The best prepaid debit cards act as an alternative to a credit card or standard debit card. Prepaid debit cards allow you to conveniently make purchases without needing to open a credit card or checking account. They also act as a low-risk way to manage your money. Learn which prepaid debit card is best for you. Show
Best Prepaid Debit Cards
The following table describes the key features and fees of the best prepaid debit cards we selected. These include monthly fees, reload fees, and ATM fees. Learn more about our rating methodology below. Prepaid Debit Card Monthly Fee Reload Fees ATM Fees Foreign Transaction Fees Maximum Balance Rewards No monthly fees $0 at Walmart and up to $3.95 at other participating retailers Free ATM withdrawals at over 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs $0 $100,000 None Starts at $5/month Up to $3.95 $2.95 4% $15,000 Payback Rewards program $7.95/month Up to $3.95 $0 at MoneyPass ATMs 2.7% $100,000 1% cash back $6.95/month $0 at over 45,000 locations $0 at MoneyPass ATMs 2.7% $100,000 None Starts at $2.50/month $4 to $6 Standard ATM operator fees 0% $5,000 $0 for first 4 cards $4.95/month Up to $3.95 $2.50 per withdrawal 4% $15,000 PayBack Rewards program $5.94/month, waived when you direct deposit $500 or more in previous monthly period $0 at Walmart and up to $5.95 at other retailers $2.50 per withdrawal 3% $10,000 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back at Walmart stores  The Bluebird prepaid debit card is offered by American Express. It’s an FDIC-insured prepaid debit card with effectively no fees. This prepaid debit card functions similarly to a checking account, making it a great alternative for those without a bank account. It also offers several ways to deposit money onto the card and an extensive free ATM network. Why we chose it: Bluebird by American Express is the best overall prepaid debit card because it doesn’t have any monthly fees, cash reload fees, or ATM withdrawal fees.
Pricing: There are no monthly fees for the Bluebird prepaid debit card. FeesThere are virtually no fees with a Bluebird prepaid debit card, unlike Netspend, which charges $5 per month. However, you are subject to fees if you use out-of-network ATMs and cash reload retailers. Maximum BalanceYou can add up to $100,000 to your Bluebird prepaid debit card. This is one of the highest maximum account balances in the prepaid debit card niche. Reload OptionsBluebird offers several ways to deposit money into your prepaid debit card. These include direct deposit, mobile check deposits, cash reloads at Walmart, and transfers from a linked debit card or external bank account. Membership RewardsBluebird doesn’t offer cash back or any type of rewards program. Therefore, Bluebird isn’t an excellent option for those looking for membership rewards. However, the Serve Cash Back prepaid debit card by American Express offers 1% cash back on in-store and online purchases. Additional FeaturesUncommon to most prepaid debit cards, Bluebird offers low balance alerts and family subaccounts. It also doesn’t let your prepaid card go negative, so you won’t get charged overdraft fees. Netspend makes it easy to sign up for a Netspend Visa Prepaid Card because there’s no banking or credit checks required to open an account. However, Netspend is unique because it offers two different fee payment options. You can either pay a monthly fee or pay a fee every time you make a purchase. Why we chose it: The NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card is the best prepaid debit card for account management because of its easy-to-use and highly extensive mobile app. It allows you to manage your money 24/7 from any location in the world.
Pricing: The NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card carries two different payment options:
FeesThe NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card has higher fees than most of its competitors. Furthermore, the monthly plan costs up to $9.95, but you can lower it to $5 if you receive at least $500 a month in payroll checks or government benefits each month. Maximum BalanceYou can deposit up to $15,000 maximum on your NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card. Although this is a low amount compared to the $100,000 maximum balance allowed on a Bluebird prepaid debit card, it should be enough for most individuals. Reload OptionsYou can deposit cash at over 130,000 locations, including gas stations, grocery stores, check cashers, and convenience stores. Some examples are Jewel, Circle K, CVS, Speedway, and U.S. Bank. Membership RewardsThe NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card offers a 5% APY (Annual Percentage Yield) savings account on balances up to $1,000 and 0.50% APY on any amount over $1,000. NetSpend also offers a Payback Rewards program which provides customized offers based on your spending habits Additional FeaturesIf you refer a friend to NetSpend, you and your friend receive $20 if your friend deposits $40 or more onto their card. NetSpend also provides useful iOS and Android apps that help you manage your account and budget your spending. Serve Cash Back by American Express is a unique prepaid debit card because it offers 1% cash back on in-store and online purchases. This is a similar feature to most credit cards. Therefore, a Serve Cash Back prepaid debit card is a great alternative for those who want to earn cash back but don’t want to open a credit card. Why we chose it: Server Cash Back by American Express is the best prepaid debit card for rewards because it offers unlimited 1% cash back on purchases.
Pricing: Serve Cash Back by American Express has a $7.95 monthly fee. FeesThe Serve Cash Back card carries a $7.95 monthly fee that you can’t waive. However, Bluebird doesn’t have a monthly fee and the PayPal Prepaid Walmart MoneyCard has a $5.94 monthly fee which you can waive. If you need to withdraw cash, you can do so for free at MoneyPass ATMs. However, withdrawing cash at non-MoneyPass ATMs costs $2.50 per withdrawal. Furthermore, cash reloads cost up to $3.95 per transaction, depending on the retailer. Maximum BalanceYou can have a maximum balance of $100,000 on your Serve Cash Back prepaid debit card. This is a high maximum balance and should be more than sufficient to suit your needs. Reload OptionsThere are over 45,000 cash reload locations in the United States. These include retailers such as Walmart, CVS, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Rite Aid, and 7-Eleven. Membership RewardsIt’s free to open a Serve Cash Back prepaid card when you apply online. Otherwise, it may cost up to $3.95 at participating retail locations. Furthermore, you can create subaccounts for free for anyone 13 and older. Additional FeaturesYou receive 120 days of post-purchase protection on eligible items up to $1,000. In addition, Serve offers a comprehensive mobile app that allows you to manage your account from any location. You can view your balance, manage transactions, send money, and add checks with the mobile app. Serve Free Reloads by American Express is a neat prepaid debit card that offers free cash reloads. However, you can only add up to $500 or as low as $20 per cash reload. To deposit cash, visit a participating location and give the cash to a cashier. Then, swipe your card, and the money is immediately added to your account. Why we chose it: Serve Free Reloads by American Express is the best prepaid debit card for cash reloads because it offers free cash reloads at over 45,000 participating locations.
Pricing: The Serve Free Reloads prepaid debit card carries a non-waivable $6.95 monthly maintenance fee FeesThe Serve Free Reloads prepaid debit card has a monthly fee of $6.95 that isn’t waivable. Furthermore, there are no minimum balance requirements or hidden fees. Although you’re subject to a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, there aren’t ATM withdrawal fees at MoneyPass ATMs. Maximum BalanceThe maximum balance you can hold on your Server Free Reloads prepaid debit cards is $100,000. However, there are no minimum balance requirements. Reload OptionsStated right in its name, Serve Free Reloads offers free cash reloads at 45,000 retail locations. These include Walmart, CVS, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Rite Aid, and 7-Eleven. If you want more reload options, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard offers access to 130,000 NetSpent reload locations. Membership RewardsThe primary benefit of the Free Reloads prepaid card is the ability to add as much cash as you want without incurring fees. You also get access to a wide range of American Express offers, including shopping and dining. Additional FeaturesServe offers Online Bill Pay which allows you to organize and pay your bills on time. Furthermore, Serve offers FDIC insurance and covers you for fraudulent purchases. FamZoo offers a distinctive prepaid card dedicated to families. It puts parents in control of their family bank because FamZoo offers automatic allowances and the ability to send interest payments to children based on their savings. Why we chose it: The FamZoo Prepaid Card is the best prepaid debit card for families because it offers four free prepaid cards when you signup.
Pricing: FamZoo offers four different payment plans based on the length of your subscription:
FeesFamZoo starts at $5.99 per month which can be reduced if you subscribe to a longer-term subscription. Although FamZoo doesn’t charge ATM fees, you’re subject to ATM operator fees. Maximum BalanceSince FamZoo is designed for families, the maximum balance you can load onto a FamZoo prepaid debit card is $5,000. This is the lowest maximum balance out of all the prepaid debit cards on this list. Reload OptionsYou can deposit money onto your FamZoo prepaid debit card through direct deposit (free), ACH (free), or cash reload ($4 to $6). You can deposit cash at Green Dot or MasterCard rePower reload agents. Membership RewardsYou receive a $15 referral bonus when you refer a friend, and they spend at least $15 in subscription fees. Additional FeaturesFamZoo offers automated chore charts, chore review options, missed payment tracking, and mobile apps for Android and iOS. The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard does not require a credit check, so approval is guaranteed. This prepaid debit card is unique because it lets you transfer money from your PayPal account in real-time. Therefore, this prepaid debit card is only suitable for frequent PayPal users. Why we chose it: The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is the best prepaid debit card for PayPal users because it offers free and quick transfers from your PayPal balance.
Pricing: This prepaid debit card carries a monthly maintenance fee of up to $4.95. FeesThe PayPal Prepaid debit card offers free ATM withdrawals from in-network ATMs and up to $3.95 for cash reloads. Moreover, the minimum initial load is $10 to $20. Maximum BalanceThe maximum amount of money you can have on your PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is $15,000, which is significantly lower than the $100,000 maximum balance allowed on Bluebird and Serve prepaid debit cards. Reload OptionsYou can reload your card via direct deposit, PayPal instant transfers, or the NetSpend reload network of 130,000 retail locations. Membership RewardsYou receive access to a high-yield savings account, earning you 5% APY on balances up to $1,000. Furthermore, PayPal’s Refer-A-Friend program grants you and your friend $20 for meeting eligibility requirements. Additional FeaturesYou can download the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard app on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app lets you monitor your account balance, load checks, review transactions, and receive alerts. Walmart MoneyCard: Best for Walmart ShoppersWaivable fee of $5.94 per month ★★★★★ 3.51 The Walmart MoneyCard is the ideal prepaid debit card for frequent Walmart shoppers. It offers 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back at retail Walmart locations. However, you can only earn up to $75 in cash back reward per year. Why we chose it: The Walmart MoneyCard is the best prepaid debit card for Walmart shoppers because it offers cash back on all Walmart purchases.
Pricing: $5.94 per month but waivable if you direct deposit $500 or more in previous monthly period FeesWith the Walmart MoneyCard, you get free cash withdrawals at over 5,000 Walmart locations, free cash reloads at Walmart stores, free online bill pay, and free direct deposit of payroll. Since this debit card has a monthly maintenance fee of $5.94, Bluebird by American Express is a better option if you’re looking for a prepaid debit card without monthly fees. Maximum BalanceThe maximum balance you can have on your Walmart MoneyCard is $10,000, unlike Serve prepaid debit cards which offer a maximum balance of $100,000. Reload OptionsYou can deposit money into your Walmart MoneyCard through the Walmart MoneyCard app, Walmart Rapid Reload, MoneyPak, or cash and load checks at Walmart stores. Membership RewardsThe Walmart MoneyCard prepaid debit card lets you add up to four additional family members aged 13 or older. You can also earn 2% APY on up to $1,000 in your optional savings account. Additional FeaturesThe MoneyCard mobile app lets you deposit checks, monitor your account, and transfer money. You can also unlock overdraft protection for up to $200 with opt-in and an eligible direct deposit. Methodology for the Best Prepaid Debit CardsChoosing the best prepaid debit card shouldn’t be difficult if you know what you want. Each prepaid debit card has unique costs and benefits, so look for an option that maximizes your benefits and minimizes your costs. Here at the key factors to consider when picking the best prepaid debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Prepaid Debit CardsBefore you make your decision, it’s essential to address a few common questions we get asked about prepaid debit cards. This way, you can make the most informed decision possible. What is a prepaid debit card? A prepaid debit card is similar to a standard debit card. However, the primary difference is that a prepaid debit card isn’t connected to a bank checking account or credit union share draft account. Instead, you load money onto the card, and you can only spend the amount to put into your prepaid debit card. Are prepaid debit cards worth it? Prepaid debit cards are convenient because you don’t have to make a bank checking account. Furthermore, it can help you budget properly and stay out of debt because you can’t spend more than the amount you deposit. Even if you already have a standard debit card, you can use a prepaid debit card for certain spending categories, such as coffee and groceries. How do you put money on a prepaid card? There are several ways to put money on a prepaid debit card, depending on which issuer you choose. Some issuers offer in-person cash deposits at financial institutions, while other issuers offer in-person cash deposits at participating retail locations. Most issuers allow you to put money on your prepaid card through an online transfer from a checking or savings account. Bottom Line on the Best Prepaid Debit CardsBluebird, Netspend, and Serve offer the best prepaid debit cards in 2022. These prepaid debit cards offer various incentives, such as no monthly fees, cash back, and no cash reload fees. However, Walmart and PayPal offer prepaid debit cards that can be valuable to you if you use those retailers often. About the Author: Larry is a finance graduate and entrepreneur who loves educating others on various business software through his own experiences. Larry loves to write about all topics, from fashion editorials to tax advice. On his days off, you can find him at a basketball court or gym working up a sweat. What prepaid card allows direct deposit?The Serve® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account allows free direct deposits that you'll receive up to two days sooner than if deposited into a traditional bank account.
Can you get direct deposit on a prepaid debit card?Your prepaid card may allow you to set up direct deposit for future reloads. When you register your card, you may get specific instructions on how to set up direct deposit, if it is available for your card.
What prepaid card doesn't charge a monthly fee?The NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card is one of the best no-fee prepaid cards. With this card, you will not have to worry about overdraft fees, activation fees, credit checks, or minimum balances.
What is the best prepaid debit card to use?The 5 Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2022. Best Overall, Best for No Monthly Fee: Bluebird by American Express.. Best for Cash Reloads: American Express Serve FREE Reloads.. Best for Walmart Shoppers: Walmart MoneyCard.. Best for Rewards: American Express Serve Cash Back.. Best for Tweens/Teens: FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card.. |
Prepaid debit cards with no monthly fees and direct deposit
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