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Five Best Debit Prepaid Card Options
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5 of the Best Credit Card Prepaid Cards
By Spencer Tierney Senior Writer | Certificates of deposit and ethical banking, as well as banking deposit accounts Spencer Tierney is a consumer banking writer at NerdWallet. He has been writing about finances for individuals since the year 2013 with a particular focus on deposit certificates and other topics that relate to banking. He has had his work covered in The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among others. He is based in Berkeley, California.
And Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist Accounts with banks, bank account bonuses Ruth Sarreal is a specialist in content management covering consumer banking topics at NerdWallet. She has over 10 years of experience in writing and editing for consumer websites. She previously edited articles on personal finance issues at GOBankingRates. She has had her work featured on Nasdaq, MSN, TheStreet and Yahoo Finance.
Updated on March 1st 2022
Written by Yuliya Goldshteyn Assistant Assigning Bank Yuliya Goldshteyn is a bank editor for NerdWallet. She was previously an editor, writer and a research analyst in a variety of industries, from healthcare as well as market research. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's in sociology from University of Chicago, with an emphasis on Soviet cultural history. She lives at Portland, Oregon.
The majority or all of the products we feature are from our partners who compensate us. This affects the products we review and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our opinions. Our views are our own. Here's a list and .
+ Summary: Best prepaid debit cards
Bluebird is a product of American Express : Best for avoidance of costs.
Five Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card : Best for ATM withdrawals.
FamZoo Prepaid Card : Ideal for parents (tie).
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard : Best to give your parents (tie).
Walmart MoneyCard : Best for shopping at Walmart.
Chime : Best cheap prepaid alternative.
What are prepaid debit cards?
The prepaid card can serve as a budgeting tool or a complete substitute for a bank account -- and the best prepaid cards offer ease of use while charging a few fees.
Prepaid cards are easy to acquire. They can be purchased in retail stores (usually with a cost) and some are ordered online. The cards require no credit check, and they're usually accessible even if you are unable to have an account with a bank account because of a poor credit history. Unlike with a credit card that you can load money into prepaid cards prior to using.
Some companies also offer mobile-optimized banking accounts that don't need clean credit or banking history These accounts typically cost less than prepaid card.
Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
It's not necessary to have an account with a bank account to get a pre-paid debit card, however it's required for a regular debit card, which is connected to your checking account. For prepaid debit cards, you can load the card with cash upon receiving it, then use it to buy purchases. With regular debit cards, the money you pay are taken directly from your checking account as you make payments.
>> More information from NerdWallet:
Nerdy Tip
If you are looking to establish credit or have been denied the use of a bank account, a prepaid debit card might not be the best choice: and if you aren't able to get a regular checking account Try . These accounts offer another chance at banking that is mainstream and has its perks.
Trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict standards to ensure that our content is fair and accurate and you are able to select the account that works the best for you. Check out our criteria for .
Here are our top prepaid debit cards in relation to the fees and features. Scroll down for more detail on each account.
The best way to avoid fees
NerdWallet's ratings are determined through our team of editors. The scoring formulas are based on many data points for every financial product or service.
Bluebird by American Express
No monthly charges; no charge for cash reloads at Walmart.
No cost ATM network.
Great budgeting features.
The best ATM withdrawals
NerdWallet's ratings are determined through our team of editors. The scoring formulas take into account several data points associated with each financial service and product.
Fifth Three Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
One of the biggest free ATM networks among the prepaid cards.
The fee is $4 per month and affordable to eliminate.
Best for Parents
FamZoo
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
The cost is $2.50-$5.99 per month.
Greenlight
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
Store-specific spending controls.
Monthly fees starting at $4.99.
BEST FOR SHOPPING AT WALMART
Walmart MoneyCard
3percent cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app as well as in other cash back rewards.
Multiple subaccounts to family members.
2.2% APY up to $1,000 of savings accounts.
THE BEST CHEAP CHOICE OPTION FOR PREPAID
The NerdWallet ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider many data points for each financial service and product.
Chime
There are no monthly costs.
It also has a savings component.
Bluebird from American Express
The best way to avoid costs
NerdWallet's ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on multiple data points for each financial service and product.
The card, which is issued through American Express, offers more than the average prepaid debit card, and you can use it to load and spend money with no charges.
However, Bluebird has limitations in terms of acceptance of merchants, and it doesn't allow cash-back at stores.
General charges and benefits: No monthly fee and no charges for activation online or inactivity.
Purchases: No charges.
ATM withdrawals are available for free at ATMs that are part of the MoneyPass network; $2.50 charge at all other ATMs, and any ATM operator fees.
Reloading options: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, card-to-card transfer, mobile deposit (with a third-party fee for processing in an instant), deposit cash in Walmart or other stores. (Retailers that are not Walmart could charge up to $3.95.)
Other services Additional services include: A separate "set aside" accounts for savings and the possibility of four separate accounts for family members.
Downsides: No cash back at retailers. It's issued via American Express, which isn't accepted everywhere that Visa and Mastercard are.
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>> Learn more about
Five 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card
Ideal option for ATM withdrawals
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas are based on several data points associated with each financial product and service.
Fifth Third's Access 360deg debit card takes part in the Allpoint's vast U.S. network and has access to over fifty thousand ATMs. The card is available in the states of 11 where There are Fifth Third branches, which is the only place you can purchase the card.
General charges and benefits A monthly fee of $4 is exempt if you have an account with a Fifth Third checking account or in the event that you make 500 or more in monthly deposits. There are there are no fees to activate or stop activity.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals are free at Fifth Third ATMs and ATMs within the Allpoint ATM network; Free at Presto! ATMs in Publix stores as well as at 7-Eleven ATMs listed on the bank's website or mobile app. $2.75 charge at all other ATMs, plus any fees charged by ATM operators.
Reload methods: Direct deposit or cash load, transfer to bank at Fifth Third branch or ATM.
Other services: Card may have owners who are joint.
Downsides: The card doesn't have access to a national retail network to add cash. The card is only available within Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia; and the card does not have a separate savings feature.
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FamZoo Prepaid Card
Ideal for parents (tie)
FamZoo is an affordable prepaid Mastercard which allows parents to be virtual bankers for their kids, even those older than 13. Four cards are free on the monthly plan, but more can be added at a cost of $3 per card. On the app or website you can make allowances, split payments, see balances and activity across all cards and create email and text alerts.
General fees and other features. are able to make a prepayment of $59.99 for two years of FamZoo -- which works out to $2.50 per month. Other prepayment plans also offer discounts. If you don't prepay, the fee will be $5.99 for a month-long subscription. There are no costs on activation, or for inactivity.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals are free from FamZoo However, ATM withdrawals may cost you: Since FamZoo does not have any of its own ATMs the fees of third-party ATM operators can apply.
Reloading methods : Direct deposit; bank transfer; PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo and Square Cash transfer; PopMoney transfer (for a fee) Add cash at retailers like 7-Eleven and Walgreens who are members of the Reload @ Register, Register, MoneyPak and Mastercard rePower networks (about $5 in retail fees).
Additional services include multiple accounts within one plan, free and instant FamZoo transfer from card to card Ability to secure and lock FamZoo cards as well as budgeting tools.
The downsides are: There is no free ATM network; monthly maximum cost is more than average There is no mobile check deposit feature.
>> Looking for a traditional spending account? Look into NerdWallet's account.
From top to bottom
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
Best for parents (tie)
Greenlight stands out due to the one feature that other prepaid cards do not have the ability to control spending at specific stores. Parents can preapprove where their children spend their money, which means that $300 set aside for school supplies may only be used at a campus bookstore, for instance. The prepaid card also provides real-time alerts for activity, free transfer of allowances from card to card as well as the ability to remotely lock out lost cards remotely.
Greenlight accounts can be used for a variety of reasons. Greenlight account can contain up to five subaccounts, so it works as a family account. With low withdrawal and purchase limits, it's ideal to use it as a tool for budgeting with the family instead of as a bank account replacement.
General charges as well as features $4.99 up to $9.98 monthly, based on your the plan you choose (more expensive plans include options like investing education or identity theft protection) No cost for activation, inactivity, or account cancellation.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals: There are no fees from Greenlight however, ATM withdrawals can cost you: Since Greenlight does not have any of its own ATMs Third-party ATM operator fees may apply.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, bank transfer.
Other services Other services include: Up to five subaccounts, with no fees for withdrawals from ATMs outside of the United States.
There are some downsides: No checks nor cash are able to be deposited and there is no ATM network that is free and the daily maximum purchase per family account is $1500 and daily ATM withdrawal limit is $100, which are lower than the norm for prepaid cards.
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Walmart MoneyCard
Best for shopping at Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to 75 dollars per year in cash-back reward points: 3% for purchases made through Walmart.com as well as in the Walmart app and 2% at Walmart fuel stations and% in Walmart stores. It is a popular app that receives decent ratings, is required to get no-cost cash reloads when you visit Walmart stores. Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks also offer fee-free cash withdrawals.
The prepaid card, which can be reloaded, is suitable for families. You can order an account for free for four additional individuals who are at least 13 years old. The Walmart MoneyCard has a no-cost "Vault" Savings feature. Savings will earn 2% APY on up to $1,000 upon the card enrollment anniversary.
Because it's not part of an ATM system, ATM users will have to pay $2.50 for ATM withdrawals in addition to any operator fees.
General charges and benefits: $5.94 monthly fee waived with a minimum monthly balance of at least $500. $1 starter card purchase fee for purchases in stores and no inactivity fee.
Purchases: No charges.
ATM withdrawals $2.50 charge, plus fees charged by the operator.
Reloading methods: Add cash with Walmart MoneyCard. Add cash via Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores, mobile check deposit or add money from checks cashed through Walmart stores; $3 to refill cash at a Walmart store; up to $4.95 to reload elsewhere.
Other services: Up to four free other accounts. Savings account with 2% APY on the first $1,000, and chances to win cash prizes every month; option to lock and unlock your card using the app; text and email alerts.
Downsides: Cost to use ATMs; insufficient methods for reloading money.
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Do you want to grow your savings more quickly? See our list of the
Alternatives to prepaid cards with low fees
The distinction between prepaid debit cards and checking accounts is starting to fade, since many have similar features and services.
This is particularly true with mobile-optimized bank accounts like most debit cards that are prepaid, they come with no credit check; unlike prepaid cards, they come with additional benefits like enhanced savings features, greater ATM networks, and check-writing privileges.
Chime
Best cheap alternative to prepaid
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas take into account many data points for every financial product or service.
Chime isn't a pre-paid debit card, or a conventional bank account but a free checking account that is part of the Visa payment network. Though the account doesn't come with checks in paper however, it is possible to use the app to request checks be sent to a recipient, even yourself, for no cost.
You could also open a linked Chime savings account , and then set it up to make automatic transfers.
General fees and features: No monthly fee and no costs of activation, or for inactivity. no credit check. Cash withdrawal and third-party fees may apply.
Purchases: There is no additional charge.
ATM withdrawals are free at more than 60, 000 ATMs within the Allpoint, MoneyPass and Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks. $2.50 at all other ATMs in addition to any ATM operator fee. Cash withdrawal and third-party fees may apply.
Deposit methods: Direct deposit or bank transfer, as well as mobile check deposit. You can also deposit cash at retailers such as 7-Eleven or Walmart (the retailer may charge fees) or at Walgreens for no cost.
Other services: The savings accounts earn 2.00% annual percent yield. Chime offers two savings programs: one where the amount of your paycheck automatically goes to the savings account, and the other in which your purchases are rounded according to dollar amounts, and the difference is then rounded up into savings (see below for more details about Chime). You also get immediate transaction alerts and even secure your debit card in the event that you are unable to locate it. Note that a Chime Checking Account is necessary to open a savings account.
Downsides: The out-of-network ATM cost.
Chime claims: "Chime is a financial technology company, not an institution of banking. Services for banking are provided via The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. Members of the FDIC."
Get more information from Chime
Chime claims: "Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar. You can then transfer the round up from Your Chime Checking Account to your savings account."
"The retailer that receives your cash will be responsible for transferring the funds to deposit into your Chime Checking Account. Deposit fees for cash may be charged when you use a different retailer that Walgreens."
"Save When I Receive Paid" automatically makes 10 percent of cash deposits up to $500 in your Checking Account to your Savings Account."
"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal charges may apply , but not at MoneyPass ATMs located in 7-Eleven, or at any Allpoint and Visa Plus Alliance ATM."
"Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime at its discretion. It can be granted according to various factors such as, but not limited to, Direct Deposit enrollment status."
The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The declared APY will be in effect as of October 25 2022. There is no minimum balance requirement. Must be in possession of $0.01 of savings in order to get interest.
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Best prepaid debit cards and alternatives: Summary
Account/card
Monthly fee
Number of ATMs free
Bluebird by American Express
$0
30,000+
Chime account
$0
60,000+
FamZoo Prepaid Card
$2.50 to $4.33 if prepaid; $5.99 if charged
None
5th 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
$0-$4
50,000+
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
$4.99 to $9.98
None
Walmart MoneyCard
$0-$5.94
None
Commonly asked questions What is a prepaid debit card?
A prepaid debit card could serve as a budgeting tool or as a substitute for an bank account. They offer convenience and don't charge many fees.
It's no credit check required to obtain a prepaid credit card, and they're usually available in the event that you aren't able to get an bank account because of a bad banking history. You load funds onto pre-paid cards prior to using them to make purchases. In general, you may also make use of a debit card that is prepaid to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Where can you get an prepaid card?
Prepaid cards are sold at stores that sell retail (usually at a cost) and some can be ordered on the internet.
How do you add money an credit card?
The methods for adding money to a prepaid card are different between cards. But generally, the options include cash deposits at a cash register (often with a charge), adding funds by using an app to make the deposit on a mobile device, or by direct deposit, card-to card transfer, or bank transfer.
What is a debit card that is prepaid?
A prepaid debit card can serve as a budgeting tool or be a replacement for an bank account. They offer convenience and don't charge many fees. It's no credit check required to apply for a prepaid card and they're often available even in the event that you aren't able to get an account with a bank account because of a bad credit history. The funds are loaded onto the prepaid cards prior to using them for purchases. Generally, you can also utilize a debit card prepaid to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Where can you purchase the prepaid card?
Prepaid cards are available at retail stores (usually at a cost) and some can be ordered online.
How do you add money to the prepaid card?
The methods for adding cash to a prepaid credit card are different between cards. But generally, the options include cash-in at a register in a store (often at a cost) and adding funds making use of an app to make a mobile check deposit, as well as direct deposit, card-to-card transfer or bank transfer.
METHODOLOGY : Best Prepaid Debit Cards for 2022
We examined 45 reloadable debit cards offered by some of the biggest banks, credit unions and debit card issuers that issue prepaid debit cards. When multiple card plans were available only the cost-per-month plan was considered.
We examined four categories of each card: general charges and features, purchase and withdrawals, reloading charges and options, as well as other services such as bills pay and savings accounts. The cards included on this list had the best combinations of the four categories. Some cards in this roundup have nonbank program managers that work with banks. However, all of the cards' issuers are banks that insure consumers' money through the No card above. contain overdraft fees.
Prepaid debit cards that we looked at included , , Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Card, Mango Visa Prepaid Card, , .
View the complete list
, B&T MoneyAccount, Boost Mobile Wallet Prepaid Mastercard, Brink's Prepaid Mastercard, Card.com Prepaid Card, CashPass Prepaid Mastercard, Commerce Bank mySpending Card Control Prepaid Mastercard The Exact Prepaid Mastercard, FamZoo Prepaid Card, Fancard, FasterMoney, Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card, Fred Meyer Prepaid Card, Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard, H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard, Mango Visa Prepaid Card, MOVO Virtual Prepaid Visa Card, MyVanilla Prepaid Card, , NexsCard Visa Prepaid Card, Opt+ Prepaid Visa Card, PNC SmartAccess Prepaid Visa Card, Regions Now Visa Prepaid Card, Starbucks Rewards Visa Prepaid Card, TD Connect Reloadable Prepaid Visa Card, , Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card.
We also looked at two alternative, or nontraditional bank accounts: and .
What do the ratings mean?
-among the top
Very good There are only minor issues for most customers
-- Good. Issues that could be of interest for some customers.
-- Fair. Make sure that strengths and weaknesses are a great match for you
Poor; proceed with great care
(or below) -- Best to avoid
The authors' bios: Spencer Tierney is a writer and NerdWallet's authority on deposit certificates. The work of Spencer Tierney has also been featured in USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
Ruth Sarreal is a content management specialist at NerdWallet. She has written and edited content about personal finance topics for over five years.
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