Prepaid debit cards are a great alternative to access and spend money by using a physical card, mobile app, website or electronic payment. Some of the best prepaid debit cards out in the market offer features that can be compared to a full-service checking account.
Visiting a physical branch can be time-consuming, so a great alternative to that are these cards. For people who are looking to simplify their banking process and possible save money on fees, prepaid debit card are for you. Continue reading to learn more about the Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2021.
American Express Bluebird
No card is technically the best overall because it depends on what the customer needs. However, this prepaid debit card comes pretty close. American Express Bluebird improves on American Express Serve prepaid debit cards by cutting out the monthly fees. Additionally, they offer high quality features you would expect from a checking account. Cardholders can even write paper checks and have access to a linked savings account — all for free.
Pros
- Virtually all features are free
- Offers features that make it the closest prepaid debit card to an actual checking account, including:
- Access to paper check writing
- Online bill pay
- Fully integrated with Walmart MoneyCenter
Cons
- American Express cards aren’t accepted everywhere.
Card Purchase Fee: Up to $5 at retail locations; $0 if purchased online
MOVO Digital Prepaid Visa Card
Check out the MOVO Digital Prepaid Visa Card for a variety of easy to use cash reload options. IT also offers several unique ways to fund your card, including PayPal and converted cryptocurrency transfers.
Pros
- Virtual features add a layer of security and privacy when making online purchases
- Create free single-use virtual cards by creating a temporary card number that masks your main account number online
- Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
Cons
- PayPal and bank transfers can take up to three business days to post.
Card Purchase Fee: $0 to purchase; $5.95 to order a physical EMV with Tap-n-Pay Card
Monthly Fee: None; $4.95 fee per month charged after three months of inactivity
Reload Fee: Varies according to retailer
Reload Method:
- Cash reload at Visa Readylink, MoneyPak and Reload @ Register retailers
- Cryptocurrency conversion transfers for a fee of 2% plus $2 per transaction
- Direct deposit
- Mobile check deposit
- PayPal balance withdrawals
ATM Fees: $0 via Visa Plus Alliance network; $2 fee at other ATMs
Netspend Visa Prepaid Card
Most people have heard of cash-back credit cards, but did you know that some of the best prepaid debit cards offer cash rewards as well? When it comes to cash rewards, the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card is the best.
Pros
- There is a good variety of reload options.
- It gives cardholders easy access to their money through the website or smartphone app.
- It offers an optional savings account and budgeting tools.
Cons
- Fees add up. Customers need to read the cardholder agreement for important cost details.
Card Purchase Fee: Free if bought online; up to $9.95 at retailers
Monthly Fee: Between $5 and $9.95 per month or $1.50 per transaction, depending on the plan
Reload Fee:
- $3.95 at Netspend locations
- Mobile check deposit (standard): None
- Mobile check deposit of government or payroll checks with a preprinted signature (expedited):
- Greater of 2% of check amount or $5
- All other accepted mobile check deposits (expedited): Greater of 5% of check amount or $5
Reload Method:
- Direct deposit
- Mobile check load
- Cash deposit at participating Netspend locations
ATM Fees: $2.50 per withdrawal
Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard
Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard is a great option for cardholders who plan to get their paycheck using direct deposit. If they opt for direct deposit into their Brink’s Money card, they can have access to their cash up to two days earlier.
Pros
- Brink’s Money comes with a state-of-the-art mobile app that enables quick mobile check funding.
- It features a robust, customizable rewards program that includes generous cash back.
Cons
- Checking your card balance at an ATM will cost you 50 cents each time.
- If you lose your card, Brink’s will charge $9.95 to replace it.
Card Purchase Fee: None if you apply online; $2.95 at participating retailers
Monthly Fee: $5 to $9.95 per month
Reload Fee: $3.95 for cash reloads; greater of 2% of total amount or $5 for check reloads
ATM Fees: $2.50 at domestic ATMs
BBVA ClearSpend Visa Card
With low monthly fees that can be waived, it’s no wonder the BBVA ClearSpend Visa Card is on top when it comes to excellent features with minimal fees.
Pros
- Free online transfers from PayPal, Popmoney and Venmo make sending and receiving money fast and easy.
- The card can also be funded securely and instantly by visiting any BBVA branch.
Cons
- It’s only available in states with BBVA branches: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Texas
Card Purchase Fee: None
Monthly Fee: $4 per month; waived by depositing at least $400 per month
Reload Fee: None, usually; third-party fee may apply for reloading at a Visa ReadyLink location
Reload Method:
- Bank transfers
- Visa ReadyLink locations
- Direct deposit
- Mobile check deposit
- Paypal, Popmoney and Venmo
ATM Fees: $0 in-network; $2 out-of-network
Card.com Prepaid Mastercard
With the Card.com Prepaid Mastercard, you will have access to a large selection of conveniently located ATMs without having to pay fees is a huge benefit. The Card.com Prepaid Mastercard gives nationwide ATM access through the extensive MoneyPass network of ATMs.
Pros
- Useful online banking tools make it simple to check your balance, transfer money and find local ATMs.
- By enrolling in direct deposit, you’ll have quick access to your paycheck.
Cons
- Excess fees can really add up. For instance, a $9.95 maintenance fee applies if you don’t deposit $1,000 or more per month. Plus, you can incur a reload fee of up to $5.95. Setting up direct deposit can help lower some of these costs.
Card Purchase Fee: None
Monthly Fee: $9.95 per month for cardholders who deposit less than $1,000 per month
Reload Fee: Up to $5.95 per reload
Reload Method:
- Bank transfers
- Cash reloads through Green Dot Reload or MoneyPak locations
- Direct deposit
- Mobile check deposit
- Virtual Wallet transfers using PayPal or Google Wallet
ATM Fees: Free at MoneyPass ATMs; $2.95 out-of-network
FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card
For a prepaid debit card that is kid-friendly and will teach them how to use card, the FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card is perfect for you. You can load their allowances into their own prepaid debit card.
Pros
- You can track up to four cards with the well-designed app or website.
- Parents can check card balances, get text and email alerts about spending activity, send each child an allowance and even pay them interest.
- Kids learn more about financial literacy by viewing helpful infographics that let them set and track their savings goals.
Cons
- Fees increase with the number of cards issued.
Card Purchase Fee: None
Monthly Fee: $5.99 per month or one-time payment of $25.99 for six months, $39.99 for 12 months or $59.99 for 24 months
Reload Fee: None
Reload Method:
- Bank transfer
- Cash top-ups at retailers
- Popmoney
- Direct deposit
- Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash App
ATM Fees: $0 from any of the 33,000 MoneyPass ATMs
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Bottom Line
A prepaid debit card is not the same as a bank account, however they can often provide some of the same features as a bank account. They are still issued by financial institutions that you are familiar with like American Express, Mastercard and VISA, and they provide cardholders with some essential banking tools. For more posts like this, check out our list of the best bank promotions and bank guides!
