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5 Best Prepaid Debit Cards
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5 Best Prepaid Debit Card Options
by Spencer Tierney Senior Writer | Certificates of deposit ethics, ethical banking, bank deposit accounts Spencer Tierney is a consumer banker at NerdWallet. He has been writing about personal finance since 2013, with a particular focus on deposits and certificates as well as other topics related to banking. He has had his work highlighted in The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. The location of his work is Berkeley, California.
as well as Ruth Sarreal Content Management Specialist bank account bonuses Ruth Sarreal is a specialist in content management covering consumer banking topics at NerdWallet. She has over a decade 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 by Nasdaq, MSN, TheStreet and Yahoo Finance.
Updated on March 1st, 2022
Edited by Yuliya Goldshteyn, Assistant Assigning editor Yuliya Goldshteyn works as a banking editor for NerdWallet. She was previously an editor, researcher and writer in a variety of industries, from health care and 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 culture and history. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
The majority or all of the products featured here are from our partners who pay us. This impacts the types of products we review and where and how the product is featured on a page. However, it does not influence our opinions. Our opinions are our own. Here's a list of and .
+ Summary: Best prepaid debit cards
The Bluebird from American Express : Best for getting rid of costs.
Fifth Three Access 360deg Reloadable Credit Card : Best for ATM withdrawals.
FamZoo Prepaid Card : Ideal for parents (tie).
Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard : Best for parents (tie).
Walmart MoneyCard : Best for shopping at Walmart.
Chime : Best cheap prepaid alternative.
What are prepaid debit card?
Prepaid debit cards could be used as a budgeting tool or as a full-time replacement for a bank account -- and the most reliable prepaid cards provide ease of use while charging a few fees.
Prepaid cards are very easy to obtain. Prepaid cards are sold at stores that sell retail (usually with a cost) and some can be ordered online. They require no credit check, and they're often accessible even if you are unable to get an account with a bank account because of a poor credit background. Contrary to credit cards the funds are loaded into prepaid cards prior to using.
Certain companies also offer mobile-optimized banking accounts that don't require clean credit or banking history They typically are less expensive than prepaid cards.
Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
You don't need an account with a bank account to get a credit card that is prepaid, but it's required for an ordinary debit card which is linked to your checking account. For prepaid debit cards, you fill the card up with money when you get it and use it to purchase items. With regular debit cards, the funds you use to pay come directly out of your checking account when you make payments.
>> More information from NerdWallet:
Nerdy Tip
If you need to build credit or are denied a bank account, a prepaid debit card might not be the best option: , 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.
We are confident that our writers and editors follow strict standards to ensure that our content is truthful and accurate So you can pick the account that works most effectively for your needs. Check out our criteria for .
Here are the most popular prepaid debit cards, that are ranked by the fees and features. Look below for more details about each one of the accounts.
The best way to avoid fees
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas take into account many data points for 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
The NerdWallet ratings are made through our team of editors. The scoring formulas are based on multiple data points for each financial product and service.
5th Three Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Credit Card
One of the largest free ATM networks of prepaid cards.
$4 monthly fee that's reasonably simple to waive.
Best for Parents
FamZoo
Multiple subaccounts for kids.
Costs $2.50-$5.99 per month.
Greenlight
Multiple subaccounts to account for children.
Controls for spending in stores that are specific to the store.
Monthly fee from $4.99.
Best for shopping at Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard
3percent cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app and other cash-back rewards.
Multiple subaccounts to family members.
2.2% APY the first $1,000 in savings accounts.
BEST CHEAP CHEAP OPTION TO PREPAID
The NerdWallet ratings are made by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas consider several data points associated with every financial product or service.
Chime
No monthly charges.
It also has a savings component.
Bluebird from American Express
Best for avoiding costs
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by the editorial staff. The scoring formulas are based on multiple data points for every financial product or service.
, issued from American Express, offers more than the typical credit card. It also allows you can use it to load and spend money without paying fees.
But Bluebird has some limitations regarding merchant acceptanceand doesn't allow cash-back for retailers.
General fees and features: No monthly charges and no charges for activation online or inactivity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals are free at ATMs within the MoneyPass network; $2.50 charge at all other ATMs, and any ATM operator's fee.
Reload methods: Direct deposit and debit card transfer, card-to-card transfer, mobile check deposit (with the third-party fee charged to process the transaction in a matter of seconds) 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: Separate "set aside" accounts for savings and at least four additional accounts to family members.
There is no cash back at retailers. It's created via American Express, which isn't accepted everywhere Visa or Mastercard are.
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>> Learn more about
Five Three Access 360deg Reloadable Prepaid Card
The best option for ATM withdrawals
NerdWallet's ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on several data points associated with each financial product and service.
The Access 360deg credit card is a prepaid debit card takes part in Allpoint's huge U.S. network and has access to over fifty thousand ATMs. This card is available in the 11 states in which you can find Fifth Third branches, which is the only place that you can obtain the card.
General fees and features: $4 monthly fee that's exempt if you have an account with a Fifth Third checking account or in the event that you make at least $500 in monthly deposits; no costs for activation or inactivity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals: Free ATM withdrawals: Free at Fifth Third ATMs and ATMs within the ATM Allpoint network; free at Presto! ATMs located inside Publix stores and at 7-Eleven ATMs, which are listed on the bank's site or mobile app; $2.75 charge at all other ATMs, plus any fees charged by the ATM operator.
Reload methods: Direct deposit or cash load, transfer to bank at Fifth Third branch or ATM.
Others services Card may have owners who are joint.
The downside is that there's no access to a nationwide retail network that allows you to purchase 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 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 that lets parents become virtual bankers for their kids and even children younger than 13. Four cards are available for free for the monthly plan but additional cards are available for a single $3 per card. Through the app or the website you can transfer allowances and split payments, view balances and activity across all cards, and set up text and email alerts.
General fees and other features. are able to make a prepayment of $59.99 in two consecutive years FamZoo -- which works out to $2.50 per month. Prepayment plans that are not prepay also offer a discount. If you do not prepay, the cost for a monthly subscription is $5.99 for a month-long subscription. There is no cost for activation or inactivity.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals are free from FamZoo However, ATM withdrawals will still cost you: Since FamZoo does not have any ATMs of its own the fees of third-party ATM operators could apply.
Reloading methods : Direct deposit and bank transfer PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo and Square Cash transfer; PopMoney transfer (for a fee) and cash from retailers like 7-Eleven and Walgreens who are members of Reload at the Register, MoneyPak and Mastercard rePower networks (about $5 retail fee).
Other services: Multiple accounts under one plan, no-cost and instant FamZoo card to-card transfers the ability to secure and lock FamZoo cards and budgeting tools.
Downsides: No cost ATM network; maximum monthly fee is higher than the average and there is no mobile check-deposit feature.
>> Looking for an old-fashioned spending account? Check out NerdWallet's accounts.
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Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
Ideal for parents (tie)
Greenlight is notable for an advantage that other prepaid cards do not have that is a store-specific control of spending. Parents can preapprove where their children spend their money. So, a $300 that is set aside for school supplies will only be used at an on-campus bookstore, for example. The prepaid card also offers real-time activity alerts, no-cost card-to-card transfers for allowances as well as the ability to remotely lock out lost cards.
A Greenlight account can have up to five subaccounts, so it works for a family. Due to the low purchase and withdrawal limitations, it's better as a family budgeting tool instead of as a bank account replacement.
General fees as well as features $4.99 to $9.98 each month based on the chosen plan (more expensive plans come with options like investing education or identity theft protection) There are no charges for activation, inactivity, or account termination.
Purchases: No fees.
ATM withdrawals: There are no fees from Greenlight, but ATM withdrawals may cost you Greenlight does not have one of their own ATMs and third-party ATM operator charges could apply.
Reload methods: Direct deposit, debit card transfer, bank transfer.
Other services: Up to 5 subaccounts. No international ATM withdrawal fee.
There are some downsides: No checks nor cash can be deposited There is no ATM free network and the daily maximum purchase per family account is $1500 and the daily limit for ATM withdrawals is $100. These are lower than the norm for prepaid cards.
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Walmart MoneyCard
Best for shopping at Walmart
It is worth noting that the Walmart MoneyCard offers its shoppers up to 75 dollars per year in cash-back rewards: 3.3% on purchases made through Walmart.com as well as in the Walmart app and 2% on purchases at Walmart fuel stations and% at Walmart stores. It is a popular app that receives decent ratings, is required to get free cash reloads in Walmart stores. Walmart MoneyCenters and Customer Service desks are also able to offer free cash withdrawals.
This prepaid, reloadable , card is suitable for families. You can order an account at no cost for up to four additional persons who are at least 13 years old. of age. The Walmart MoneyCard comes with a no-cost "Vault" Savings feature. Savings earn you an APY of 2% on up to $1,000 at the anniversary of card enrollment.
Because it's not part of an ATM system, ATM users will pay $2.50 to make 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; one-time fee for starter cards for purchases in stores No inactivity fees.
Purchases: No cost.
ATM withdraws $2.50 fee, plus any operator fees.
Reload methods: Reload cash with Walmart MoneyCard. Add cash via Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores; mobile check deposit or add money through checks cashed in Walmart stores; pay $3 to refill cash at the Walmart store; up to $4.95 to load 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 monthly cash prizes the option to lock and unlock your card via the app, as well as text or email notifications.
The downsides are: There is a fee to use ATMs; insufficient options for loading money.
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Do you want to grow your savings faster? See our list of the
Cost-effective alternatives to prepaid cards
The difference between prepaid debit cards and checking accounts is starting to fade, since several have similar features and services.
This is particularly true with mobile-optimized bank accounts: Like most debit cards that are prepaid, many have no credit check; unlike other prepaid cards, they are equipped with some extra perks, such as enhanced savings features, greater ATM networks and check-writing privileges.
Chime
Best cheap alternative to Prepaid
NerdWallet's ratings are made by our editorial team. The scoring formulas are based on many data points for each financial service and product.
Chime isn't a prepaid debit card or a traditional bank account but a free checking account with the Visa payment network. While the account isn't stocked with checks in paper however, it is possible to use Chime to ask the checks be mailed to an person, or even yourself, for no cost.
You could also open a linked Chime savings account and set up automatic transfer.
General fees and features: There is no monthly fee and no costs for activation or inactivity; no credit check. Third-party fees and cash withdrawals may apply.
Purchases: No additional charge.
ATM withdrawals are free at more than sixty thousand ATMs within the Allpoint, MoneyPass and Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks. $2.50 at other ATMs and any ATM operator fee. Cash withdrawal and third-party fees could be charged.
Deposit methods include direct deposit and bank transfer as well as mobile check deposit; also, you can add cash at retailers such as 7-Eleven or Walmart (the retailer may charge a fee) or at Walgreens for no cost.
Other services: Optional savings accounts earn 2.00 per cent annual percent yield. Chime offers two automated savings plans: one in which the amount of your paycheck is automatically deposited into the savings account and the other in which your purchases are rounded to the nearest dollar. the rounded-up change goes into savings (see below for more details from Chime). You can also receive notifications of transactions in real time and also protect your debit card should you lose it. It is important to note that a Chime checking Account is required to open a savings account.
The downsides: The out-of-network ATM cost.
Chime says: "Chime is a financial technology company and not a bank. Services for banking are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. Member of the FDIC."
See more information from Chime
Chime says: "Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases according to dollar amounts, and transfer the round up from Your Chime Account to your Checking Account onto your savings account."
"The retailer who receives your cash is responsible for transferring the funds for deposit into your Chime Bank Checking account. Cash deposit fees may apply when you use a different retailer in addition to Walgreens."
"Save When I Receive Paid" automatically transfers 10% of your cash deposits up to $500 in your Checking Account to your Savings Account."
"Out-of-network ATM withdrawal charges may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs at 7-Eleven or at any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM."
"Mobile Check Deposit" eligibility is determined by Chime at its discretion. It can be granted depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, enrolling in direct deposits."
The Aperture Percentage Yield ("APY") for Chime Savings Accounts is subject to change and could be altered at any time. The APY disclosed is in effect as of October 25 2022. There is no minimum balance requirement. It is necessary to have $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 cost
The number of ATMs that are 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 charged
None
5th Three 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 be used as a tool for budgeting or be used as a replacement for an bank account. They provide convenience and don't charge many charges.
It's no credit check required to obtain a prepaid credit card, and they're usually available when you're unable to open a bank account because of a bad credit score. The funds are loaded onto the prepaid cards prior to using them to make purchases. Generally, you can also use a prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Where can you find an prepay card?
Prepaid cards can be purchased at stores that sell retail (usually at a cost) and some of them can be bought through the internet.
How do you add money a credit card?
The methods of adding funds to a prepaid card are different between cards. But generally, the options include adding cash at a retail register (often for a fee) or 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 be used to budget or as a substitute for a bank account. They are convenient and don't cost a lot of fees. It's no credit check required to apply for a prepaid card and they're often available even if you can't get a bank account because of a bad credit background. The funds are loaded onto prepaid cards before using them for purchases. Generally, you can also utilize a debit card prepaid for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Where can you find the credit card that is prepaid?
Prepaid cards can be purchased at retail stores (usually for a fee) and some of them can be bought on the internet.
How do you add money the prepay card?
The ways to add funds to a prepaid card vary from card to card. But generally, the options include cash deposits at a cash register (often at a cost), adding funds by using an app to make an online check deposit and by direct deposit, card-to-card transfer and bank transfer.
METHODOLOGY : Best Prepaid Debit Cards for 2022
We examined 45 reloadable prepaid debit cards that are offered by the largest banks as well as credit unions, as well as the issuers of prepaid debit cards. When multiple card plans were available only the monthly fee plan was selected.
We analyzed four categories for each card generally-related charges and features, purchases and withdrawals, reloading charges and options, and additional services like bills pay and savings accounts. The cards on this list had the best combination of these categories. Some cards in this roundup include nonbank program managers who partner with banks. In any case, all card issuers are banks who insure consumers' funds through the No cards above include overdraft charges.
Prepaid debit cards we considered included: The Fifth Third Access 360deg Reloadable Card, , Mango Visa Prepaid Card, , .
Check out the 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, , 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 alternatives, or nontraditional bank accounts: and .
What are the meanings of the ratings:
-among the top
-- Very good; only minor caveats for the majority of customers.
-- Good; issues which could cause a change to certain customers.
Fair. Make sure your you have strengths as well as weaknesses that are good match for you.
-- Poor; proceed with extreme care
(or below) -- Best to avoid
The authors' bios: Spencer Tierney is a writer and NerdWallet's authority on deposit certificates. He has had his work highlighted by 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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