How can I use Beeminder without a credit card?

[beeminder_user]

Maybe my situation is too weird and it is likely not covered by what Beeminder offers.

But is it feasible to use Beeminder without a credit card? Obviously “link credit card” is going to fail. I tried to use Paypal, but on the attempt to link it I got also request to link the credit card.

From what I see prepaid account is not supported and it appears to not be a popular feature request

Prepaid account

Alright, I’ve been using Beeminder since March 1 and it has been great. I set a weight loss goal and I haven’t derailed yet (I came close a couple times, but the motivation of not having to add a credit card was enough to keep me in line). I’d say you guys have earned $5 from me. But I’d rather not give you my credit card number. So I’ll probably donate to your Bitcoin address at some point. However, I have a proposal to make: I donate $5 to you at your Bitcoin address. Then, if I ever derail …

Feature request: prepaid pledges

In some (but not all) cases I think positive motivation would work better than negative. E.g. pay $30 when I create a goal, get it back when I succeed. I’d be okay with getting this as Beeminder credit (that I could spend on premium plans or other goals, or maybe transfer to other users) rather than actual money (which would raise a lot of issues around fees, fraud, unusual use of refunds, etc.) It would be even better if I could earn it back gradually as I go longer and longer without derail…

I have some money on Paypal, but maybe increasing how much I store there will allow me to use Paypal? Maybe I missed some way to prepaid?

I know that I can just get a credit card, but I am not sure that I want entire credit card negatives just for a beeminder.

[adamwolf]

I think you should be able to store money on Paypal and pay that way. You may need to email support.

This is just me brainstorming, but could you get a prepaid “credit card”? I don’t have any real experience with them, so there may be a snag I don’t know about.

[beeminder_user]

@adamwolf

I think you should be able to store money on Paypal and pay that way.

Do you have any idea how much cash should be parked on Paypal to make this option available?

@adamwolf

You may need to email support.

I think I will do this if no reply appears here (I thought that it is a preferable way of contacting support).

@adamwolf

could you get a prepaid “credit card”

I would need to open an account in one additional bank (and I already have in too many). All currently available for me has no such card or offer is unreasonable.

[adamwolf]

Re: the prepaid “credit card”, I meant something like this:
https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/prepaid-cards.html

It’s accountless, and you pay up front for the card and the value. I believe it appears like a regular credit card to merchant. I don’t have any real experience with them, though. I know some people who use them online when buying things on sketchier corners of the internet.