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A Guide to the Best Prepaid Debit Cards in 2024

Written By
G. Dautovic
Updated
September 13,2023
Some or all of the products/services listed on this page are from our affiliate partners from which we receive commissions. This, however, does not influence the evaluations in our reviews. Learn more by reading our Advertiser Disclosure.

Launched as an alternative to checks and debit cards for people without bank accounts, prepaid debit cards have moved into the mainstream. Big companies like Mastercard, American Express, and Visa have horses in the race, and some of the cards come with appealing perks.

Keep reading to find out about the best prepaid debit cards on the market.

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Top Prepaid Debit Cards for March 2024

Bluebird by American Express Logo

Bluebird by American Express

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: $0
ATM fees: $0 in-network; $2.50 at non-MoneyPass ATMs
Foreign transaction fees: $0
Online bill payments: Yes, no fees
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Multiple free ways to add money to the card - direct deposit, mobile check deposits, transfers from a linked debit card or external bank account, and cash reloads at Walmart registers.
  • Free ATM withdrawals at more than 30,000 MoneyPass® ATMs.
  • Additional benefits such as check writing, purchase protection, fraud protection, and roadside assistance.
PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® Logo

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard®

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: $4.95
ATM fees: $2.50
Foreign transaction fees: 2.5%
Online bill payments: N/A
Key Facts
Product details
Pros & Cons
  • The card can be used wherever Mastercard or PULSE cards are accepted.
  • Users can get cash back for free at retail checkouts.
  • Savings account with an APY of up to 5.00% is available.
Netspend Visa Prepaid Card Logo

Netspend Visa Prepaid Card

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: Starting from $5
ATM fees: $2.95
Foreign transaction fees: 4%
Online bill payments: Yes, fees vary
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Comes with a 5.00% APY savings account on balances of up to $1,000; 0.50% APY on the amount above that threshold.
  • Offers easy access to adding cash and withdrawals within a network of retailers.
  • Cardmembers can get their paychecks up to two days early with the direct deposit feature.
Netspend® All-Access® Account by MetaBank Logo

Netspend® All-Access® Account by MetaBank

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: $5
ATM fees: $2.95 (domestic) and $4.95 (international)
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Online bill payments: Yes, fees vary
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Cash back rewards through the optional Payback Rewards program
  • Unlimited fee-free withdrawals at any MoneyPass® ATM
  • Offers access to online and mobile banking 
Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard Logo

Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: Starting from $5
ATM fees: $2.50
Foreign transaction fees: 4%
Online bill payments: Yes, fees vary
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Deposit $500 or more of your government benefits or payroll in a single calendar month to get access to Brink's Reduced Monthly Plan Pay - pay $5/month instead of $9.95 per month.
  • The provider’s optional savings account offers up to 5.00% APY, and is available to cardmembers who are eligible for the Brink's Preferred Benefits.
  • Get $20 credit through the refer a friend program
Walmart MoneyCard Logo

Walmart MoneyCard

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: $5.94; can be waived if you deposit min. $1,000/month
ATM fees: $2.50
Foreign transaction fees: N/A
Online bill payments: Yes
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Get 3% cash back at Walmart.com and in the Walmart mobile app; earn 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations; and enjoy 1% cash back at Walmart stores (up to $75 each year).
  • Earn 2% APY on up to $1,000 in your savings account
  • Free cash reloads using the Walmart MoneyCard app at Walmart stores nationwide.
American Express Serve® Logo

American Express Serve®

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: $6.95; can be waived with a $500 deposit
ATM fees: $0 in-network; $2.50 outside of the provider’s network
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Online bill payments: Yes, no fees
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Free withdrawals at over 30,000 MoneyPass ATM locations nationwide.
  • Free online bill pay and check writing capabilities.
  • Fraud protection and  24/7 customer service.
FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card Logo

FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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Monthly fees: Starting from $2.50/month
ATM fees: $0
Foreign transaction fees: $0
Online bill payments: N/A
Key Facts
Product Details
Pros & Cons
  • Provides free card load and ATM options.
  • Offers a month-long free trial.
  • Lets you move money instantly between family members and retain parental control.
Quick Breakdown

Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2024 - Our Picks:

  • Uphold Debit Card - Best for cryptocurrency investors

  • Bluebird by American Express - Best for family usage
  • PayPal Prepaid Mastercard - Best for PayPal users
  • Netspend Visa Prepaid Card - Best for ease of use
  • Netspend® All-Access® Account by MetaBank - Best for overdraft protection
  • Walmart MoneyCard - Best for regular Walmart customers
  • Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard - Best for a prepaid debit card with a savings account
  • American Express Serve® - Best for low or no fees
  • FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card - Best for teenagers

Detailed Reviews of Prepaid Debit Cards

Bluebird by American Express Review

Bluebird by American Express Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
$0
ATM fees:
$0 in-network; $2.50 at non-MoneyPass ATMs
Foreign transaction fees:
$0
Online bill payments:
Yes, no fees
Inactivity fees:
$0

We’ve all heard of American Express, a leading institution in the US financial world and certainly one of its most prolific card issuers. There’s a good chance that you’ve had an American Express card in the past, or maybe you have one in your wallet right now. Now, this premium brand is bringing its customers Bluebird prepaid debit cards. They are without a doubt the market’s best prepaid debit cards with no fees.

Fees

We’ll kick off our review by discussing one of Bluebird’s great strengths: no signup or monthly fees. The card costs nothing if bought online, or up to $5 if purchased in a retail store. Free cash withdrawals are available at MoneyPass ATMs; outside this network, a minimum charge of $2.50 applies, with ATM operator fees added on top.

The fees can stack up pretty high if you transfer money to a non-Bluebird account from your debit card, too. Still, with a little care, you can run your Bluebird by American Express account practically free of charge, confirming that the best prepaid debit cards are from American Express.

Loading Options

Loading options for Bluebird by American Express are nothing to sneeze at: Online or direct ACH transfers carry no fees, and neither does reloading at a Walmart checkout register. Adding cash at other retailers can cost you up to $3.95, so it’s best to avoid that. Mobile Check Capture by Ingo Money is another free avenue if you can afford to wait 10 days for the funds from your check to land.

The abundance of options granted by American express for its Bluebird card make it the best payment processor for prepaid debit cards. If you’re willing to part with 1% to 5% of the check’s value (or a $5 minimum charge), you can speed up the check deposit process. 

Usability

Managing your money with Bluebird by American Express is a simple matter: A well-designed mobile app allows you to make deposits, pay your bills, and transfer funds to other Bluebird by American Express users. And don’t worry about OS compatibility - it’s available for both Android and iOS devices. 

Bluebird by American Express owes its enviable top position among the best prepaid debit cards for families to its app capabilities. Along with free money transfers between family members, it even helps your children manage their money properly, teaching them the fiscal responsibility they’ll need later in life.

The app boasts spending limit and alert features, too, aiding budgeting efforts for you and your family.

Membership Benefits

This card gives users an enviable range of benefits. Purchase protection against faulty items is a given, for example. Should something go wrong while you’re on the road, you’ll learn that Bluebird by American Express is one of the best prepaid debit cards for travel - the company’s assistance helpline is at your disposal 24/7.

Roadside assistance is available to you as well, but keep in mind that third-party costs are not covered in either case.

Another great benefit of choosing Bluebird by American Express is that you can receive early-bird tickets to a multitude of concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities.

Reasons to Apply

  • Low costs
  • Excellent family plan
  • Fantastic membership benefits
+ Show more

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® Review

PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
$4.95
ATM fees:
$2.50
Foreign transaction fees:
2.5%
Online bill payments:
N/A
Inactivity fees:
$0

Famous for having Tesla founder Elon Musk as its biggest shareholder prior to being acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002, PayPal has long positioned itself as one of the leaders in the online payment industry. The company’s prepaid debit card, issued by The Bancorp Bank and managed by Netspend, is designed to be the ultimate companion for PayPal account holders.

Fees

There are numerous fees with PayPal’s Prepaid Mastercard. First off, if you are looking for the best prepaid debit cards with no monthly fee, this isn’t the card for you. There is a $4.95 monthly Plan Fee that cannot be waived under any circumstances.

Other costs include a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%, a fee of $2.50 for domestic ATM withdrawals, a $5.95 card replacement fee, and a few other standard ones such as the $1.00 ATM transaction decline fee. 

Loading Options

The great thing about PayPal’s debit card is that you can load it for free in several ways. The company wants to use a direct transfer from your PayPal account, which is instant and free of charge.

These are also some of the best prepaid debit cards for direct deposit purposes, as you won’t be charged anything for using the direct deposit service. In addition, customers can use free mobile check deposits, but processing takes up to 10 days. If you want expedited check cashing, there is a 1% charge for both payroll and government checks.  

You can also use the Netspend network to reload at partner locations, but fees range from $2.00 to $3.95.

Usability

The web interface should be familiar to anyone who’s ever used PayPal. An excellent mobile app works well on both Android and iOS systems, allowing users to quickly check their balance, transfer funds from their PayPal account, find nearby reload locations, and reload using mobile check deposits.

It also includes top security features such as two-factor authentication.

Membership Benefits

If you’re already using PayPal, this is one of the best prepaid debit cards with no credit check requirements. For starters, you get a high interest-bearing savings account, which earns 5.00% APY on deposits up to $1,000 and 0.50% APY on balances over $1,000. In addition, all the card account funds are FDIC insured. 

Aside from being the only card granting direct access to your PayPal balance (after linking to your account), PayPal’s card also offers a free e-check system for paying bills, real-time text alerts, friend referral programs, and periodic cashback offers.

Reasons to Apply

  • No credit check required
  • High-interest rate and cash back rewards
  • Excellent account management tools
+ Show more

Netspend Visa Prepaid Card Review

Netspend Visa Prepaid Card Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
Starting from $5
ATM fees:
$2.95
Foreign transaction fees:
4%
Online bill payments:
Yes, fees vary
Inactivity fees:
$5.95/month

The Netspend® Visa Prepaid Card is another one of our top picks. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Fees

Netspend fees depending on the plan you select. You can choose a pay-as-you-go plan or a monthly plan with a $9.95 baseline fee. If you deposit at least $500 per month, this fee goes down to $5.

The pay-as-you-go plan doesn’t cost anything to maintain, but every purchase you make is subject to a $1.50 fee. That’s not exactly the most beneficial option if you’re choosing which of the best prepaid debit cards to use.

On top of that, shopping inactivity longer than three months will cost you $5.95 per month, so you should sign up only if you know you’ll be an active subscriber.
There are no start-up or activation fees for the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card. Simply apply online, and your card will be sent to you. 

Loading Options

Manual loading at a cash deposit point incurs a $3.95 fee, but a direct deposit costs nothing. 

Another reason the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card is one of the best-rated prepaid debit cards with direct deposit options is its early deposit capability. If you set things up so your salary gets automatically sent to the card, your money will be available two days before the regular payment date. 

Usability

There’s an app to go with the Netspend card. The Android version of the app is rated much higher than the Apple alternative, so iPhone users might want to think twice. Considering that the apps control most of your finances, seamless operation is a major factor when evaluating the best prepaid debit cards.

Membership Benefits

The Netspend Visa Prepaid card grants you a range of cashback offers depending on your spending habits. Sponsored options are made available to subscribers only, meaning that the list of potential cashback rewards is not published for non-members to evaluate. 

Another enticing option for potential Netspend users is the Refer a Friend feature. If a friend or family member deposits at least $40 into an account that was set up based on your referral, you’ll both receive $20 in credit.

If benefits are a big deciding factor for you, another of the best rated prepaid debit cards might be a better fit. Netspend’s bonus options don’t go far beyond what we’ve already listed. 

Reasons to Apply

  • Interesting benefits
  • Good Android app
  • No start-up fees
+ Show more

Netspend® All-Access® Account by MetaBank Review

Netspend® All-Access® Account by MetaBank Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
$5
ATM fees:
$2.95 (domestic) and $4.95 (international)
Foreign transaction fees:
3%
Online bill payments:
Yes, fees vary
Inactivity fees:
N/A

Based in South Dakota, MetaBank has been around since 1954, while Netspend has been offering payment services since 1999. Their joint offering, the All-Access Account, is a unique mix of a checking account and a prepaid debit card. Some of its unique features enable it to compete with the best direct deposit prepaid debit cards around. 

Fees 

For starters, you’ll have to pay a $5 monthly maintenance fee. While there is no charge for opening an account, you’ll have to pay $15 when closing it. The overdraft fee is $20 if you get overdraft protection, and the foreign transaction fee is 3%. 

Additional or replacement cards will set you back $3.95, while non-network ATM fees are $2.95 for local and $4.95 for international transfers. One big advantage of using Netspend’s account is that you have access to a huge network of MoneyPass ATM machines that offer unlimited surcharge-free withdrawals.

Loading Options

As with the best reloadable prepaid debit cards, Netspend’s account offers several ways to reload your prepaid debit card. There are no charges for direct deposits, mobile deposits, or cash at Netspend retail locations, although other locations may charge fees of up to $4.95 when transferring money into your account.

The All-Access account also has the ability to get early direct deposits, which means that your salary or government benefits reach your account up to two days earlier than they normally would.

Usability

Netspend’s excellent mobile app covers all the bases on both Android and iOS devices. You can get real-time notifications about your account, make direct and check deposits, find the nearest reload locations, and more.

The site’s UI is also very clear and intuitive, while the useful FAQ section offers guidance on the basics of opening and operating your account.

Membership Benefits

Aside from being one of the best prepaid debit cards for direct deposit purposes, it offers several interesting bonuses. For example, there is a $10 purchase cushion with direct deposits, and you can also purchase optional overdraft coverage for a fee of $20 each time you go more than $10 into overdraft.

Opening an optional linked high-yield saving account allows you to benefit from a hefty 6% APY, and you get great cash back offers through the Payback Rewards program.

The company also offers a Zero Liability Policy, which protects your accounts from fraudulent charges. Finally, there’s a  friend referral program, which offers $20 in credit to you and a friend who signs up and loads at least $40.

Reasons to Apply

  • Early direct deposits
  • Overdraft protection and $10 purchase cushion
  • Up to six virtual cards
+ Show more

Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard Review

Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
Starting from $5
ATM fees:
$2.50
Foreign transaction fees:
4%
Online bill payments:
Yes, fees vary
Inactivity fees:
$5.95

You may have seen the Brink’s logo plastered over the sides of armored cars. A high-end security company established in the mid-1800s, Brink’s operations have now expanded to financial services.

A relative newcomer to the world of speedy transactions and flexible payment options, Brink’s has nonetheless managed to create a card that’s right up there with all the best Mastercard prepaid debit cards.

Fees

Brink’s offers three subscription plans: Pay-As-You-Go, the Monthly Plan ($9.95 per month), and the Reduced Monthly Plan ($5 per month). To gain access to the Reduced Monthly Plan, you’ll need to deposit at least $500 per month in government benefits or salary.

In return, you’ll pay no transaction fees when using your Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard. Those on Pay-as-You-Go pay an extra $1.50 for each purchase - a pretty common model among the best prepaid debit cards.

There’s a $2.50 ATM fee to think about, but if you opt for cash back when making retail purchases, you can bypass this charge.

Loading Options

Adding cash to your card at a Netspend Reload Network location will cost you up to $3.95, That’s not exactly cheap, so we recommend that you load money onto your Brink’s card through direct ACH transfers. These incur no charge from Brink’s, so they could be a good option for you if you’re looking for the best prepaid debit cards with no fees. 

Usability

The Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard mobile app is available in a top-rated version for Android devices. Standard features such as cash transfers and check deposits are all available in the app, though the desktop website works just fine on smartphones, too.

Membership Benefits

A key benefit of owning a Brink’s prepaid card is the high-yield savings account you can link it with. Subscribers to the Brink’s Reduced Monthly Plan gain access to a 5.00% APY savings account - which makes Brink’s a strong contender for one of the best prepaid debit cards for savings. 

A cashback reward scheme at participating retailers comes with the card. While the perks may not be as impressive as those available to credit card users, they’re still a great incentive for using a Brink’s card.

Overall, we think that you should seriously consider getting a Brink’s card if you are trying to save money. The savings account and avoidable fees put the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard right up there with the best prepaid debit cards for budgeting.

Reasons to Apply

  • Savings account with 5% APY
  • Great emphasis on security
  • Simple to use
+ Show more

Walmart MoneyCard Review

Walmart MoneyCard Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
$5.94; can be waived if you deposit at least $1,000 each month
ATM fees:
$2.50
Foreign transaction fees:
N/A
Online bill payments:
Yes
Inactivity fees:
$0

If you’re a frequent shopper at Walmart, there are no two ways about it: The best prepaid debit card is Walmart’s MoneyCard.

Fees

The Walmart MoneyCard is not without fees. First is the $1 purchase fee. It’s practically negligible, but if you make a lot of small purchases, the charges can add up. Then comes a monthly maintenance fee of $5.94. If you deposit at least $1,000 into your account every month, the fee is waived. 

These benefits could outweigh the costs, especially because the Walmart MoneyCard is likely to become your primary financial card. A network of more than 24,000 MoneyPass ATMs makes it easy to make free cash withdrawals and balance inquiries wherever you are.

Make sure you locate one: Withdrawals from ATMs outside the MoneyPass network incur a $2.50 fee and potential third-party charges. Still, with a little fee-avoidance effort, the Walmart MoneyCard can be one of the best fee-free prepaid debit cards on the market. 

Loading Options

If you load your card at a Walmart store, you’ll pay a $3 fee instead of the $5.95 you’d pay elsewhere. If you cash a check at a participating Walmart branch, you can deposit the cash into your MoneyCard with no fee, but you still pay the Walmart check-cashing fee, which is substantial. 

You can also use a Green Dot MoneyPak to charge up your Walmart MoneyCard. Walmart charges you $3 if you have a clerk perform the transfer in a store, or you can do it online with no Walmart charge. Either way, you’ll pay a $5.95 MoneyPak charge to Green Dot. 

As the best of the best prepaid debit cards at Walmart, the MoneyCard has perks for those who reload their cards with regular infusions of cash: You get access to your salary or stimulus check faster.

Usability

The feature-rich Walmart MoneyCard app presents an easy way to pay bills or transfer money to friends and family. Both iOS and Android users claim it’s a convenient method to manage their finances - high praise indeed!

Membership Benefits

For frequent shoppers, Walmart MoneyCards could be the best prepaid debit cards with rewards. Purchases earn you 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% in physical Walmart stores.

The annual cash back limit is $75. That may not seem like much, but it’s more than all monthly fees in one year put together, even if you deposit less than $1,000 each month.

On the other hand, if you’re not a loyal Walmart customer, the benefits probably won’t outweigh the costs, and this may not be the best prepaid debit card for you.

Reasons to Apply

  • Convenient
  • Load your card easily
  • Save money at Walmart
+ Show more

American Express Serve® Review

American Express Serve® Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
$6.95; can be waived with a $500 deposit
ATM fees:
$0 in-network; $2.50 outside of the provider’s network
Foreign transaction fees:
2.7%
Online bill payments:
Yes, no fees
Inactivity fees:
$0

A staple of the US banking industry, American Express has been around for almost 200 years. Their wide range of credit and debit cards includes one of the best free prepaid debit cards on the market, the Bluebird card (read our review here), as well as a set of three different Serve cards that come with unique benefits.

We’ll focus on the basic Serve cards, but we’ll also touch on the benefits of the Free Reloads and Cash Back cards.

Fees

One of the best things about the basic Serve card is that you won’t have to pay any opening or closing fees, provided you activate the card online. There’s also the option to waive the maintenance fee if more than $500 is deposited into your account each month.

When coupled with no bank transfer fees, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best prepaid debit cards for a money transfer through traditional methods. 

The maintenance fee is normally $6.95 for the basic and Free Reloads card and $7.95 for the cash back variant. This fee is waivable with the basic card model when you make a direct deposit of $500.

Other fees include a $5 card replacement fee, a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, a decline fee of $0.75 per attempted transaction, a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee, and a card reload fee of up to $3.95.

Loading Options

American Express offers completely free bank transfers, checks, and direct deposits, but unless you use the Free Reloads variant of the debit card (which supports over 45,000 locations across the US), you’ll have to pay a fee of up to $3.95 (depending on the retailer) for cash reloads.

Usability

As expected from a bank that offers some of the best prepaid debit cards on the market, there is a great mobile app for both Android and iOS systems that allows you to easily check your balance without even logging into the web interface of your account.

You can also pay your bills,  transfer money, view your transaction history, add checks, and send money to sub-accounts.

Membership Benefits

While there is no way to earn an APY with Serve cards, American Express offers its members plenty of other benefits. As with the best prepaid visa debit cards on the market, customers get FDIC insurance up to the card’s limit of $100,000 as well as 24/7 customer support.

There’s also a fraud protection system for lost or stolen debit cards and complimentary roadside assistance. Customers have the ability to create up to four sub-accounts and transfer money between them free of charge.

You can also cash checks through the mobile app and pay bills online free of charge.

Finally, there are no inactivity or cancellation fees, and holders of the cash back card can also look forward to an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases with no annual cap.

Reasons to Apply

  • No activation or account closing fees
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Reloads and cash back rewards with different versions of the card
+ Show more

FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card Review

FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card Review Logo Sign Up

On Official Website

Monthly fees:
Starting from $2.50
ATM fees:
$0
Foreign transaction fees:
$0
Online bill payments:
N/A
Inactivity fees:
$0

In our search for the best low rate prepaid debit cards, we’ve looked at both major banks and smaller companies trying to offer something unique. FamZoo falls squarely into the latter category.

Founded in 2006, through one father’s desire to educate his kids about finances, FamZoo’s virtual banking system has been a roaring success with families for more than a decade. 

Offering low fees that are discountable by paying in advance, excellent parental tools, FDIC insurance, and several other useful benefits, it’s the perfect card for anyone looking to introduce their children to the world of finance.

Fees

If you’re going for low fees, FamZoo offers one of the best prepaid debit cards around. The basic monthly fee is $5.99 per family account (four cards), but you can pay six months in advance to reduce the monthly cost to $4.33.

If you pay twelve months in advance, the cost is $3.33/month, while the two-year plan costs just $2.50/month. You also get a 30-day free trial to test things out.

The first four debit cards are issued for free, with additional cards costing $3.00 each. You can also replace two lost cards for free, but every additional replacement will cost $3.00 per card.

There are no fees for moving money between FamZoo cards, making direct deposits or ACH electronic reloads, but cash reloads will cost you $4.95. 

As with the best online prepaid debit cards, FamZoo doesn’t charge you for balance inquiries, foreign transactions, ATM declined transactions, and withdrawals, but you may get charged by the ATM operator. Finally, if you’re in a hurry to get your hands on your card, an express delivery fee will set you back $25.

Loading Options

FamZoo’s unique system means that only one card is considered the primary funding card that gets reloaded. The other cards are financed by free deposits from the primary card through FamZoo’s excellent app. ACH transfers and digital wallet reloads are free, but cash reloads will cost you up to $4.95.

Usability

In terms of usability, FamZoo can compete with the best visa prepaid debit cards on the market. The whole experience is enhanced by the well-designed FamZoo Family Finance app for Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to do everything from setting up spending alerts and limits to transferring money between cards and tracking chores.

Membership Benefits

Since there is no APY to be earned, the primary benefits of this card include organizing family finances and teaching children how to manage money. Your funds are FDIC insured, and losing cards is no biggie either thanks to the free replacements for your first two misplaced cards. 

While using the best prepaid debit card for teaching children about finances, parents can appreciate features such as real-time money requests for chores that they can either approve or deny. They can also divide children’s accounts into saving, spending, and giving sub-accounts.

Reasons to Apply

  • FDIC-insured
  • Low fees
  • Parental controls
+ Show more

What Are Prepaid Debit Cards?

A prepaid debit card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo on it and it can be used like an ordinary debit card. However, it lets you spend only the money you have chosen to load onto the card.

None of the money is borrowed as it is when you use a credit card. None of it is drawn from a bank account as it is when you use an ordinary debit card.

You can use a prepaid debit card even if you don’t have a bank account at all. In fact, unbanked individuals represent a sizable portion of the prepaid debit card market.

Some of the best prepaid debit cards are supported by both Visa and Mastercard. Think of them as souped-up gift cards that let you or the recipient spend only the money that you have loaded onto it. 

A prepaid debit card is not linked to a bank account, but there are all sorts of ways to load it with cash. Your salary can be added to the card’s funds directly. You can pay from a checking account. You can boost the card’s balance at a store that supports it. You can purchase a reload pack. We advise that you incline toward the best prepaid debit cards with direct deposit options, as these tend to have lower costs.

Why Use a Prepaid Debit Card?

It’s a lot less complicated to get a prepaid card than it is to open a bank account or apply for a credit card. Credit ratings don’t exclude you from using prepaid cards, which means they’re great for people with poor credit ratings. 

Keep in mind that even cards that claim to be the best no fee prepaid debit cards impose costs. These can add up quickly, so check the fine print carefully before signing up.  

Review Methodology

How We Evaluate Prepaid Debit Cards

Your choice of a prepaid debit card should be based on objective criteria so you can make a fact-based determination based on costs and benefits. When you’re trying to choose the best prepaid debit card, remember to focus on options that maximize your benefits and minimize your costs.

Fees

Prepaid debit cards usually have monthly or per-transaction fees, but this needn’t scare you off: Many suppliers have low fees, and some even charge no fees at all, though they may impose alternate kinds of costs. You can’t avoid all fees in the long run, but you can minimize your costs by scanning payment policies carefully.

Loading Options

You can’t perform a meaningful comparison of the best prepaid reloadable debit cards without evaluating the card-loading options. We recommend direct ACH transfers, as there are often no fees attached. Loading cash manually at a deposit point and paying by check often incur charges.

Usability

You should conduct or read an exhaustive ease-of-use analysis for every prepaid debit card you are considering. The main question is whether the card’s website is easy to use. And don’t forget the app. Mobile banking is on the rise, and it’s no wonder: No one wants to be caught without money in a sticky situation, and a mobile app helps you do your banking on the move to resolve issues wherever you are. The best prepaid debit card app will repay installation with convenience and peace of mind.

Membership Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards

Does your debit card provider grant rewards based on how and where you do your spending? Signup incentives are often available from card distributors, and while they may not be as generous as those granted to credit card users, they can make a good card better. Cashback options at selected retailers, family and friend referral benefits, and favorable interest rates on savings are all par for the course with the market’s best deals on prepaid debit cards.

FAQ

What prepaid card has no monthly fee?

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Bluebird by American Express has no monthly fees whatsoever. The Walmart MoneyCard has no fees if you deposit at least $1,000 per month. In general, we find that monthly fees for prepaid debit cards drop as you deposit more funds on them. Still, if you’re looking for the best prepaid debit cards with no monthly fee, Bluebird by American Express should be your top pick.

How much money can you put on a prepaid card?

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Prepaid debit cards can have relatively low limits. Daily deposit limits range from $500 to $10,000 in the cards we have evaluated, and some have a maximum capacity, generally between $10,000 and $20,000. Make sure you know which limits apply before you choose your card.

What is the best reloadable debit card?

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Bluebird by American Express is our top choice among the best prepaid debit cards. Bluebird’s easy sign-up, lack of hidden fees, and versatile loading options all impress us. Extra benefits such as roadside and travel assistance, plus cashback offers at a range of retailers, only solidify its position.