don't know how to handle their finances and ruin it for the rest of us suck.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

And you don't have a debit card why? You jsut need a checking account and you they just give you one with it (unless you're just hiding all your money under the matress )

It might as well be under my matress.

Heck, my parents only just recently got debit cards but they're only to pay for gas. >_<

[GingaDaiuchuu]

And you don't have a debit card why? You jsut need a checking account and you they just give you one with it (unless you're just hiding all your money under the matress )

EXACTLY.

Credit cards don't suck. People who don't know how to handle their finances and ruin it for the rest of us suck.

I suppose that's true. Either way, debit cards are about as easy as it comes.

[Kouji Tamino]

EXACTLY.



I suppose that's true. Either way, debit cards are about as easy as it comes.

Not everyone's comfortable with them, though. I've used one on a regular basis for the past year, but I'm already on my second because the first was compromised.

[GingaDaiuchuu]

Not everyone's comfortable with them, though. I've used one on a regular basis for the past year, but I'm already on my second because the first was compromised.

Yeah, but they're usually really good about sorting everything out. But whatever, good for FUNimation and the people who don't agree with me entirely.

[Karl Olson]

Well, while I imagine this product is probably primarily targeted at the US, it really would have a place in Canada where there isn't credit backed debit, which means you have to have a full-blown credit card for any internet purchases unless you get set up on pre-paid, get on paypal, or you use some points card thing like these Funi cards.