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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Brink’s Armored™ Account Review

Choncé Maddox

By: Choncé Maddox

Choncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox

Choncé is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and a nationally recognized personal finance and budgeting expert. She's paid off $50,000+ of personal debt and her debt story has been highlighted in Essence Magazine and on "Good Morning America" as part of its 2020 Debt-Free Decade series. Her work has been featured on sites, including Business Insider, LendingTree, Credit Sesame, Barclaycard, and The New York Post. Choncé was named one of the top financial experts to follow on Instagram by Black Enterprise.

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Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

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Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Brink’s Armored™ Account Review

Rated 4.1 /5.0 ★★★★

The Brink’s Armored™ Account is a popular prepaid debit card option available to people who want to budget their finances and control their spending.

It is issued by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC. It offers a variety of benefits, but it’s important to weigh its drawbacks and compare its alternatives before applying. In this review, we’ll discuss the card’s main benefits, how to get one, common drawbacks, and how it stacks up to other prepaid cards in the market.

A Look at the Card’s Main Benefits

One of the main benefits of the Brink’s Armored™ Account is that it doesn’t require a credit check to sign up. This makes it ideal for those with a low credit score or who don’t want to apply for a credit card due to a lack of credit history. It also helps protect your credit score because prepaid cards don’t appear on credit reports.

Another benefit is that you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including for online purchases, which can be a handy feature for those who do a lot of online shopping. It also has protection from fraudulent purchases and lost or stolen cards, which provides some peace of mind. You can get paid up to two days earlier if you set up direct deposit.

This card also offers cash back rewards for certain categories, such as food and gas, although the rewards are minimal. There are also options to add multiple cards to the account, which can be useful for managing and tracking family expenses.

Other key benefits that come with this card include:

    • Regular text alerts to help you track your spending activity

    • Mobile app allowing you to transfer money or find the nearest reload location

    • Overdraft protection for small purchases with the Brinks Reduced Monthly Plan

    • Transfer funds to an optional high-yield Brinks savings account

    • Send money online to friends and family through the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App to other Netspend Cardholders at no extra cost

How to Qualify & Apply for the Card

Getting this card is easy and convenient. You can apply online through the official Brinks Money website, and there’s no credit check or minimum balance required. To order a card, you just need to provide your name, mailing address, and email address. You can access the application by clicking the “Apply Now” button below:

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Brink’s Armored™ Account Review

at Netspend'ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★

4.1

OVERALL RATING

  • Brink’s knows Security! 24/7 access to a suite of security benefits to help keep your account armored.
  • Get access to over 100,000 Brink’s Money ATMs.
  • Get paid faster than a paper check with direct deposit.
  • Add funds to your Brink’s Armored Account and use Brinks Armored debit card anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted.
  • Account opening is subject to registration and ID verification. Terms & fees Apply. Deposit Account is established by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
Variable Monthly Fees
Not applicable

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 business days. Once your card is activated, you can load funds onto the card at a number of places including transferring funds to and from any Netspend card account and by making an external bank transfer.

    • There are more than 130,000 Netspend Reload locations throughout the U.S., and this online locator tool can help you find your nearest location.

    • You can also add money to your card by setting up direct deposit. Even though the Brink’s Armored™ Account is not connected to a bank account, you will still receive a bank routing number and account number that allows you to set up direct deposit.

    • PayPal transfers are another convenient way to load money to your prepaid card. If you have a PayPal account and receive money this way, you can transfer funds to your Brink’s Armored™ Account at no cost, and the funds will generally be available in two to three business days.

    • Mobile check deposit is also an option with this card, allowing you to upload an image of a signed check through the mobile app.

    • If you’re looking to load money from a tax refund to your prepaid card, you can opt to have the IRS electronically deposit your refund directly to your card account by providing your routing and account numbers.

Drawbacks & Considerations

While the Brink’s Armored™ Account does have several advantages, there are some things to consider before signing up. This card is available to customers throughout the U.S. except for residents of the state of Vermont.

One major drawback is the fees associated with the card. There’s a monthly maintenance fee of $9.95, which could add up over time. Additionally, there are fees for ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, and foreign transactions. If you plan on using the card frequently, it may be worth considering these fees before signing up.

Brinks has three monthly plans, including:

    • Pay-As-You-Go: free

    • Monthly Plan: $9.95 per month

    • Reduced Monthly Plan: $5.00 per month

To qualify for the Reduced Monthly Plan, you must set up direct deposit and receive deposits totaling a minimum of $500 per month. The monthly plans do waive the $1.50 fee for selecting ‘credit’ or ‘debit’ and using your PIN when you make a transaction.

While this card offers cash back rewards, these rewards are minimal and not as significant as those offered by credit cards or rewards programs. Since it’s a prepaid card, you also can’t use this card to build credit, unlike a credit card.

Be mindful that also using out-of-network reload locations to add cash to your card can result in a fee. If you choose to use the mobile deposit feature and choose to receive access to the funds in minutes (that same day), you may also be subject to a fee.

Other Prepaid Cards to Consider

If the Brink’s Armored™ Account doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, there are several other options available. It’s important to compare prepaid card options to assess the features, fees, accessibility, and other important factors so you can ensure you sign up for the best card to fit your current situation and needs.

Here are three alternative prepaid cards to consider:

Discover® Cashback Debit Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★
4.6

OVERALL RATING

  • Cashback – Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
  • No. Fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged an account fee on our Cashback Debit account.
  • Early Pay – Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
  • No Credit Impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
  • Fraud Protection - You’re never responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases. If you suspect someone else has used your debit card without your permission, let us know.
  • Member FDIC
  • Fee-free overdraft protection
  • No minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance
  • Add cash into your account at Walmart stores nationwide
  • Cash access at over 60,000 no-fee ATMs nationwide
  • 100% US-based customer service available 24/7
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
$0
No Credit Needed
GO2bank Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★
4.1

OVERALL RATING

  • Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposit*
  • No monthly fees with eligible direct deposit, otherwise $5 per month
  • Earn up to 7% cash back when you buy eGift Cards in the app
  • Get your pay up to 2 days early - Get your government benefits up to 4 days early.*
  • High-yield savings account, 4.50% APY paid quarterly on savings up to $5,000.*
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
All Credit Types Considered
NetSpend® Visa® Prepaid Card Review

at NetSpend'ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★
3.8

OVERALL RATING

  • With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
  • No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
  • Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
  • Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
  • Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
  • See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
N/A
Up-to $9.95 monthly
Not applicable

When looking for the best prepaid card, one of the most important factors to consider is fees and how much you’ll pay to use your card and certain services. It’s also best to consider where and how often you can use your card, along with any daily transaction limits. Finally, loading your card with funds should be easy and accessible.

FAQs: How Do I Activate My Card?

Activating your card is a simple process and can be done online, by phone, or using the mobile app. Once you receive your card, you’ll need to call the activation number located on the sticker on the front of the card.

Follow the prompts to activate your card or follow the instructions to activate it online, and you’ll be ready to use it within minutes.

How Do I Check My Balance?

Checking your balance is easy and can be done through the Brink’s mobile app, online, or by calling customer service at 1-877-849-3249. You’ll need to provide your card number and personal identification information to access your account.

There is a $0.50 charge when you use an ATM to check your balance. The best way to check your balance for free is to log into your Online Account Center to view recent transactions and a balance update or call customer service.

If you’re enrolled in Anytime Alerts, you can get the balance for your card by texting “BAL” to 22622, and you’ll receive a text response confirming how much is currently in your account (data and text messaging fees may apply).

Can I Withdraw Cash From the Account?

Yes, you can withdraw cash from your Brink’s card at any ATM that accepts Mastercard. However, there are withdrawal fees associated with using out-of-network ATMs, so it’s best to use in-network ATMs whenever possible.

You may be able to withdraw funds from your card at different financial institutions for a small fee, and if you use a Netspend Reload Location Network to withdraw money, there’s often a fee of 2.75% of the withdrawal amount or $4 (whichever is greater). Keep in mind that there are also daily withdrawal limits for the account, and these limits depend on the method you use to withdraw money from your card.

Transfer Type Maximum Amount Frequency and Number
ATM Cash Withdrawals $325 Per transaction; subject to lower limits imposed by ATM owner-operator.
$940 Maximum withdrawal amount per day
Over-the-Counter Cash Withdrawals $5,000 Per transaction
PIN-based or Signature-based Purchase Transactions $5,000 Per transaction
Value Loads–POS Locations $7,500 Per rolling twenty-four (24) hour period
$15,000 Per rolling thirty (30) Day period
Maximum Card Account Value $15,000 We will review ACH Deposits that may result in the value of your Card Account exceeding the stated maximum value. If we determine the ACH Deposit is valid, we may permit the value of your Card Account to exceed the stated maximum value.
Account-to-Account Transfer $1,500 Per day, incoming or outgoing; maximum of four (4) transfers.
$2,500 Per rolling seven (7) day period, incoming or outgoing; maximum of ten (10) transfers.
$3,500 Per rolling thirty (30) day period, incoming or outgoing; maximum of forty (40) transfers.
Source: Brinks, fees current as of January 2024.

How Do I Add Money to My Account?

You can add money to your Brink’s card through several methods, including direct deposit, bank transfer, Paypal transfer, or at any of the more than 130,000 Netspend Reload locations throughout the U.S. There are also reload fees associated with adding money to the card, so it’s essential to be aware of these costs.

Is the Brink’s Armored™ Account a Good Card?

In conclusion, this prepaid card is a reputable option for those looking for an account without a credit check. It offers various benefits, such as Mastercard acceptance, cash back rewards, and fraud protection.

That said, the high fees and daily transaction limits may be deal-breakers for some people.

This Card Might Be For You If…

The Brink’s Armored™ Account may be an ideal card for those who want to budget their spending, control their finances, or have a low credit score. Consider this card if you:

    • Are looking for a prepaid card that is convenient to use and provides some rewards.

    • Are willing and able to set up direct deposit for at least $500 per month.

    • Can utilize the mobile app to manage your account and check your balance to avoid some of the fees.

However, the high fees associated with the card can add up quickly, making it an expensive option compared to other prepaid debit cards or even some credit cards. It’s essential to weigh the benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives before deciding if it’s the right option for you.

About the Author

Choncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox Finance Expert

Choncé is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and a nationally recognized personal finance and budgeting expert. She's paid off $50,000+ of personal debt and her debt story has been highlighted in Essence Magazine and on "Good Morning America" as part of its 2020 Debt-Free Decade series. Her work has been featured on sites, including Business Insider, LendingTree, Credit Sesame, Barclaycard, and The New York Post. Choncé was named one of the top financial experts to follow on Instagram by Black Enterprise.

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Choncé Maddox