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Five Best Debit Prepaid Cards
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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 deposits Spencer Tierney is a consumer bank writer for NerdWallet. He has written about finances for individuals since the year 2013, with a particular emphasis on deposit certificates and other banking-related topics. The work he has written for him was highlighted by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. The location of his work is Berkeley, California.
And Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist and Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist bank account bonuses Ruth Sarreal is a specialist in the management of content covering banking for consumers at NerdWallet. She has over 10 years of experience in writing and editing content for websites for consumers. She was previously editor of content on personal finance issues at GOBankingRates. The work she has written for her was featured in Nasdaq, MSN, TheStreet and Yahoo Finance.
Updated Mar 1st 2022
Written by Yuliya Goldshteyn, Assistant Assigning Editor Yuliya Goldshteyn works as a banking editor for NerdWallet. She previously worked as an editor, a researcher, and a writer across a range of industries from medical care as well as market research. She earned a bachelor's degree in the field of history at the University of California, Berkeley and a master's in sociology from University of Chicago, with an emphasis on Soviet cultural history. She is located within Portland, Oregon.
Many or all of the items featured on this page come from our partners who pay us. This impacts the types of products we feature as well as the place and way the product is featured on a page. However, it does not influence our opinions. Our opinions are entirely our own. Here's a list and .
+ Summary: Best prepaid debit cards
Bluebird is a product of American Express : Best for avoiding charges.
Five 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card is ideal for ATM withdrawals.
FamZoo Prepaid Credit Card Great for parents (tie).
Greenlight Prepaid MasterCard: Ideal option for your parent (tie).
Walmart MoneyCard : Best for shopping at Walmart.
Chime : Best cheap prepaid alternative.
What are prepaid debit card?
The prepaid card could be used as a budgeting tool or an all-out replacement for the bank account -- and the most reliable prepaid cards provide ease of use while charging a few fees.
Prepaid cards are simple to get. Prepaid cards are sold at retail stores (usually with a cost) and some are purchased online. The cards require no credit check, and they're often available even if you can't open an account with a bank account because of a poor banking history. In contrast to credit cards that you can load money into prepaid cards prior to using.
Certain businesses also offer mobile-optimized financial accounts that don't require a squeaky-clean banking or credit history -- and they often are less expensive than prepaid cards.
Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
There is no need for a bank account to get a pre-paid debit card, however it's a requirement to have a regular debit card, which is linked to your checking account. When you purchase prepaid debit cards you can load the card with cash upon receiving it, then use it to purchase items. With regular debit cards, the funds for your payments come directly out of your checking account when you make payments.
>> More from NerdWallet:
Nerdy Tip
If you're looking to improve your credit or have been refused a bank account, a prepaid debit card may not be the right choice. and if you aren't able to get an account with a regular bank then try . These accounts give you another chance at the mainstream banking system and its perks.
Why trust NerdWallet: Our editors and writers adhere to strict guidelines rules to ensure our reporting is fair and accurate and you are able to select the account that works most effectively for your needs. Find out more about our criteria .
Here are our top prepaid debit cards that are ranked by the fees and features. Click below for more information on each card.
BEST FOR AVOIDING FEES
NerdWallet's ratings are made by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas take into account several data points associated with each financial service and product.
Bluebird from American Express
No monthly charges; no fee for cash reloads at Walmart.
A free ATM network.
Great budgeting features.
BEST FOR ATM WITHDRAWALS
NerdWallet's ratings are determined through our team of editors. The scoring formulas consider several data points associated with every financial product or service.
Fifth 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
One of the biggest free ATM networks among Prepaid cards.
A monthly fee of $4 is reasonable and easy to waive.
BEST FOR PARENTS
FamZoo
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
The cost is $2.50-$5.99 per month.
Greenlight
Multiple subaccounts for children.
Store-specific spending controls.
Monthly cost starting from $4.99.
The best way to shop at Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard
3percent cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app as well as in other cash back rewards.
Multiple subaccounts for family members.
2.2% APY up to $1,000 of savings account.
THE BEST CHEAP CHOICE OPTION FOR PREPAID
The NerdWallet ratings are made by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas are based on several data points associated with each financial product and service.
Chime
No monthly fees.
It also has a savings component.
Bluebird by American Express
Ideal for avoiding charges
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider several data points associated with each financial service and product.
, issued through American Express, offers more than the typical debit card that you can purchase prepaid, and you can use it to load and spend money with no fees.
However, Bluebird has limitations regarding acceptance of merchants, and it doesn't allow cash-back for retailers.
General fees and features: No monthly fees and no charges for activation online or inactivity.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals: Free at ATMs that are part of the MoneyPass network; $2.50 fee for other ATMs, in addition to any ATM operator's fee.
Reload methods: Direct deposit or debit card transfer card-to card transfer, mobile check deposit (with the third-party fee charged for instant processing), deposit cash from Walmart or other retailers. (Retailers other than Walmart may charge up to $3.95.)
Other services Other services: A separate "set aside" accounts for savings, and up to four subaccounts to family members.
Downsides: No cash-back at retail stores. The card is made via American Express, which isn't accepted everywhere that Visa and Mastercard are.
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Find out more about
5th 3 Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card
Ideal option for ATM withdrawals
NerdWallet's ratings are made through our team of editors. The scoring formulas take into account several data points associated with every financial product or service.
Fifth Third's Access 360deg prepaid debit card takes part in the Allpoint's vast U.S. network and has access to more than fifty thousand ATMs. This 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 fees and features: $4 monthly fee that's waived if you have a Fifth Third checking account or if you make $500 or more in deposits monthly; there are no fees to activate or stop activity.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals are free ATM withdrawals: Free at Fifth Third ATMs and ATMs within the ATM Allpoint network. Free at Presto! ATMs in Publix stores as well as 7-Eleven ATMs that are listed on the bank's website or mobile app; $2.75 fee at other ATMs as well as any ATM operator fees.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, cash load, transfer to bank at Fifth Third branch or ATM.
Others services Card could have joint owner.
Downsides: The card doesn't have access to a nationwide retail network for adding money; the card is only available in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia; and the card doesn't come with a savings feature.
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FamZoo Prepaid Card
The best to give parents (tie)
FamZoo is a family-friendly prepaid Mastercard that lets parents become the bankers of their children and even children who are younger than 13. Four cards are included for the monthly plan but additional cards are available for a single $3 per card. From the website or app you can transfer allowances and split payments, view balances and activity across all cards, and make text and email alerts.
General charges as well as features. You can 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 price will be $5.99 for a month-long subscription. There aren't any charges to activate or stop using the service.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals: Free from FamZoo, but ATM withdrawals can still cost you: Since FamZoo doesn't have any of its own ATMs the fees of third-party ATM operators could apply.
Reloading methods include direct deposit or bank transfer; PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo and Square Cash transfer; PopMoney transfer (for a fee) Add cash at stores like 7-Eleven and Walgreens who are members of Reload at Register, Register, MoneyPak and Mastercard rePower networks (about $5 retail fee).
Another service: multiple accounts within one plan, free and instant FamZoo transfer from card to card, ability to lock and unlock FamZoo cards and budgeting tools.
The downsides are: There is no free ATM network; monthly maximum fee is higher than average; no mobile check deposit feature.
Are you in search of a traditional spending account? Take a look at NerdWallet's accounts.
From top to bottom
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
Best option for your parents (tie)
Greenlight is notable for a feature which other prepaid cards don't have that is a store-specific control of spending. Parents can preapprove where their children spend their money, which means that $300 earmarked for school supplies may only be spent in an on-campus bookstore, for example. The prepaid card also provides real-time alerts for activity, free card-to-card transfers for allowances as well as the ability to remotely lock 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 limitations, it's better as a family budgeting tool instead of a bank account replacement.
General charges including features $4.99 or $9.98 per month, depending on selected plan (more expensive plans include options like investing education or protection against identity theft) No cost on activation or inactivity or account cancellation.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals: No fees from Greenlight, but ATM withdrawals may cost you: Because Greenlight doesn't have any of its own ATMs Third-party ATM operator fees could be charged.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, bank transfer.
Other services: Up to 5 subaccounts. No fees for withdrawals from ATMs outside of the United States.
Downsides: No checks or cash can be deposited There is no ATM free network and the daily maximum purchase per account for a family is $1,500 and the daily limit for ATM withdrawals is $100. Both are much lower than average for prepaid cards.
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Walmart MoneyCard
Best for shopping at Walmart
The Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to 75 dollars per year in cash-back reward points: 3% for purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app, 2% on purchases at Walmart fuel stations, and 1 percent in Walmart stores. This app receives high marks is required for no-cost cash reloads when you visit Walmart stores. Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks also provide free cash withdrawals.
The prepaid card, which can be reloaded, is suitable for families. It is possible to open an account for free for four additional people who are at least 13 years old. of age. The Walmart MoneyCard offers a free "Vault" saving feature. Savings earn you an APY of 2% on up to $1,000 on the card enrollment anniversary.
Since it's not part an ATM system, ATM users will pay $2.50 per ATM withdrawals in addition to any fees charged by the operator.
General charges and benefits: $5.94 monthly fee waived by a monthly payment of $500 or more; $1 starter card purchase fee when purchased in a store and no inactivity fee.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals $2.50 cost, in addition to any operator fees.
Reload methods: Reload cash using the Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores; mobile check deposit; add funds through checks cashed through Walmart stores; pay $3 to refill cash at a Walmart store; and up to $4.95 to transfer funds elsewhere.
Other services including: Up to four extra accounts, a savings account that offers 2% APY for your first $1,000 and a chance to win cash prizes each month the option to lock and unlock your card using the app, as well as text or email notifications.
Downsides: Fee to use ATMs; limited options for loading funds.
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>> Want to build your savings more quickly? Check out our list of ways to do it.
Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
The difference between prepaid check accounts and debit cards is starting to become blurred, because several have similar features and benefits.
This is especially true for mobile-optimized banking accounts like most prepaid debit cards, many have no credit check; unlike the prepaid cards, they come with a few extra benefits like enhanced savings features, greater ATM networks and check-writing privileges.
Chime
Best cheap alternative to Prepaid
NerdWallet's ratings are determined through our team of editors. The scoring formulas consider many data points for each financial product and service.
Chime isn't a prepaid debit card or a typical bank account but a free checking account in the Visa payment network. Although the account isn't equipped with checks in paper but you can use the app to request that the checks be mailed to an recipient, even yourself, for no cost.
You could also open a linked Chime savings account and set up automatic transfers.
General fees and features: No monthly fees and there are no charges to activate or stop activity; no credit check. Cash withdrawal and third-party fees might apply.
Purchases: No additional cost.
ATM withdrawals: Free at over sixty thousand ATMs within the Allpoint, MoneyPass and Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks; $2.50 at all other ATMs and any ATM operator fee. Third-party fees and cash withdrawals might be charged.
Deposit methods are direct deposit, bank transfer and mobile check deposit; also, you can add cash at retail stores such as 7-Eleven as well as Walmart (the retailer could charge an additional fee) or at Walgreens for no cost.
Other services: An optional savings accounts yield 2.00% annual percentage yield. Chime offers two automated savings programs. One where each paycheck is credited with a portion of the money that is automatically deposited to the savings account, and the other in which your purchases are rounded up to the nearest dollar. the change is rounded up and goes into savings (see below for further details about Chime). Additionally, you can receive immediate transaction alerts and even protect your debit card should you lose it. Be aware that a Chime Checking Account is required to create a savings account.
Downsides: The non-network ATM cost.
Chime states: "Chime is a financial technology company and not an institution of banking. Services for banking are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. as well as Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC."
Find out more details from Chime
Chime says: "Round Ups automatically round the debit card transactions according to dollar amounts and transfer the round-up to Your Chime checking Account to your savings account."
"The retailer who receives the cash is responsible for transferring the funds to the Chime checking account. There may be fees associated with cash deposits for retailers other that Walgreens."
"Save When I Get Paid automatically will transfer 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account to your Savings Account."
"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees could apply except 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 at its discretion. The eligibility of mobile check deposits is based on various factors including but not limited to, a member's enrolling in direct deposits."
The annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for Chime Savings Account can fluctuate and be altered at any time. The APY disclosed is in effect as of October 25 2022. No minimum balance is required. It is necessary to be in possession of $0.01 of savings in order to get interest.
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The most reliable prepaid debit cards and alternatives: Summary
Account/card
Monthly fee
of free ATMs
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 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 can be used as a tool for budgeting or as a substitute for the bank account. They offer convenience and doesn't cost many fees.
The good news is that there's no credit check required to get a prepaid card, and they're often available even if you can't get a bank account because of a bad banking history. You load funds onto the prepaid cards prior to using them for purchases. In general, you can utilize a debit card prepaid for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Where can you get the prepaid card?
Prepaid cards can be purchased at retail stores (usually at a cost) and some are purchased through the internet.
How do you add money an prepay card?
The methods for adding funds to a prepaid card differ from card to card. The most common methods include cash deposits at a register in a store (often for a fee) and adding funds using an app to make a mobile check deposit, or by direct deposit, card-to-card transfer or bank transfer.
What is a debit card that is prepaid?
A debit card that is prepaid can be used to budget or as a substitute for a bank account. They offer convenience and don't cost a lot of fees. You need no credit check required to apply for a prepaid card and they're usually available if you can't get an account with a bank account because of a bad credit history. You load funds onto pre-paid cards before you use them for purchases. In general, you can make use of a debit card that is prepaid for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Where can you get an prepay card?
Prepaid cards are available at retail stores (usually at a cost) and some can be purchased on the internet.
How do you add money a credit card?
The ways to add cash to a prepaid credit card are different between cards. 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 deposit, card-to-card transfer as well as bank transfer.
A METHODOLOGY: Best Prepaid Credit Cards in 2022
We looked at 45 reloadable prepaid debit cards provided by some of the largest banks, credit unions and prepaid debit card issuers. When multiple card plans were available, only the basic cost-per-month plan was selected.
We looked at four categories for each card generally-related charges and features, purchase and withdrawals, reloading fees and options, as well as other services such as bill pay as well as savings account. The cards that made this list had the best combinations of the four categories. Certain cards on this list have nonbank program managers that partner with banks. Regardless, all the cards' issuers are banks who insure customers' cash by offering the No cards above. include overdraft charges.
Prepaid debit cards that we evaluated included Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card, Mango Visa Prepaid Card, , .
See full list
, , BB&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 Credit Card, 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 considered two alternative, or nontraditional account types for banking as well as .
What are the meanings of the ratings:
-among the top
Very good There are only minor issues for the majority of customers.
-- Good; issues which could cause a change for some customers.
Fair. Make sure that the strengths and weak points are good match for you
Poor. Proceed with extreme care
(or below) (or below) avoid
Authors' Bios Spencer Tierney is a writer, and NerdWallet's official authority on certificates of deposit. His work has been featured on USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
Ruth Sarreal is a content management specialist at NerdWallet. She has edited and written content on personal finance topics for over five years.
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