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5 Best Prepaid Debit Cards
by Spencer Tierney Senior Writer | Certificates of deposit, ethical banking, banking deposits Spencer Tierney is a consumer banking writer at NerdWallet. He has covered personal finance since 2013, with a particular focus on deposits and certificates as well as other topics that relate to banking. He has had his work featured in The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among others. He is located in Berkeley, California.
and Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist Bank accounts, bank account bonuses Ruth Sarreal is a specialist in content management 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 articles on personal finance topics at GOBankingRates. The work she has written for her was featured on Nasdaq, MSN, TheStreet and Yahoo Finance.
Updated Mar 1 2022
Written by Yuliya Goldshteyn, Assistant Assigning Editor Yuliya Goldshteyn is a bank editor for NerdWallet. She was previously an editor, writer and a research analyst across a range of industries from healthcare and market research. She received a bachelor's diploma 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 a focus on Soviet culture and history. She lives at Portland, Oregon.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners, who pay us. This impacts the types of products we feature and where and how the product appears on the page. However, it does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are entirely our own. Here's a list of and .
+ Summary: Best prepaid debit cards
The Bluebird from American Express : Best for avoidance of charges.
Five Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card Ideal for ATM withdrawals.
FamZoo Credit Card : Great for parents (tie).
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard : Great for parents (tie).
Walmart MoneyCard : Best for shopping at Walmart.
Chime : Best cheap prepaid alternative.
What are prepaid debit cards?
A prepaid debit card may be used as a budgeting tool or a complete alternative to the bank account -- and the best prepaid cards offer convenience while charging few fees.
Prepaid cards are easy to get. Prepaid cards are sold at stores that sell retail (usually for a fee) and some can be ordered on the internet. The cards require no credit check, and they're usually available even if you can't get an account with a bank account because of a poor banking background. Unlike with a credit card that you can load money onto prepaid cards before use.
Some firms also provide mobile-optimized bank accounts that don't need clean credit or banking history They typically are less expensive than prepaid cards.
Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
There is no need for to have a bank account to get a pre-paid debit card, however it's a requirement for an ordinary debit card that is connected to your checking account. With prepaid debit cards, you load the card with cash when you receive it, and then use it to make purchases. For regular debit cards the money you pay will be taken from 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 isn't the right choice. and if you aren't able to get an account with a regular bank then try . These accounts provide another shot at mainstream banking and its perks.
Trust NerdWallet: Our editors and writers follow strict guidelines standards to ensure that our content is truthful and accurate So you can pick the account that works the best for you. See our criteria for .
Here are our best prepaid debit cards in relation to charges and features. Look below for more details about each one of the accounts.
BEST FOR AVOIDING FEES
NerdWallet's ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on many data points for each financial product and service.
Bluebird by American Express
No monthly fees; there is no charge for cash refills at Walmart.
A free ATM network.
Great budgeting features.
The best ATM withdrawals
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on several data points associated with every financial product or service.
Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
One of the biggest free ATM networks among the prepaid cards.
A monthly fee of $4 is reasonable and affordable to eliminate.
BEST FOR PARENTS
FamZoo
Multiple subaccounts to account for children.
Costs $2.50-$5.99 per month.
Greenlight
Multiple subaccounts to account for children.
Controls on spending at stores.
Monthly fees starting at $4.99.
The best way to shop at Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard
3percent cash back on Walmart.com as well as in the Walmart app and other cash-back rewards.
Multiple subaccounts for family members.
APR 2% on up to $1,000 of savings account.
THE BEST CHEAP CHOICE OPTION FOR PREPAID
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider many data points for each financial service and product.
Chime
No monthly charges.
It also has a savings component.
Bluebird by American Express
Ideal for avoiding costs
NerdWallet's ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas consider many data points for each financial product and service.
, issued through American Express, offers more than the standard credit card. It also allows you can spend and load money without paying charges.
However, Bluebird has some limitations regarding acceptance of merchants, and it does not permit cash-back at stores.
General fees and features: No monthly charges and no charges for online activation or inactivity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals are free at ATMs within the MoneyPass network; $2.50 fee for other ATMs, in addition to any ATM operator fee.
Reloading methods include direct deposit or debit card transfer card-to card transfer, mobile check deposit (with an additional fee from a third party for instant processing) or the cash-loading option in Walmart or other retailers. (Retailers not affiliated with Walmart could charge up to $3.95.)
Other services Other services: Additional services: Separate "set aside" accounts for savings, and at least four additional accounts that can be set aside for family members.
Downsides: No cash back when shopping at stores. The card is created by American Express, which isn't accepted everywhere that Visa or Mastercard are.
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Find out more about
Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Credit Card
The best 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 each financial product and service.
The Access 360deg credit card is a prepaid debit debit card takes part in Allpoint's huge U.S. network and has access to over 50,000 ATMs. The card is accessible in the 11 states where There are Fifth Third branches, which is the only place you can purchase the card.
General fees and features: $4 monthly fee that's exempt if you have a Fifth Third checking account or if you make at least $500 in deposits monthly; no costs to activate or stop activity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals: Free at Fifth Third ATMs and ATMs in the ATM Allpoint network; no charge at Presto! ATMs inside Publix stores as well as at 7-Eleven ATMs that are listed on the bank's site or mobile app. $2.75 fee at other ATMs as well as any ATM operator fees.
Reload methods: Direct deposit or cash load, transfer to bank at a Fifth Third branch or ATM.
Others services Card could have joint owner.
Downsides: There's no access to a nationwide retail network to add money; the card is only accepted 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
Ideal for parents (tie)
FamZoo is a family-friendly prepaid Mastercard which allows parents to be virtual bankers for their children, even those older than 13. Four cards are included 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 and split payments, view balances and activity across all cards, and set up text and email alerts.
General charges and other features. can pay in advance $59.99 in two consecutive years FamZoo which works out to $2.50 per month. Other prepayment plans also offer a discount. If you don't prepay, the fee for a monthly subscription is $5.99 for a monthly subscription. There is no cost to activate or stop using the service.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdrawals are free from FamZoo however ATM withdrawals can still cost you: Since FamZoo does not own any ATMs of its own 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 cost); add cash at stores such as 7-Eleven and Walgreens who are members of Reload at Register, Register, MoneyPak and Mastercard rePower networks (about $5 retail fee).
Additional services include multiple accounts within one plan, free and instant FamZoo card-to-card transfers Ability to secure and lock FamZoo cards, budgeting tools.
Downsides: No free ATM network; monthly maximum fee is higher than average; no mobile check deposit feature.
Are you looking for an account that is more traditional for spending? Check out NerdWallet's accounts.
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Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
Ideal option for your parents (tie)
Greenlight stands out due to a feature which other prepaid cards don't have that is a store-specific control of spending. Parents are able to preapprove where 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 activity alerts, free card-to-card transfers for allowances and the capability to remotely lock out lost cards remotely.
A Greenlight account can have up to five subaccounts so it works for families. Given low purchase and withdrawal limits, it's ideal to use it as a tool for budgeting with the family instead of as a bank account replacement.
General charges including features $4.99 up to $9.98 per month, based on your chosen plan (more expensive plans include features like investing education and identity theft protection); no costs on activation or inactivity, or account termination.
Purchases: No charges.
ATM withdrawals: No fees from Greenlight However, ATM withdrawals can cost you: Since Greenlight does not own the ability to operate its own ATMs Third-party ATM operator charges could apply.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, bank transfer.
Other services Additional services: Up to 5 subaccounts. No international ATM withdrawal fee.
There are some downsides: No checks nor cash can be put in and there is no ATM network that is free The daily maximum for purchases per family account is $1500 and the daily ATM withdrawal limit is $100. These are lower than the norm for prepaid cards.
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Walmart MoneyCard
The best place to shop is Walmart
The Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to $75 per year in cash-back rewards: 3% for purchases made on Walmart.com as well as in the Walmart app 2 percent on purchases at Walmart fuel stations, and 1 percent at Walmart stores. This app gets high marks, 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.
This prepaid, reloadable , card is a great option for families. It is possible to open an account for free for up to four additional persons who are at least 13 years older. The Walmart MoneyCard comes with a no-cost "Vault" Savings feature. Savings earn you 2% APY on up to $1,000 upon the card enrollment anniversary.
Since it's not part an ATM network, you'll pay $2.50 per ATM withdrawals, in addition to any fees charged by the operator.
General charges and benefits: $5.94 monthly fee waived with a minimum monthly balance of $500 or more; the starter card fee is $1 for purchases in stores No inactivity fees.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdraws $2.50 cost, in addition to any operator fees.
Reloading methods: Add cash via the Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores; deposit checks via mobile or add money through checks cashed through Walmart stores; $3 to reload cash in the Walmart store; and up to $4.95 to load elsewhere.
Other services including: Up to four additional accounts; savings account with an APY of 2% for the first $1,000, and chances to win monthly cash prizes the option to lock and unlock your card via the app; and text as well as email reminders.
Downsides: Fee to use ATMs; insufficient options for loading funds.
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Are you looking to increase your savings faster? See our list of the
Alternatives to prepaid cards with low fees
The distinction between prepaid debit cards and checking accounts is beginning to fade, since several have similar features and benefits.
This is particularly true with mobile-optimized bank accounts as, like the majority of prepaid debit cards, many have no credit check; unlike the prepaid cards, they come with some extra perks, such as more advanced savings features, larger ATM networks and check-writing privileges.
Chime
Best cheap alternative to prepaid
The ratings of NerdWallet are formulated by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on many data points for each financial service and product.
Chime isn't a pre-paid debit card or a conventional bank account but a free checking account with the Visa payment network. Though the account doesn't come with checks in paper but it is possible to use the app to request the checks be mailed to an recipient, even yourself, for free.
You can also open a connected Chime savings bank account to set up automated transfer.
General charges and features: No monthly cost and no charges for activation or inactivity; no credit check. Third-party fees for cash withdrawal and withdrawal could apply.
Purchases: There is no additional charge.
ATM withdrawals are free at over 60, 000 ATMs within the Allpoint, MoneyPass and Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks; $2.50 at other ATMs, plus any ATM operator fees. Third-party fees and cash withdrawals might be charged.
Deposit methods: Direct deposit or bank transfer, as well as mobile check deposit; add cash at retailers such as 7-Eleven or Walmart (the retailer might charge a fee) and at Walgreens for no cost.
Other services: Optional savings accounts earn 2.00% annual percent yield. Chime has two automatic savings programs. One where a percentage of every paycheck will automatically go into the savings account . There is the other where your purchases are rounded up according to dollar amounts. the rounded-up change goes directly to the savings account (see below for more information on Chime). You can also receive instant transaction alerts and lock your debit card if you are unable to locate it. 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 an institution of banking. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. Members of the FDIC."
See more information from Chime
Chime says: "Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up of your Chime checking Account to your savings account."
"The retailer who receives your cash is responsible for transferring the funds to the Chime Checking Account. Deposit fees for cash may be charged if using a retailer other 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 could apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint and Visa Plus Alliance ATM."
"Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole 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 the Chime Savings Account is variable and may alter at any moment. The disclosed APY is effective as of October 25, 2022. No minimum balance is required. It is necessary to have $0.01 of savings in order to get interest.
From top to bottom
The most reliable prepaid debit cards and alternatives Summary
Account/card
Monthly cost
of free ATMs
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
Fifth 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 debit card that is prepaid can be used as a tool for budgeting or be a replacement for an bank account. They offer convenience and don't charge many fees.
There's no credit check required to get a prepaid card, and they're usually available if you can't get a bank account because of a bad credit score. It is possible to load funds into pre-paid cards prior to using them to make purchases. In general, you can utilize a debit card prepaid in order to cash out cash at ATMs.
Where can you get the prepaid card?
Prepaid cards are available in retail stores (usually at a cost) and some can be purchased on the internet.
How do you add money to a credit card?
The ways to add cash to a prepaid credit card are different between cards. The most common methods include cash deposits at a register in a store (often at a cost), adding funds by using an app to make a mobile check deposit, or by direct deposits, card-to-card transfers and bank transfer.
What is a debit card that is prepaid?
A prepaid debit card could be used to budget or even a replacement for an bank account. The offer convenience and don't cost a lot of fees. There's no credit check required to get a prepaid card, and they're usually available when you're unable to open an account with a bank account because of a bad credit background. You load funds onto the prepaid cards prior to using them for purchases. In general, you can use a prepaid debit card for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Where can you find the prepay card?
Prepaid cards are available in retail stores (usually with a cost) and some can be bought through the internet.
How do you transfer money onto an prepaid card?
The methods for adding cash to a prepaid credit card vary between cards. However, most commonly, options include adding cash at a register in a store (often at a cost), adding funds by using an app for an online check deposit and by direct deposit, card-to-card transfer and bank transfer.
METHODOLOGY : Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2022
We looked at 45 reloadable debit cards provided by some of the biggest banks as well as credit unions, as well as debit card issuers that issue prepaid debit cards. When multiple card plans were available, only the basic monthly fee plan was examined.
We looked at four categories for each card generally-related charges and features, purchase and withdrawals, reload fees and options, as well as other options like bills pay and savings accounts. The cards on this list have the best combination of these categories. Certain cards featured in this roundup have nonbank program managers that partner with banks. In any case, all card issuers are banks that insure consumers' funds by offering the No cards above. contain overdraft fees.
Prepaid debit cards we evaluated included The Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card, , Mango Visa Prepaid Card, , .
See full 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 The 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 and NexsCard Visa Prepaid Card, Opt+ Prepaid Visa Card, , PNC SmartAccess Prepaid Visa Card, Regions Now Visa Prepaid Card and Starbucks Rewards Visa Prepaid Card, TD Connect Reloadable Prepaid Visa Card, , Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card.
We also examined two alternative, or nontraditional, banking accounts as well as .
What do the ratings mean?
-- Among the very best
Excellent; only minor caveats 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 great 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 deposit certificates. His work has been featured by 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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