Real-world examples

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Gift Card vs Prepaid Debit Card — Real-World Examples

Type	Example	Where You Can Use It	Reloadable?	Notes
Gift Card (Closed-Loop)	Amazon Gift Card	Only on Amazon (US site or region-specific).	No	Perfect for gifts, but useless outside Amazon.
Gift Card (Closed-Loop)	Starbucks Gift Card	Only in Starbucks stores (or app).	Yes (you can reload at Starbucks)	Great for coffee lovers, but very limited.
Gift Card (Open-Loop)	Visa/Mastercard Gift Card	Anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted (online & offline).	No (usually one-time use).	Works like cash, but limited balance and no reload.
Prepaid Debit Card (Bank Issued)	Visa Prepaid Card (reloadable)	Anywhere Visa is accepted + ATMs.	Yes	Functions like a debit card, can be topped up.
Prepaid Debit Card (Brand)	PayPal Prepaid Mastercard	Anywhere Mastercard is accepted + ATMs.	Yes (link to PayPal or direct deposit).	Useful for online purchases and travel.
Prepaid Debit Card (Retail)	Netspend Prepaid Visa	Anywhere Visa is accepted + ATMs.	Yes	Popular in the US for people without bank accounts.

Simple Summary

Amazon Gift Card / Starbucks Gift Card → good only at one store.

Visa/Mastercard Gift Card → good anywhere, but one-time use.

Prepaid Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Netspend, etc.) → works anywhere, and you can reload.