This is no small matter, because someday all cell phones will be able to pinpoint their location, probably by using a global positioning system. The technology could make it possible for M2 to dial teens' cell phones whenever the cardholders walk into a mall, and offer discounts and specials at certain retailers in that mall. M2card's Web site doesn't have a phone number to call if you have questions that you want answered before you sign up for a card. But you can e-mail questions to customer service. The questions were answered in 20 hours.
Cardholders can get hold of customer service reps by phone, e-mail and online chat.
The Buxx card markets itself primarily to teens, too, complete with thumpy music on the Web site's home page. A kid's grandparents could go online and buy a gift certificate to, say, Old Navy, and the gift certificate would be loaded onto the card. For purchases above the amount of the gift certificate, the rest of the money would be deducted from the cash value of the card. Buxx doesn't provide a customer-service phone number on its Web site. I submitted two questions by e-mail and they were answered in 25 hours.