Best Prepaid Debit Cards With Great Offers 2024
When it comes to managing finances, prepaid debit cards have become a popular and convenient tool for many individuals. Whether you’re looking to control your spending, build credit, or manage money without a traditional bank account, the best-prepaid debit cards offer flexibility and security.
With a wide range of options available, finding the right one can be a daunting task. From low fees to valuable features, this guide will explore the top prepaid debit cards on the market, helping you make an informed decision that suits your financial needs and lifestyle.
2024’s Best Prepaid Debit Cards
| Card | Monthly Fee | No-Fee ATMs | Rewards | 1%-3% cash back with an annual cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluebird by American Express | No | Yes, 30,000+ | No | Free at Family Dollar; potential fee elsewhere |
| American Express Serve FREE Reloads | $6.95 in most states | Yes, 30,000+ | No | Free at Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Family Dollar |
| Walmart MoneyCard | $5.94 unless you load $500 or more per month | No, $2.50 per withdrawal | 1%-3% cash back with annual cap | Free via the Walmart MoneyCard app, direct deposit, mobile deposit, bank transfer |
| American Express Serve Cash Back | $7.95 in most states | Yes, 30,000+ | 1% cash back with no limit | Fees up to $3.95 |
| FamZoo | $5.99, or less with advance payment | Yes | No | $4.95 at participating retailers |
Below, We’ve discussed further details of these prepaid debit card with their pros and cons.
Bluebird by American Express
Bluebird by American Express is a great choice if you want a prepaid debit card that’s good for saving money and is convenient to use. With Bluebird, you won’t have to worry about monthly fees, and you get lots of free access to ATMs.
They also throw in some extra perks at no cost, making your card purchases more secure and giving you some cool offers. Compared to other prepaid debit cards, Bluebird charges fewer fees, which is awesome if you’re watching your budget or just don’t want to pay extra for using a debit card.
Another neat thing is that you can set up separate accounts for your family members, and they’ll each get their own card connected to the main account.
Pros:
- No fee when you load cash onto your card at more than 45,000 Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Rite Aid, Dollar General, and Family Dollar locations
- Other reload options include direct deposit and bank account transfers
- Access to more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs
- Eligible purchases get purchase protection*
Cons:
- There’s a $6.95 monthly fee (no fee in New York, Texas, or Vermont)
- Mobile check deposits take 10 days unless you pay a fee
- No rewards or other major benefits
American Express Serve FREE Reloads
American Express Serve FREE Reloads is perfect for individuals who regularly use a prepaid debit card and need to reload frequently. Users have a wide range of locations where they can add money at no charge. Additionally, the access to no-fee ATMs aligns with the card’s fee-free reloads.
For those without a checking account, cash reloads become a convenient option, making Amex Serve FREE Reloads a preferred choice. The card also allows the creation of free sub-accounts for family members.
Pros:
- No fee when you load cash at over 45,000 locations, including Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Rite Aid, Dollar General, and Family Dollar
- Various reload options, including direct deposit and bank account transfers
- Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
- Eligible purchases receive purchase protection*
Cons:
- $6.95 monthly fee (except in New York, Texas, or Vermont)
- Mobile check deposits take 10 days unless a fee is paid
- No rewards or significant benefits
Walmart MoneyCard
If you really like shopping at Walmart, then the Walmart MoneyCard could be a great prepaid debit card for you. It’s a smart choice because you can get some money back through cash-back options, and if you reload enough money each month, you won’t have to pay a monthly fee.
The Walmart MoneyCard stands out because it’s one of the rare reloadable cards that offer rewards, although there’s a limit to how much you can earn each year. Even if you can’t get the monthly fee waived, the annual rewards you earn might cover it.
Pros:
- Earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% back at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% back at Walmart stores
- Earn 2% annual interest on a linked savings account
- No monthly fee if you load $500 or more each month
- Free cash reloads via the Walmart MoneyCard App, direct deposit, mobile check deposit, and bank transfer
- Overdraft protection up to $200 with opt-in and eligible direct deposit
Cons:
- Cashback is capped at $75 per year
- The standard monthly fee is $5.94 if you don’t load $500 or more each month
- All ATM withdrawals will incur a $2.50 fee
- Mobile check deposit may take up to 5 days
American Express Serve Cash Back
The American Express Serve Cash Back offers unlimited 1% cash back rewards on all your purchases. This stands out among prepaid debit cards due to its uncapped cash-back potential.
The card also provides fee-free access to ATMs, allowing you to retain more of your money. While earning unlimited 1% cash back may not be as high as some credit cards, it sets a high standard for prepaid debit cards.
Keep in mind that the card has a $7.95 monthly fee, but you can offset it if you spend at least $795 per month using the card.
Pros:
- Earns unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
- Eligible purchases receive purchase protection*
Cons:
- Monthly fee of $7.95 (except in New York, Texas, or Vermont)
- Cash reloads may cost up to $3.95
- Mobile check deposits take 10 days unless a fee is paid
FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card
We selected FamZoo as the top card for tweens and teens because it centers around parents, children, and financial education. The FamZoo Prepaid Debit Card stands out not only for offering sub-accounts but also for providing a comprehensive set of features to help parents teach their children money management.
Parents can receive four prepaid cards for free, set up automatic transfers, and manage card usage to promote responsible spending and saving habits.
Pros:
- You can request up to four prepaid cards for free and establish automatic recurring transfers (extra cards cost $3 each).
- Parents can lock or unlock cards, incentivize saving with interest from the parent’s account, and link transfers to allowances, chores, or a non-monetary rewards system.
- Access to fee-free ATMs.
Cons:
- A $5.99 monthly fee is applicable, but it can be reduced with advance payment.
- There is a $4.95 fee for loading cash onto the card at participating retail locations.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Best Prepaid Debit Card?
The best prepaid debit card varies based on individual preferences and needs, but popular options include Bluebird by American Express and the Chase Liquid card.
Q: What Are the Downsides of Prepaid Debit Cards?
Downsides of prepaid debit cards may include fees for transactions, ATM withdrawals, and monthly maintenance, as well as limited rewards compared to traditional credit cards.
Q: What Is the Best Prepaid Card With No Fees?
The best prepaid card with no fees depends on specific criteria and usage patterns. Some options to consider include the American Express Serve, Bluebird by American Express, and the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard.
Q: What’s the Best Prepaid Card for Direct Deposit?
The best prepaid card for direct deposit depends on personal preferences and needs. Netspend, Bluebird by American Express, and the Green Dot Prepaid Visa are among the options known for direct deposit features.
