Never use a debit card and never, ever use a pre-paid credit card. You are at the mercy of many, many human and computerized links in the credit authorizing chain, each of which are compensated on volume and couldn't care less about your individual predicaments.

I've been a web, telephone and retail merchant for about a year now and am blown away in what I've learned the truth to be as compared to being a 25 year consumer of multiple credit card with very large lines.

I've had my customers jerked around for weeks before seeing their funds again, even with my heavy involvement, especially if their card was declined a few times before it successfully authorized for want of a zipcode or address.

Their collective motto is to take the funds first, then answer questions and resolve issues very slowly later.

Protect thyself.