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5 Best Prepaid Debit Card Options
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Five Best Debit Prepaid Card Options
Written 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 written about personal finance since 2013, with a particular emphasis on certificates of deposit and other topics related to banking. His work has been covered on The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. He is based in Berkeley, California.
and Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist and Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist bank account bonuses Ruth Sarreal is a content management specialist covering consumer banking topics at NerdWallet. She has more than 10 years of experience in writing and editing content for consumer websites. She previously edited articles on personal finance issues at GOBankingRates. Her work has been featured in Nasdaq, MSN, TheStreet and Yahoo Finance.
Updated Mar 1, 2022
Written by Yuliya Goldshteyn Assistant Banking Yuliya Goldshteyn works as a banking editor for NerdWallet. She previously worked as an editor, researcher and writer in a variety of industries, from health care to market research. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in the field of history at the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree of social science from the University of Chicago, with an emphasis on Soviet cultural history. She lives at Portland, Oregon.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who pay us. This affects the products we write about and where and how the product appears on the page. However, this does not influence our opinions. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of and .
+ Summary: Best prepaid debit cards
Bluebird is a product of American Express : Best for avoidance of costs.
Fifth 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card is ideal for ATM withdrawals.
FamZoo Prepaid Card : Great option for your parents (tie).
Greenlight Prepaid MasterCard: Ideal for 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 an all-out replacement for the bank account -- and the most reliable prepaid cards provide convenience while charging few fees.
Prepaid cards are simple to acquire. They can be purchased at stores that sell retail (usually at a cost) and some are bought online. The cards require no credit check, and they're typically accessible even if you are unable to open an account with a bank account because of a bad banking history. Unlike with a credit card the funds are loaded into prepaid cards prior to using.
Some businesses also offer mobile-optimized financial accounts that don't need clean credit or banking history -- and they often are less expensive than prepaid cards.
Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
There is no need for an account with a bank account to get a prepaid debit card, but it's a requirement to have regular debit cards, which is connected to your checking account. When you purchase prepaid debit cards you load the card with cash when you receive it, and then use it to purchase items. With regular debit cards, the money you pay are taken directly from your checking account as you make payments.
>> More from NerdWallet:
Nerdy Tip
If you need to build credit or are rejected for the use of a bank account, a prepaid debit card may not be the best option: , and if you aren't able to get an ordinary checking account then try . These accounts give you another chance at banking that is mainstream and has the benefits that come with it.
Trust NerdWallet: Our editors and writers adhere to strict guidelines to make sure our coverage is accurate and fair So you can pick the financial accounts that work most effectively for your needs. Find out more about our criteria .
These are our most popular prepaid debit cards, that are ranked by fees and features. Scroll down for more detail about each one of the accounts.
Best Method to Avoid Fees
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account several data points associated with each financial service and product.
Bluebird from American Express
No monthly charges; no charge for cash reloads at Walmart.
A free ATM network.
Great budgeting features.
Best ATM FOR WITHDRAWALS
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated through our team of editors. The scoring formulas are based on many data points for every financial product or service.
Fifth 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Credit Card
One of the biggest free ATM networks among the prepaid cards.
The fee is $4 per month and affordable to eliminate.
The best for parents.
FamZoo
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
Costs $2.50-$5.99 monthly.
Greenlight
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
Store-specific spending controls.
Monthly cost starting from $4.99.
Best for shopping at Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard
3percent cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, as well as other cash-back rewards.
Multiple subaccounts for family members.
2.2% APY up to $1,000 of savings accounts.
BEST CHEAP CHEAP OPTION TO PREPAID
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account many data points for each financial product and service.
Chime
No monthly charges.
Has a savings component.
Bluebird by American Express
Best for avoiding costs
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider multiple data points for each financial product and service.
The card, which is offered by American Express, offers more than the typical debit card that you can purchase prepaid, and you can spend and load money without paying charges.
But Bluebird does have limits regarding merchant acceptance, and it doesn't allow cash-back at stores.
General charges and features: No monthly charges and no cost for activation online or inactivity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals: Free at ATMs within the MoneyPass network; $2.50 fee for other ATMs, and any ATM operator's fee.
Reloading options: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, card-to-card transfer, mobile deposit (with the third-party fee charged for processing in an instant) and cash load at Walmart or other stores. (Retailers that are not Walmart could charge up to $3.95.)
Other services Additional services include: Separate "set aside" accounts for savings and the possibility of four separate accounts to family members.
Downsides: No cash back at retailers. It's created by American Express, which isn't accepted everywhere Visa and Mastercard are.
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>> Learn more about
Five 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
The best for ATM withdrawals
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas take into account several data points associated with each financial product and service.
Fifth Third's Access 360deg credit card is a prepaid debit card takes part in the Allpoint's vast U.S. network and has access to over 50k ATMs. The card is available in the states of 11 where There are Fifth Third branches, which is the only way you can purchase the card.
General charges and features: $4 monthly fee that's exempt if you have a Fifth Third checking account or in the event that you make at least $500 in deposits monthly; there are no fees for activation or inactivity.
Purchases: No charges.
ATM withdrawals are free at Fifth Third ATMs and ATMs in the ATM Allpoint network; Free at Presto! ATMs located inside Publix stores as well as 7-Eleven ATMs listed on the bank's website or mobile app; $2.75 charge at all other ATMs as well as any fees charged by the ATM operator.
Reload methods: Direct deposit money transfer, bank transfer, cash load at Fifth Third branch or ATM.
Other services: Card could have joint owner.
The downside is that there's no access to a nationwide retail network for adding 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
Best option for your parents (tie)
FamZoo is a family-friendly card that is a prepaid Mastercard that lets parents become virtual bankers for their kids and even children older than 13. Four cards are free on the monthly plan, however, additional cards can be added for a one-time $3 fee per card. From the website or app, you can send allowances, split payments, see the balances and activities across all cards and create email and text alerts.
General charges and other features. are able to make a prepayment of $59.99 to get two years' FamZoo which is $2.50 each month. Prepayment plans that are not prepay also offer discounts. If you don't prepay, the price is $5.99 for a month-long subscription. There is no cost to activate or stop using the service.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals: No charge from FamZoo however ATM withdrawals will still cost you. FamZoo does not have any of its own ATMs, third-party ATM operator fees may apply.
Reloading methods : Direct deposit and bank transfer PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo and Square Cash transfer; PopMoney transfer (for a fee) and cash from stores like 7-Eleven and Walgreens that participate in Reload at Register, Register, MoneyPak and Mastercard rePower networks (about $5 in retail fees).
Additional services include multiple accounts within one plan, unlimited and instant FamZoo transfer from card to card the ability to lock and unlock FamZoo card, budgeting tools.
The downsides are: There is no free ATM network; monthly maximum fee is higher than average and there is no mobile check-deposit feature.
Are you in search of an old-fashioned spending account? Take a look at NerdWallet's accounts.
From top to bottom
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
The best for parents (tie)
Greenlight is notable for an advantage which other prepaid cards don't have: store-specific spending controls. Parents can preapprove where their children spend their money, which means that $300 earmarked for school supplies will only be used at a campus bookstore, for example. The card can also provide real-time alerts for activity, free card-to-card transfers for allowances and the capability to remotely lock down lost cards.
The Greenlight account can contain up to five subaccounts so it works for a family. 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 or $9.98 each month depending on chosen plan (more expensive plans come with features like investing education and protection against identity theft) There are no charges on activation or inactivity or account closure.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals: There are no fees from Greenlight However, ATM withdrawals will cost you: Because Greenlight does not have the ability to operate its own ATMs and third-party ATM operator fees could be charged.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, bank transfer.
Other services Other services include: Up to five subaccounts. No international ATM withdrawal fee.
The downsides are that no checks or cash can be put in There is no ATM free network The daily maximum for purchases per account for a family is $1,500 and the daily limit for ATM withdrawals is $100, which are much lower than average for prepaid cards.
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Walmart MoneyCard
Best place to shop at Walmart
It is worth noting that the Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to $75 in cash-back rewards. 3percent for purchases made at Walmart.com as well as in the Walmart app 2 percent at Walmart fuel stations and 1% on purchases at Walmart stores. The app, which gets decent ratings, is required to get fee-free cash reloads at Walmart stores. Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks are also able to offer free cash withdrawals.
This prepaid, reloadable card is suitable for families. It is possible to open an account at no cost for up to four additional persons who are at least 13 years old. older. The Walmart MoneyCard comes with a no-cost "Vault" Savings feature. Savings earn an APY of 2% on up to $1,000 at the card enrollment anniversary.
Since it's not part of any ATM network, you'll pay $2.50 to make ATM withdrawals, in addition to any fees charged by the operator.
General fees and features: $5.94 monthly fee waived with a monthly deposit of $500 or more; one-time fee for starter cards if purchased in store and no inactivity fee.
Purchases: No charges.
ATM withdrawals: $2.50 cost, in addition to any operator fees.
Reload methods: Reload cash with through the Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores, mobile check deposit; add funds from checks that are cashed through Walmart stores; pay $3 to reload cash in an Walmart store; or up to $4.95 to reload elsewhere.
Other services include: up to four free additional accounts; savings account that offers 2% APY on the first $1,000, and chances to win cash prizes every month the option to lock and unlock your account using the app; and text as well as email reminders.
Downsides: Fee to use ATMs; insufficient options for loading funds.
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Do you want to grow your savings more quickly? Check out our list of ways to do it.
Alternatives to prepaid cards with low fees
The difference between prepaid debit cards and checking accounts is beginning to fade, since they have the same features and services.
This is particularly the case with mobile-optimized bank accounts: Like most debit cards that are prepaid, they come with no credit check; unlike other prepaid cards, they are equipped with some extra perks like enhanced savings features, greater ATM networks and check-writing privileges.
Chime
The most affordable alternative to Prepaid
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider multiple data points for each financial product and service.
Chime isn't a pre-paid debit card or traditional bank account but a free checking account in the Visa payment network. While the account isn't stocked with checks in paper however, it is possible to use this app for requesting that checks be sent to a recipient, including yourself, for no cost.
You could also open a linked Chime savings account and set up automatic transfers.
General fees and features: There is no monthly cost and no charges to activate or stop activity; no credit check. Third-party fees for cash withdrawal and withdrawal may apply.
Purchases: 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 other ATMs and any ATM operator fee. Fees for cash withdrawals and fees from third parties might be charged.
Deposit methods: Direct deposit or bank transfer, as well as mobile check deposit. You can also deposit cash at retail stores such as 7-Eleven as well as Walmart (the retailer may charge fees) or at Walgreens for no cost.
Other services: Optional savings accounts yield 2.00% annual percentage yield. Chime has two automatic savings programs: one where the amount of your paycheck will automatically go into the savings account and the other where your purchases are rounded up in dollars to nearest and the rounded-up change goes to savings (see below for more information from Chime). Additionally, you can receive instant transaction alerts and protect your debit card should you lose it. It is important to note that a Chime checking Account is necessary to open an account for savings.
Downsides: The non-network ATM fee.
Chime says: "Chime is a financial technology company and not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. Member of the FDIC."
See more information from Chime
Chime states: "Round Ups automatically round purchases made with debit cards up to the closest dollar and transfer the round-up to the Chime Checking Account to your savings account. Chime Checking Account into your Savings Account."
"The retailer who receives the cash is responsible for transferring the cash to the Chime Bank Checking account. Deposit fees for cash may be charged when you use a different retailer that Walgreens."
"Save When I Get Paid" automatically makes 10% of your cash deposits up to $500 in your Checking Account into your savings account."
"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply , but not at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint as well as Visa Plus Alliance ATM."
"Mobile Check Deposit" eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion. The eligibility of mobile check deposits is based on various factors including, but not limited to, direct deposit enrollment status."
The Aperture Percentage Yield ("APY") for Chime Savings Accounts can fluctuate and change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective on 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 from American Express
$0
30,000+
Chime account
$0
60,000+
FamZoo Prepaid Card
$2.50 to $4.33 if prepaid; $5.99 when you are billed
None
Fifth Three Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card
$0-$4
50,000+
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
$4.99 to $9.98
None
Walmart MoneyCard
$0-$5.94
None
Most frequently asked questions What exactly is a debit card that is prepaid?
A prepaid debit card can be used to budget or be used as a replacement for the bank account. The offer convenience and doesn't cost many charges.
It's no credit check required to obtain a prepaid credit card, and they're usually available if you can't get a bank account because of a poor credit history. It is possible to load funds into pre-paid cards prior to making purchases. Generally, you can also use a prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Where can you purchase the prepay card?
Prepaid cards can be purchased in retail stores (usually for a fee) and some of them can be purchased through the internet.
How do you transfer money onto the credit card?
The methods for adding money to a prepaid card are different from card to card. The most common methods include cash deposits at a retail register (often with a charge) or by using an app to make an online check deposit as well as direct deposits, card-to-card transfers as well as bank transfer.
What is a prepaid debit card?
A prepaid debit card could be used to budget or be a replacement for an bank account. They are convenient and don't have any costs. You need no credit check required to apply for a prepaid card and often they're available when you're unable to open an bank account because of a bad credit background. You load funds onto pre-paid cards before you use them to make purchases. In general, you can make use of a debit card that is prepaid in order to cash out cash at ATMs.
Where can you get the prepaid card?
Prepaid cards are available at retail stores (usually for a fee) and some are bought on the internet.
How do you transfer money onto an prepaid card?
The methods for adding cash to a prepaid credit card vary from card to card. But generally, the options include adding cash at a register in a store (often with a charge) or by using an app for an online check deposit and by direct deposits, card-to-card transfers or bank transfer.
METHODOLOGY : Best Prepaid Debit Cards for 2022
We looked at 45 reloadable prepaid debit card options offered by some of the biggest banks as well as credit unions and the issuers of prepaid debit cards. When multiple card plans were available, only the basic month-long fee was examined.
We analyzed four categories for each card: general charges and features, purchase and withdrawals, reloading fees and options, and other options like bill pay as well as savings account. The cards that made this list were the most effective combination of these categories. Certain cards featured in this roundup include nonbank program managers who work with banks. However, all of the cards' issuers are banks that guarantee customers' cash through the No cards above contain overdraft fees.
Prepaid debit cards we evaluated included Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card, Mango Visa Prepaid Card, , .
View the complete list
, ,, MoneyAccount, Boost Mobile Wallet Prepaid Mastercard, Brink's Prepaid Mastercard, Card.com Prepaid Card, CashPass Prepaid Mastercard, Commerce Bank mySpending Card Control Prepaid Mastercard Credit Card, Exact Prepaid Mastercard, FamZoo Prepaid Card, Fancard, FasterMoney Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card, Fred Meyer Prepaid Card and 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 other, or alternative bank accounts as well as .
What do the ratings mean?
-- Among the very best
Excellent with only minor niggles for the majority of customers.
-- Good. Issues that might make a difference to certain customers.
-- Fair. Make sure your the strengths and weak points are good match for you
-- Poor; proceed with extreme caution
(or below) (or below) stay clear of
The authors' bios: Spencer Tierney is a writer and NerdWallet's authority on certificates of deposit. His work has been highlighted on USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
Ruth Sarreal is a content management specialist at NerdWallet. She has edited and written content about personal finance topics for more than five years.
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