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How do you pay your employees? As an employer, paying your employees is an important part of your business. Direct deposit to your employee's bank account or issuing paper checks are two of the most common ways of compensating them. Gone are the days when employees used to get paid in cash.But what happens when some employees have no bank accounts? This is where paycards come in. Paycards for employees are an alternative option when the employees do not own a bank account, and the employers do not want to pay in hard cash.It is estimated that about 5.4% of U.S. households (approximately 7.1 million) were "unbanked" in 2019, according to the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDCI). An unbanked household means no one in the household had a checking or savings account at a bank or a credit union.For small businesses with employees with no bank accounts, paycards can be a convenient option as a payment option.Direct deposit and paycards both offer the benefit of a paperless payroll distribution process and allow the employer to electronically transfer funds conveniently. While direct deposit is the norm for many businesses, paycards are gaining popularity each year.There are pros and cons of using paycards, and in this blog, we will discuss if paycards are right for your business and employees.What is a Paycard?Paycard is a lot like a prepaid debit card as it is made of plastic and can be pre-loaded. In the case of a paycard, the money loaded comes from the employer in the form of an employee's pay. The card carries the issuer name such as MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.Are Paycards Good, and Who is it For?A pay card can be used to pay an employee who does not have a bank account. Paycard holders or employees can cash out from paycards at a bank, ATM, or other point-of-service locations.Employees can also pay bills over the phone using their paycard number or authorize electronic bill payments to specified companies.Employees can use paycards at any merchant, grocery store, retail shop, or gas station that accepts debit cards.Do Paycards Have Fees?By law, employees must be able to access their wages in full without any fees. They can obtain the cash at a bank teller, ATMs associated with the card issuer, pay bills by telephone, or use the card for point-of-sale purchases.However, there may be fees for electronic fund transfers or for cash withdrawals at ATMs that are not in the issuer's network. There may be fees for card replacements, balance inquiries, inactivity fees, or other reasons. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a rule in April 2019 that paycard issuers must disclose all the fees to cardholders.Employees must be informed of the potential fees. The paycard issuer is required to give you disclosures on such fees before you sign up for a paycard or a payroll card.Also, paycards are regulated by state laws, so you might have to check for additional details depending on your state. Some states are making efforts to reduce fees that affect employees.As you can see, paycards fees mostly affect employees. In the case of direct deposits, employers are the ones who have to pay fees for setting up the payroll distribution system and a transaction fee for each time they transfer wages into an employee's account. The payroll software may also charge a fee for their service.Can Employers Save Money When Using Paycards?Since paycards are reloadable cards, employers can have the banks reload the paycards with their employees' wages for the pay period, avoiding the costs and hassle of issuing paper checks, mailing them, or re-issuing lost checks. The savings may not be a substantial amount but they can add up gradually.Can Employers Choose between Direct Deposit and Paycards?While there is no mandate that employers can only offer either direct deposit or paycards to their employees for their wages, it is safe to check with your state's law on payroll distribution.One-third of states allow employers to require employees to have bank accounts for direct deposit. In such a case, paycards may not be needed. Also, there is no law preventing employees with bank accounts to opt for paycards as their payment option.Though generally, employees tend to prefer direct deposit because of its efficiency and the least costly method of payment, as a business owner or an employer, it is better to give options instead of imposing only one method.Ask your employees about their preferred method of payment and what benefits (convenience, low fees, etc.) serve them the best.In fact, Federal law requires employers to offer alternative payment methods like paper checks or direct deposits.Should Employer Provide Pay Stub?Pay stub provides details of the employees' pay for each pay period. Employers are not required by federal law to give employees their pay stubs. However, many states have laws that require some form of written pay statement.Even if your state doesn't need you to provide pay stubs, you are still required by the Fair Labour Standards Act to keep track of your employees' working hours.For employees, a pay stub gives a record of their wages, deductions, contributions, and other information. It is also proof of income or employment, which is often needed when applying for a loan, credit card, or housing.For employers, a pay stub is useful for tax purposes, and it can be used to resolve any discrepancies with employee pay.Is it Possible for Paycards to be Overdrafted?Usually, paycards works like debit card, allowing cardholders to withdraw up to the limit of the loaded amount. However, there are paycard that allows overdraft for employees. But it can come with hefty overdraft fees if employees use funds over the limit in their account. Usually, you should be able to prevent misuse by subscribing to an overdraft protection service.Will Paycard Affect Credit Score?Paycards, like all prepaid cards, do not affect an employee's credit score.What is a Paycard Gets Lost or Stolen?A replacement card can be issued in such cases. The employee needs to notify the employer, and then the employer should immediately notify the card issuer. The employee is not liable for the incident as long as the issue is timely reported. Paycards come with similar protection as that of a prepaid card.The reporting time is determined by the card issuer. If you wait longer to report after learning of the loss and theft, the fraudulent charges may increase. You may have to pay a fee for the replacement card.Pros and Cons of PaycardsProsA win-win situation for unbanked employees and their employers.Green alternative to paper checks.Immediate payment to employees.No hassle of cashing a paycheck.No monthly or maintenance fees.Added security when assessing their funds (paycards require a PIN).Employees can report to the issuer if funds are used unauthorized.Paycards can be reloaded during each payday, saving money on issuing paper checks.Added efficiency for the employer as the employer would not have to physically present or mail paychecks to unbanked employees.ConsEmployees may incur fees for several reasons. Be aware of such potential fees.Employers have certain responsibilities to educate employees about the usage of paycards.Limited range of services and flexibility in managing your funds compared to bank accounts and other prepaid cards.The best paycards programs are easy to set up, have lower fees, quick access to funds, and provide a range of benefits such as cashback and discounts. We have made a list of popular paycards providers for businesses:Wisely Paycard by ADPOnline portal and mobile appCompatible with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google PayZero cost sign upNo hidden feesNo credit checkNo overdraft feeZero cost direct deposit of pay and other sources of income (including government benefits)Accepted wherever Visa is acceptedKeep track of spending and account balances 24/7 on the appGet cash back at major retailersSurcharge-free ATM withdrawalsFDIC insuredSecurity features include instant card lock, purchase protection, and travel alert notificationsRapid PaycardDirect Deposit onto rapid paycardLoad funds from approved checks with Ingo Money mobile appsNo fee for cashing paycheck24/7 account access with rapid! Access mobile appNo credit checkCan be used at ATMs, merchants worldwide, wherever Debit Mastercard or Visa debit cards are acceptedPay bills and make purchasesBook airline and hotel reservations onlineEarn interest on savings accountGet cash back rewardsFDIC insuredMoney protected with Zero Fraud LiabilityKittrell PaycardNo fees to use (there are fees for certain situations)Fee-free ATM network with MoneyPassWebsite and Kittreall AppGet real-time alerts and push notificationsCash back at point-of-sale terminals2-way texting to manage your card and accountCompatible with Apple Wallet, Google Pay, Samsung PayEasy portability (Get direct deposit of stimulus checks, tax refund, benefits)Freeze or unfreeze card on-demandSkylight PaycardZero sign up feeNo credit checkNo minimum balance Personalized your card with a family photo or unique imageManage money anywhere on Mobile AppDirect deposit your government benefits, tax refundsUse anywhere where Visa Debit & Debit Mastercard are acceptedFDIC insuredZero liability protectionPay bills onlineEarn interest on savings accountEarn cash back with Payback RewardsSend money to or receive money from friends and family with Netspend cardsSet text alerts about transactionsRefer a friend and boost your card balanceSkylight overdraft limit is $100 & 3 times/ monthConclusionOverall, paycards can be convenient and cost-effective for employees and employees when compared to paychecks or for those employees with no bank account. And the paycard fees are becoming more transparent and competitive.While paycards can be challenging at times, especially when you are employed in multiple jobs and have a separate paycard with each employer, your funds are scattered in multiple cards so it becomes difficult to manage your finances. Some may prefer to put all their money in one place, like a checking account.However, if you can't open a bank account, a paycard is a great option to get paid. Read the fine prints before signing up for a paycard and know the potential fees that come with it.

It is common for a Non-Resident to open an NRE Account or other similar accounts, with a bank in India and transfer their earnings from their foreign country into these accounts. NRI's are not required to pay taxes in India on earnings that they received outside of India however these guidelines are frequently abused. An influx of cases of money laundering and unexplained funds in NRE accounts has prompted the Enforcement Directorate of India (ED) to crack down on irregularities in NRE account activities.In one specific example, an individual transferred a large number of funds into a family members' NRE account. Upon investigation by the ED however, it was found that these funds were commission income which was generated abroad. He was then asked to furnish the overlaying contracts for these commission incomes and was penalized accordingly.As an NRI with an NRE account, it is very important that you are able to explain the source of your funds in your account should you be contacted by the ED. Failure to explain the source of your funds in your account is considered to be a violation and can result in tax penalties.In order to avoid being questioned by the ED in regards to NRE account activity, it is highly recommended that all NRI's protect themselves in the following ways:Distinguish between current account transactions from capital account transactions.Inform all applicable parties regarding any changes in residential status.Distinguish between Person Resident in India & Person Resident Outside India.Keep track of investments made in India from Rupee funds in India. For example, when their residential status is that of a Resident and the investments made from funds remitted from abroad and when their residential status is that of a non-resident.Understand the sale proceeds of movable and immovable assets in India.Comply with statutory guidelines for filing documents and reporting requirements for different transactions.Do not enter into capital account transactions that are prohibited or are not covered under general provisions of permission.Do not enter into current account transactions that are prohibited or restricted.Avoid participating in any " net - off " transaction with a resident individual.Never instruct or allow a resident to make an outward transaction on your behalf.The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) extends to all of India and makes offenses related to foreign exchange, civil offenses. Such offenses are not taken lightly by the Indian government, which is why it is imperative that these guidelines are abided by and taken seriously as any violations will likely result in penalties and legal action. Running into issues with your NRE account and have to deal with the ED can be extremely stressful and nerve-wracking, which is why it is important to follow the above guidelines in protecting yourself from such circumstances.

When traveling abroad, be sure to get the most out of your money by gaining a better understanding of foreign currency exchange. There are many resources for exchanging money and making purchases abroad, but many include hefty fees or restrictions. Make sure you understand all of the advantages and disadvantages of each currency exchange option, so you can avoid dealing with any unforeseen charges after your trip. The easiest way to exchange currency may not always be your best option. You can choose to exchange your currency before leaving for a trip or after arriving at your destination, but selecting the right one depends on where you exchange your currency.Where Can I Exchange Currency?Know what options for exchanging currency are available before you exchange so you can get the best exchange rate possible. These are the most commonly used currency exchange options.1. Airport Kiosks and Foreign Exchange Desks:Although exchanging currency at the airport may sound convenient, it is best to avoid, given the outrageously high exchange fees. According to NBC News, airport kiosks can charge up to 20% in fees and have a much lower exchange rate compared to banks and private exchange companies. Exchanging currency at the airport should be avoided at all costs and saved only for emergencies.2. Credit Cards:Before relying on your credit card abroad, first, be sure to find out if it will be working internationally. If so, look into the potential fees that may apply while abroad. Some fees may include currency exchange fees, transaction fees, or service charges on cash advances. Overall, credit card companies get the best rates and can offer you an exchange rate closest to the official rate.3. Debit Cards:Debit cards may charge foreign transaction fees and international ATM fees. Be sure to only use debit cards for cash withdrawals. If any complications arise from a purchase made using a debit card, your account is immediately debited, and it may take anywhere from a few days to over a week for the erroneous charge to be corrected.4. Foreign Currency Cards:Prepaid foreign currency cards work like credit or debit cards. They are preloaded with a set amount of currency, which is deducted as the traveler uses it. However, there are many fees and restrictions that may apply, such as withdrawal and inactivity fees and withdrawal minimums and limits.5. Traveler's Checks:Traveler's checks work like US dollars; you must find somewhere that will exchange the traveler's check for the local currency. But unlike cash, traveler's checks come with the added security of being replaced if lost or stolen. However, due to the declining use of traveler's checks, they may not be accepted by some businesses.6. Private Money Exchange:Private money exchange businesses or currency exchange businesses often compete with each other to provide the best exchange rate, so you have a good chance of finding a higher exchange rate. Some fees apply and vary depending on the provider. Also, keep in mind that these companies are less prevalent in rural towns, so be sure to complete your transactions before traveling out of large cities.Ways to Avoid Foreign Exchange FeesForeign exchange fees may seem inevitable when exchanging currency, but these options may help you avoid paying hefty fees.1. No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards:Unlike your current credit cards, which on average charge 3% of every dollar spent while abroad, certain international credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.2. International Travel Cards:For inexpensive cash withdrawals, go for international travel cards or travel money cards. Cheaper than credit cards or debit cards, international travel cards are prepaid with a certain amount so you can make purchases or withdraw money as you travel. Some even have the option of carrying more than one currency.3. Local Banks:Exchanging money at local banks is not only convenient but also much less expensive than exchanging at airports or hotels. They also tend to give decent exchange rates.4. NO to Cash Advances:Using your credit card as an ATM card requires you to pay a cash advance fee in addition to the cash advance APR, which can both add up to large sums.5. YES to Local Currency:Always decline if given the opportunity to charge your purchase in USD. This may bring hidden transaction and conversion fees that will amount to much more than charging your purchase in the local currency. Insist that all purchases are charged in the local currency. There are always financial risks involved with traveling internationally, which is why it is important to take extra precautions making exchanges, purchases, or withdrawals abroad.