Prepaid debit cards are payment cards used to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. They are an alternative to traditional debit and credit cards. They are particularly useful for individuals who may need help getting a regular bank account with a debit card or want to avoid going into debt with a credit card.
Prepaid debit cards can be reloaded with funds and can be a useful budgeting tool, as users can only spend up to the amount loaded onto the card. The prepaid debit card market is growing and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 18.2% from 2021 to 2030.
It is important to compare options and carefully review the terms and conditions of a prepaid debit card before signing up for one, as fees and restrictions may apply.
Our Top Picks for Best Prepaid Debit Cards
- BlueBird by American Express – overall Best Prepaid Debit Card
- American Express Serve Free Reloads Prepaid Card – Best Prepaid Debit Card for reloads
- Walmart MoneyCard – best for shopping at Walmart
- PayPal Prepaid Mastercard – Best for cash back
- Netspend Visa Prepaid Card – Best for direct deposit
- FamZoo Prepaid Card – Best Prepaid Debit Card for parents
- Brinks Money Prepaid Mastercard – Best mobile app
- Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa – Best virtual card
- Fifth Third Access 360° Reloadable Prepaid Card: Best for ATM withdrawals.
BlueBird by American Express – overall Best Prepaid Debit Card
Bluebird is a prepaid debit card offered by American Express with a competitive fee structure. It allows users to access their paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit and add cash for free at any Walmart checkout or Money Center. It also has a widespread network of ATMs where users can take out cash for free.
The card does not have a monthly fee and allows users to create sub-accounts for family members. Overall, it is a good choice for those on a tight budget or who want to avoid fees for debit card access.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $6.95 (no fee in New York, Texas, or Vermont) |
| Transaction fee | $1.00 per transaction |
| Cash access fee | $2.25 |
| Inactivity fee | $3.95 if card is not used for 90 days |
| Mobile check deposit | 10-day processing time unless a fee is paid |
| Rewards or benefits | None |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, bank account transfer, cash load at select retailers |
| ATM access | Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, $2.50 for out of network |
| Purchase protection | Eligible purchases may be covered |
Pros
- Purchase protection and roadside assistance may be included, as well as access to Amex Offers.
- Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs are available.
- No monthly fees or in-network ATM fees.
- Free card reloads at Walmart.
- Free Online bill payment option.
Cons
- A fee of $2.50 may be charged for using ATMs outside of the card’s network
- A daily limit of $2,500 may apply for money transfers
- Fees for money transfers may range from $4 to $16
- No rewards program is offered
- Cash reloads at certain retailers may incur a fee
- Mobile check deposits may take 10 days to process unless a fee is paid
American Express Serve Free Reloads Prepaid Card – Best Prepaid Debit Card for reloads
The Amex Serve Free Reloads, a prepaid debit card is a good option for those who don’t have a checking account, as it allows for cash reloads. This card is offered by American Express and has no hidden fees. It also allows users to create free sub-accounts for family members.
Four different Serve prepaid options are available: the Serve Pay As You Go Visa Prepaid Card, Serve American Express Prepaid debit accounts, Serve Free Reloads, and Serve 1% Cash Back. The Serve Pay As You Go Visa Prepaid Card is a good choice for most people due to its lack of a monthly fee.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $6.95 |
| Transaction fee | $0 |
| Cash access fee | $0 at MoneyPass ATMs, $2.50 at other ATMs |
| Inactivity fee | $0 |
| Mobile check deposit | Immediate processing |
| Rewards or benefits | None |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, bank account transfer, cash load at select retailers, mobile check deposit |
| ATM access | Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs through the MoneyPass network |
| Purchase protection | Eligible purchases may be covered |
Pros
- Free reloads at 45,000 locations
- Bank-level security and fraud protection
- Set aside money for goals and emergencies without additional fees
- Include direct deposit and bank account transfers
Cons
- $3.95 inactivity fee for 3-month inactivity.
- $6.95 monthly fee
- $1.00 fee per transaction
- $2.25 fee to access cash
- Free Mobile check deposits take 10 days
- No rewards or other major benefits
Walmart MoneyCard – Best for shopping at Walmart.
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid, reloadable card that offers cash-back rewards to its users. It allows shoppers to earn up to $75 per year in rewards, including 3% for purchases made on Walmart.com and in the Walmart app, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% at Walmart stores.
The card has an annual cap on rewards and fees for ATM usage, but the annual rewards are sufficient to cover the monthly fee. The Walmart MoneyCard also offers a free “Vault” savings feature that earns 2% APY on up to $1,000 on the card’s enrollment anniversary.
It can be used by up to four more people at least 13 years old. The app allows users to access fee-free cash reloads and withdrawals at Walmart stores, MoneyCenters, and Customer Service desks.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $5.95 |
| Transaction fee | No fee for transactions less than $10 |
| Cash access fee | Teller cash withdrawal $2.00 |
| Inactivity fee | $0 |
| Mobile check deposit | 5 business days. |
| Rewards or benefits | Earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, Walmart store reloads, online transfer, or tax return deposit. |
| ATM access | All Walmart MoneyCard ATM |
| Purchase protection | Eligible purchases may be covered |
Pros
- Up to $75 in cashback rewards a year: 3% from Walmart.com, 2% from Walmart gas stations and 1% at Walmart stores.
- 2% annual interest.
- Free cash withdrawals, cash reloads, direct deposit of payroll and online bill pay.
Cons
- Cashback is capped at $75 per year
- The standard monthly fee is $5.94.
- $2.50 fee for ATM withdrawals
- $3 fee to reload cash at Walmart checkout.
- $2.50 fee for ATM withdrawals.
- Mobile check deposit (5 days).
PayPal Prepaid Mastercard – Best for cash back
The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard is a prepaid debit card that offers cashback on purchases, including up to 3% on PayPal purchases and 2% on all others.
It also has a $20 referral bonus and comes with a mobile app for easy account management on the go. Issued by Bancorp Bank, the card allows for fast access to funds through transfers from a PayPal account.
However, it has a $4.95 monthly service fee and requires a PayPal account to access its features.
It also charges a $1.95 fee for ATM access. The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard has comparable costs and standard services to other prepaid options, but fees can add up.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $4.95 |
| *Transaction fee | $0 |
| Cash access fee | $2.50 at out-of-network ATMs |
| Inactivity fee | $4.95 after 90 days of inactivity |
| Mobile check deposit | Immediate processing |
| Rewards or benefits | None |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, bank account transfer, cash load at participating retailers, mobile check deposit |
| ATM access | Over 60,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network |
| Purchase protection | Eligible purchases through PayPal, Website |
Pros
- Up to 5.00%, APY is available.
- Cash back is available for retails.
- Mobile app available.
- Get a $20 referral bonus
- $0 fee for PayPal balance transfer.
- Up to 5.00% APY is available.
Cons
- $4.95 monthly fee
- Need a PayPal account and a $300 per day transfer limit.
- $1.95 ATM transaction fee
- $2.50 fee per withdrawal.
- $3.95 fees per cash load.
Netspend Visa Prepaid Card – Best for direct deposit
NetSpend prepaid debit cards are a good option for those who plan to use direct deposit, as they allow users to receive their paycheck up to two days faster by having their employer deposit funds directly to the NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card.
The card also offers cashback on qualifying purchases and optional savings accounts with a 6% APY and can be easily managed through the NetSpend mobile app. However, the card has high fees, including $1.95 per purchase, $2.95 per ATM withdrawal, and $3.95 for cash reloads.
There is also a $5.95 monthly inactivity fee if the card is not used for 90 days. NetSpend prepaid debit cards are easy to get and do not require a banking history or credit check to open, but they can be expensive alternatives to a checking account and may not be the best choice for those looking to save on fees.
There is a convenient nationwide network of over 130,000 locations for cash reloads, but these are not free, and there is no free access to ATMs.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $9.95 |
| Transaction fee | $0 |
| Cash access fee | $2.50 at out-of-network ATMs |
| Inactivity fee | $5.95 after 90 days of inactivity |
| Mobile check deposit | Immediate processing |
| Rewards or benefits | None |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, bank account transfer, cash load at participating retailers, mobile check deposit |
| ATM access | Over 130,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network |
| Purchase protection | None |
Pros
- Upto 5.00% APY savings account.
- Free direct deposits
- Up to 2 days early paycheck.
- Intuitive mobile app
Cons
- Steep monthly fee for basic fee plan.
- $5.95 monthly inactivity fee
- overdraft costs $20 per overdraft.
- $1.95 purchase fee
- $2.95 ATM fee
FamZoo Prepaid Card – Best for parents
The FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card is a family-friendly prepaid Mastercard that offers a range of features to help parents teach their children how to manage their money. It allows parents to act as virtual bankers for their children, even those under 13, and provides a suite of tools including allowances, split payments, and text and email alerts.
The FamZoo card also allows parents to incentivize good behavior and grades and track all their children’s transactions. It includes sub-accounts for spending, saving, investing, and charitable giving and allows parents to restrict spending on the card at any time using the mobile app.
The card has relatively inexpensive fees, with parents paying a monthly, six-monthly, annual, or biennial fee of $5.99, $25.99, $39.99, or $59.99, respectively. However, there is no ATM network and the app is dated. Overall, the FamZoo card is a good choice for parents looking to provide a spending account for their children.
Pros
- Perfect for teaching children about money.
- Allowances for good behavior, chores, etc.
- Parental control over the account
- interest paid from the parent’s account
- Access to fee-free ATMs
Cons
- $5.99 monthly fee
- $4.95 fee for load cash
- No widespread ATM network
Brinks Money Prepaid Mastercard – Best mobile app
The Brinks Money Prepaid Mastercard is a prepaid debit card with an intuitive mobile banking app that offers many features found on traditional mobile banking apps, including the ability to deposit checks into the prepaid account.
It offers cashback on qualifying purchases and allows users to receive their pay up to two days faster with direct deposit.
The Brinks card is issued by Netspend and has a similar structure to the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card. Still, it may offer fewer perks than Visa cards and does not have a virtual card number or additional savings account banking options.
It has a pay-as-you-go plan with monthly fees ranging from $0 to $9.95 or a fee of $1.50 per purchase for those who do not pay a monthly fee. The card also charges $2.50 for ATM access and $3.00 for cash over the counter.
Overall, the Brinks Money Prepaid Mastercard is a solid option, but there may be better rewards and fewer fees available with other prepaid credit cards or debit cards.
| Feature | Description |
| Monthly fee | $9.95 |
| Transaction fee | $0 for signature transactions, $1 for PIN transactions |
| Cash access fee | $2.50 at out-of-network ATMs |
| Inactivity fee | $4.95 after 90 days of inactivity |
| Mobile check deposit | Immediate processing |
| Rewards or benefits | None |
| Reload options | Direct deposit, bank account transfer, cash load at participating retailers, mobile check deposit |
| ATM access | Over 130,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network |
| Purchase protection | None |
Pros
- Instant money load with checks
- Ongoing cashback rewards program
- 130,000+ locations
- Flexible individual purchase fees.
- Mobile banking app available
Cons
- Expensive Pay-as-you-go program.
- Transaction fees are applicable if you don’t pay a monthly fee
- High cost to access cash
- Monthly payments are high, upto $9.95
Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa – Best virtual card
The Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa is a virtual prepaid debit card that allows users to create multiple virtual cards and track transactions through the Movo mobile app.
They can be used like a credit card at the point of sale and offers many traditional mobile banking features. It is a good option for those who want to generate virtual card numbers or transfer Bitcoin, and offers free person-to-person transfers to anyone in the U.S.
However, it does not have the added security of EMV chip technology on its physical cards and charges fees for a physical card ($2.95), ATM withdrawals ($2), ACH declines ($15), and inactivity ($4.94 per month for 90 days or longer).
Overall, the Movo Digital Visa Prepaid Debit account is a good choice for those looking to tie their payment options together without a traditional bank account. Still, there may be better options for those looking to avoid fees.
| Description | Fee |
| Money transfer from CASH card to primary card | $0.50 |
| Person-to-person transactions | $0.50 |
| Additional mailed statement per month | $1 |
| Bank teller withdrawal | $2 |
| ACH (bank) transaction to move money from MOVO to bank account | $2 |
| ATM withdrawal | $2 + operator surcharges |
| Inactivity fee after 90 days without use | $4.95 |
| ACH insufficient fund and return fee | $10 |
| ACH decline | $15 |
Pros
- Multiple virtual cards
- Multiple contactless payment options
- $0 fees for balance reload fees
- 24/7 digital account management
- No maximum balance limits
Cons
- $4.95 inactivity fee
- High declined ACH fee of $15
- Physical card upon request. Fees are applicable.
- $500 per day ATM withdrawal limit.
Fifth Third Access 360° Reloadable Prepaid Card: Best for ATM withdrawals.
The Fifth Third Access 360° prepaid debit card is available in the 11 states where Fifth Third has branches and allows users to access over 50,000 ATMs through Allpoint’s extensive U.S. network.
It offers a traditional bank-like experience and does not charge any fees for money loading onto the card. It is a good choice for under-banked consumers looking to access their funds at ATMs.
Pros
- $0 card load fees
- $4 monthly fee
- Widespread ATM network
Cons
- Visit a Fifth Third branch to get a physical card
- $4 monthly maintenance fee
- High foreign transaction fees
What Is a Prepaid Debit Card?
Prepaid debit cards are a payment method that can be used to make purchases online and in-store at locations that accept the card’s payment network, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
Unlike traditional debit cards, prepaid debit cards are not linked to a bank account and can only be used with the funds loaded onto the card. Some prepaid debit cards offer overdraft protection, but this is not a universal feature.
These cards are often compared to secured credit cards. Still, they are different in that secured credit cards require an upfront deposit that becomes the credit line and can be used repeatedly, while prepaid debit cards use the funds loaded onto the card.
Prepaid debit cards may also come with various fees, such as monthly fees, transaction fees, reload fees, and ATM fees, so it is important to compare options before choosing a card. Some prepaid debit cards also offer the ability to create sub-accounts for other family members.
Who Should Get a Prepaid Debit Card?
Prepaid debit cards can be a good choice for people who don’t have traditional bank accounts or need help getting them due to issues like low credit scores or past unpaid balances.
These cards don’t require a credit check and may be available to those without a Social Security number. Prepaid debit cards can also be helpful for budgeting, as you can load a specific amount of money onto the card and only use it for certain expenses.
They can be a good alternative to credit cards, as they don’t accrue interest and can help you avoid credit card debt. Some prepaid cards also offer rewards, although they may not be as generous as credit cards.
Individuals who don’t have a traditional debit or credit card, want to control their spending, or need to provide a payment option for a family member may find prepaid debit cards useful.
What Should You Look for in a Prepaid Debit Card?
When shopping for a prepaid debit card, there are several key factors to consider:
- Fees: Compare the fees associated with different prepaid cards, as these can vary significantly. Some cards may have monthly fees, transaction fees, reload fees, ATM fees, and more.
- Rewards: Some prepaid cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn cashback or other perks for using your card.
- Reload options: Consider how you plan to load money onto your prepaid card, and ensure the card you choose offers convenient reload options.
- Acceptance: Make sure your card is accepted at the places you shop and use for payments. Many prepaid cards are issued by major card networks, such as Visa or Mastercard, which are widely accepted.
- Security and fraud protection: Look for a prepaid card that offers bank-level security and fraud protection to keep your money safe.
- Customer service: Consider the customer service options available with a prepaid card, such as phone or online support, if you have any issues or questions.
- Additional features: Some prepaid cards may offer additional features, such as budgeting tools, sub-accounts for family members, or overdraft protection. Consider whether these features are important to you and choose a card that offers them.
What Are Alternatives to Prepaid Debit Cards?
Prepaid debit cards are a payment option that allows you to spend money you’ve already loaded onto the card. Unlike traditional debit cards, they are not linked to a checking account and you can only spend what has been loaded onto the card.
They may be a good choice for individuals who don’t have a traditional bank account, have difficulty obtaining one, want to control their spending and avoid credit card debt, or need a payment option for online or in-person purchases.
However, comparing the fees and features of different prepaid cards is important before choosing one, as they can vary significantly. Other payment options include cash, credit cards, and traditional debit cards.
Credit cards can offer rewards and other perks but can also lead to debt if not used responsibly. Traditional debit cards are linked to a checking account and can be a convenient option for those who qualify but may not offer budgeting tools like prepaid debit cards.