Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
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.
These days it can seem like you pay fees on your money no matter whether you’re trying to earn it (taxes), store it (bank accounts), or spend it (credit and debit cards).
For some folks, prepaid debit cards can be a no-fuss way to cash paychecks and make a few purchases without needing to deal with bank accounts or credit cards.
But even prepaid cards can come with an abundance of fees. So, we’ve found some of the most fee-free of the bunch to help you find the right prepaid card.
Don’t let the short list fool you, though. These aren’t the only prepaid debit cards on the market that can help you avoid fees. With the right pick, you can find ways to skip everything from monthly fees to foreign transaction fees.
While plenty of consumers are shopaholics, swiping their cards left and right all the live-long day, not everyone needs their debit cards to offer unlimited purchasing power. No, some folks just want a simple, convenient way to enjoy direct deposit and pay their bills.
That’s where these cards can be worthwhile. Instead of charging a monthly fee — whether you use your card that month or not — these card options offer pay-as-you-go functionality that means you pay only for the transactions you make.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Earn points on swipes: Earn up to 7x the points on card swipes at over 14,000 participating merchants, then redeem them for cash back in your account.*
Get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit*
Qualifying direct deposits receive fee-free overdrafts*
No minimum balance fees, no overdraft fees, no bank transfer fees
Current says, “We’ll never charge you money to use your money.” It backs that up by not charging monthly fees, minimum balance fees, overdraft fees, bank transfer fees, or in-network ATM withdrawal fees.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
This Netspend Visa Prepaid Card offers two plan types: monthly and pay-as-you-go. Under the pay-as-you-go plan, you’ll pay just $1.00 for each signature transaction and $2.00 for each PIN transaction. The card charges no fees for direct deposits.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
4.0/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
A reloadable prepaid debit account that can be used anywhere American Express® cards are accepted
Get your paycheck up to 2 days faster with free direct deposit
With Visa’s Zero Liability Policy you can have peace of mind when making purchases with Bluebird
Get free ATM access at over 38,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations. It's free to add cash to your account at Family Dollar locations and free to transfer money to other Bluebird Accountholders.
With Roadside Assistance, you can call us in case of emergency for coordination and assistance services to help you get on your way
Reloading is also free through direct deposit, mobile check capture, or check or cash reloads at Walmart. Plus, cardholders enjoy fee-free ATM access at thousands of MoneyPass® ATMs around the country.
Best Prepaid Debit Cards with No PIN Transaction Fees
In most of the world, signature-based payment verification has fallen by the wayside, replaced almost entirely by PIN-based verification. While the US has yet to adopt PIN-based verification for credit card transactions, debit card purchases have long required the more secure authentication method.
Many prepaid cards distinguish between PIN and signature transactions, and they will often charge more for PIN-based transactions in per-transaction payment plans. Choose a prepaid card with a monthly plan to avoid paying fees for each PIN transaction.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
This card allows users to make fee-free transactions by PIN or by signature, as well as online, in exchange for a monthly fee. Otherwise, it’ll cost you $1.50 each time you use your card, which means if you plan to use the card more than six times per month, you’ll come out ahead by opting for the monthly plan.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
This card charges a small monthly fee instead of charging customers each time they use the card. If this is going to be your primary spending card, paying monthly is definitely the way to go. Best of all, this is one of the only prepaid cards available that offers its members cash back rewards for using their card.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Another card with multiple payment options, this card offers two types of monthly plans, both of which include fee-free PIN transactions as well as fee-free signature transactions. PIN transactions have a $2.00 per-transaction fee under the pay-as-you-go plan.
Best Prepaid Debit Cards with No Signature Transaction Fees
In general, in-person digital payment transactions (e.g., credit and debit cards) are verified in one of two ways: with a PIN or with a signature. Although the majority of retailers and merchants will happily accept a PIN-authorized transaction, some only allow signature-based authentication.
While this can mean trouble for some prepaid cardholders, the cards below won’t charge you an extra fee for signature-verified transactions, giving you the option to use your card with more merchants.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
If you have either of the monthly Netspend plans, you can enjoy fee-free PIN and signature transactions. If you are on the pay-as-you-go plan, signature transactions will carry a lower fee than PIN transactions, charging $1.00 per purchase.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Similar to the Netspend® card, this card has both pay-per-transaction and monthly plans. All PIN and signature transactions are free under the monthly plans, while the pay-per-transaction plan charges $1.00 per signature transaction.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Although this card has a $4.95 monthly fee, PIN and signature transactions alike are free. Keep in mind that you’ll need to use your PIN (by choosing the “debit” option) if you wish to get cash back with your purchase to avoid ATM fees.
Best Prepaid Debit Cards with No Reload Fees
While prepaid debit cards can be convenient, the fees that many charge can cut into that convenience factor quite a bit. Especially when they charge counterintuitive fees — like reload fees. Really, who charges you money to give them money?
These cards all have multiple options for reloading your prepaid card, sans fees, making it much more affordable to actually use your prepaid debit card.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
This Visa debit card offers a couple of options for reloading your card without a fee, including direct deposit and online account-to-account transfers. Additionally, Netspend® charges no cash value load fees at Netspend Reload locations, though some locations may charge third-party fees. You’ll also earn Payback Rewards, an optional feature that lets you earn cash back at select merchants.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
4.0/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
A reloadable prepaid debit account that can be used anywhere American Express® cards are accepted
Get your paycheck up to 2 days faster with free direct deposit
With Visa’s Zero Liability Policy you can have peace of mind when making purchases with Bluebird
Get free ATM access at over 38,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations. It's free to add cash to your account at Family Dollar locations and free to transfer money to other Bluebird Accountholders.
With Roadside Assistance, you can call us in case of emergency for coordination and assistance services to help you get on your way
This card offers multiple ways to reload your card without paying fees, including with cash or a debit card at Walmart stores. You can also add funds for free through direct deposit, online with a debit card, and through mobile check capture.
Besides having a few ways to reload your card for free, you can also make free transactions, pay bills for free, and enjoy fee-free withdrawals at thousands of MoneyPass® ATMs.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
3.5/5.0
Travelex Money Card
3.5/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Use the Travelex Money Card Mastercard® wherever you are in the world for a safe and easy way to pay.
Choose from a wide variety of currencies and get cash back at participating merchants
A great alternative to cash and traveler's checks, prepaid travel cards let you lock in rates before you travel internationally
Zero Liability Protection keeps you safe from unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen after it's been registered
Since you control the amount that's on your card, use a prepaid travel card to help manage your spending and stay within budget
This card is free of cash reload fees, transaction fees, and ATM withdrawal fees, making it a great option to carry around in your wallet. From what we can tell, it doesn’t charge a monthly fee either, but it will charge an inactivity fee of $3 per month after a year (12 months) of inactivity.
Best Prepaid Debit Cards with No ATM Fees
No matter what other features your prepaid debit card offers, fee-free ATM withdrawals can be the most valuable; after all, what use is direct deposit if you can’t get to your money without paying big fees?
But it’s not enough to simply offer $0 ATM withdrawals if there are no conveniently located ATMs. These cards have extensive ATM networks that allow you to take out funds, for free, at thousands of locations across the country.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
3.8/5.0
Serve® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
3.8/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Enjoy FREE withdrawals at over 37,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations nationwide.
Get access to your money up to 2 days faster with early Direct Deposit
No monthly fee when you direct deposit $500 or more within a statement period
Use Online Bill Pay to help you save time and help you avoid late fees. Terms apply.
Check your balance and recent transactions, pay bills on the go, get SMS text alerts, and send money to family or friends who have a Serve Account
The American Express Serve cards make it easy to withdraw money by charging no ATM fee at any MoneyPass ATM. Non-MoneyPass® withdrawals come with a $2.50 fee, plus any ATM operator fees.
In addition to free withdrawals, the card also offers free transactions, as well as free cash reloads at over 45,000 retailer locations, including CVS/pharmacy, Walmart, and participating 7-Eleven locations.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
4.0/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
A reloadable prepaid debit account that can be used anywhere American Express® cards are accepted
Get your paycheck up to 2 days faster with free direct deposit
With Visa’s Zero Liability Policy you can have peace of mind when making purchases with Bluebird
Get free ATM access at over 38,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations. It's free to add cash to your account at Family Dollar locations and free to transfer money to other Bluebird Accountholders.
With Roadside Assistance, you can call us in case of emergency for coordination and assistance services to help you get on your way
This card offers free ATM withdrawals at more than 30,000 MoneyPass® ATMs across the country. Withdrawals from non-MoneyPass® ATMs will result in a $2.50 fee for each transaction, plus any ATM operator fees.
In addition to fee-free ATM usage, cardholders pay no monthly card fee or reloading fees when funds are added through direct deposit, mobile check capture, or by using cash or a debit card at Walmart.
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
3.5/5.0
Travelex Money Card
3.5/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Use the Travelex Money Card Mastercard® wherever you are in the world for a safe and easy way to pay.
Choose from a wide variety of currencies and get cash back at participating merchants
A great alternative to cash and traveler's checks, prepaid travel cards let you lock in rates before you travel internationally
Zero Liability Protection keeps you safe from unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen after it's been registered
Since you control the amount that's on your card, use a prepaid travel card to help manage your spending and stay within budget
This card doesn’t charge for ATM withdrawals, purchases, reloads, or replacement cards. However, despite being marketed as a travel card, it charges the highest foreign transaction fee — 5.50% — I’ve seen charged by any card issuer. This may be a solid fee-free option for domestic travel, but certainly not international travel.
Best Prepaid Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees
While you can use your regular checking account debit card at many foreign ATMs, especially in the UK — provided it has an embedded chip — you may not want to be running all over a foreign country with the key to your bank accounts. That’s where a prepaid debit card can come in remarkably handy.
You can make purchases abroad without worrying about your card falling into the wrong hands — or being charged outrageous currency conversion or foreign transaction fees — with the following card:
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
OVERALL RATING
4.0/5.0
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
4.0/5.0
About this rating
Our in-house experts rate Prepaid Debit Cards based on:
Monthly and other fees
Deposit amounts
Rewards offered
Ease of approval
Account features such as mobile deposits and overdraft protection
We also consider other cardholder needs and data points specific to the category. We then compare it to similar card offers and evaluate the terms before assigning a numerical value, in which 5.0 represents the best. Ratings are updated as issuer changes occur, and issuers have no influence on our ratings.
A reloadable prepaid debit account that can be used anywhere American Express® cards are accepted
Get your paycheck up to 2 days faster with free direct deposit
With Visa’s Zero Liability Policy you can have peace of mind when making purchases with Bluebird
Get free ATM access at over 38,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations. It's free to add cash to your account at Family Dollar locations and free to transfer money to other Bluebird Accountholders.
With Roadside Assistance, you can call us in case of emergency for coordination and assistance services to help you get on your way
This is one of the only prepaid cards available that doesn’t charge a foreign exchange fee, making it as handy abroad as it is at home. Cardholders can also enjoy fee-free ATM access in the US at thousands of MoneyPass® ATMs, as well as reload for free via direct deposit, mobile check capture, or at a local Walmart store.
How Do Prepaid Cards Work?
Although prepaid debit cards have a lot in common with bank debit cards, prepaid cards vary in a few key ways that are important to understand before you start using them.
The most important difference between prepaid cards and bank cards is that prepaid cards aren’t typically associated with a specific bank account. Prepaid cards are freestanding accounts that can have money added to them through a variety of methods.
Bank debit cards, on the other hand, are typically tied to a single bank account or user, and can only draw on the funds associated with that account. When you open a checking or savings account with a bank, that bank may give you a debit card that can be used to make purchases from that account and withdraw money from the account at an ATM.
While you can often connect your checking or savings account to your prepaid card account as a reloading method, it doesn’t have to be the bank that issues the prepaid card, and some prepaid cards don’t require a bank account at all.
Once you sign up for a prepaid debit card, you’ll need to add funds. While this can be done through a bank transfer as stated above, some prepaid cards also allow you to add funds through direct deposit, check deposits, or by using a debit card or cash at a retail location.
You can generally start making purchases with your prepaid card as soon as the funds clear your account. Once you use up the preloaded funds (i.e., once you reach a $0 balance), you’ll need to add more funds to your reloadable prepaid card to continue making purchases.
When it comes to actually using a prepaid card, it operates the same way as any other debit card. You can use your prepaid card to make purchases anywhere the card’s network is accepted (check for the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logo to see the network on which your card operates).
If your prepaid card has chip technology, you simply insert it into the chip reader; for magnetic stripe cards, swipe the card through the reader with the stripe down.
Depending on the terminal, you may be asked to choose a debit or credit transaction. Choosing a debit transaction will usually prompt a PIN verification while selecting a credit transaction will likely result in a signature verification.
Can Prepaid Cards Build or Establish Credit?
People use prepaid debit cards for various reasons, often as a simple way to get their paychecks when direct deposit is required by their employer. But prepaid cards are also a tool used as an alternative to credit cards by consumers who struggle with bad credit.
That being the case, perhaps the most important thing to realize about prepaid debit cards before you start using them is that they can’t be used to establish or build your credit history.
In fact, a prepaid debit card account will generally have nothing to do with your credit report at all. While this is handy for some folks — it means you don’t need to submit to a credit check to open a prepaid card — it can be a double-edged sword if you’re trying to boost your score.
Basically, your credit history is used by lenders and other creditors to determine your credit risk, or how likely you are to repay any money you borrow. As such, credit reports typically only include accounts based on lines of credit — i.e., agreements that involve borrowing funds.
While there’s a push toward including so-called alternative data sources (rental history, checking accounts, etc.) in consumer credit reports, currently only accounts associated with credit lines are reported. This includes installment accounts, such as personal loans and home mortgages, as well as revolving credit accounts like credit cards.
If you want a “prepaid credit card” that will help you build credit, consider a secured credit card. Your deposit establishes your secured card’s credit line and your payments are reported to the credit bureaus.
Manage Your Money with a Prepaid Card
While it’s often hard to avoid fees, sometimes a little research is all it takes to find the best prepaid debit card for you. With a broad selection of prepaid cards at your fingertips, for example, it’s possible to find low- and no-fee options for nearly any financial need.
But remember that, although prepaid cards can be a useful way to manage your money, they’re not a perfect solution; in most cases, you’ll wind up paying some sort of fee, be it a monthly fee or a per-transaction fee. Be sure to read the cardholder agreement so you’ll know exactly which fees the card charges.
You also need to keep in mind that you’re not building credit while using a prepaid debit card, so if improving your credit score is your goal, you’ll likely want a credit card instead. There are a number of good credit-building card options, even for those with bad credit, so long as you manage your card responsibly.
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