Two tools, different jobs
Both PaysafeCard and Mastercard Prepaid let you pay online without a bank card — but they work in fundamentally different ways.
PaysafeCard is a PIN code you enter in a dedicated field on supported sites. No card details, no verification required.
Mastercard Prepaid is a real (if prepaid) card with a card number, CVV and expiry date. Accepted everywhere Mastercard is.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | PaysafeCard | Mastercard Prepaid |
|---|---|---|
| Payment format | PIN code | Card number + CVV |
| Acceptance | 5,000+ specialist sites | Everywhere Mastercard |
| Anonymity | Maximum | Partial |
| ID required | No | Depends on provider |
| Partial use balance | Yes | Yes |
| Combine multiple vouchers | Via My PaysafeCard | Not possible |
| Cash withdrawal | No | Depends on card |
| Merchant refunds | Complex | Standard |
Where PaysafeCard wins
Gaming platforms
Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox, Roblox — all support PaysafeCard. For a gamer who wants to top up their wallet without sharing personal data, this is the ideal choice.
Online casinos and sports betting
In European licensed gambling sites, PaysafeCard is one of the most popular methods precisely because of its anonymity.
Controlled spending for younger users
Since no bank account is needed, PaysafeCard is often used by parents to give children a fixed budget for gaming.
Where Mastercard Prepaid wins
Subscriptions and services
Netflix, Spotify, Adobe, Figma — most subscription services require card details. PaysafeCard won't work here.
Online retailers
Amazon, eBay, any e-commerce — they accept Mastercard, not PaysafeCard.
Advertising platforms
Facebook Ads, Google Ads — cards only.
Repeated use
A reloadable Mastercard Prepaid is more convenient for regular spending than buying a new PaysafeCard voucher each time.
Summary: how to choose
| Your need | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Top up Steam/Xbox/PlayStation | PaysafeCard |
| Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Adobe) | Mastercard Prepaid |
| Amazon, eBay purchases | Mastercard Prepaid |
| Online casino, betting | PaysafeCard |
| Maximum anonymity | PaysafeCard |
| Universal tool | Mastercard Prepaid |
FAQ
Can I use PaysafeCard on Amazon?
No — Amazon does not support PaysafeCard as a payment method.
Which option is safer?
Both are safe for the buyer. PaysafeCard is more anonymous; Mastercard is more versatile.
What if I need more than one PaysafeCard for a single purchase?
Register for My PaysafeCard and combine multiple vouchers into a single balance.
Can I get a refund to PaysafeCard?
Refunds from merchants back to PaysafeCard are not always possible and depend on the specific service.