Best Prepaid Cards of 2025
- Netspend3.7(6,760)
- Bank of America Gift Cards3.6(13)
- PayPal Prepaid Mastercard1.4(167)

+1 more

Best Prepaid Cards of 2025
Prepaid cards are a smart option if you want the convenience of paying with plastic without needing a bank account. If you’re comparing options, use our guide to discover the best prepaid card for you. Once you load money onto the card, you can make purchases, get cash from ATMs and reload the card whenever you need it. Some of the top cards even offer cashback rewards.
For guidance, check out our readers’ reviews of some of the most popular prepaid cards out there so you can choose the best card for your needs.
- Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
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Compare Top Prepaid Debit Cards

Offers prepaid debit card with no minimum balance requirement. No credit check. No activation fee for online orders. Reload card with direct deposit, a mobile check, reload locations or funds transfer.

Bank of America gift cards come in the form of prepaid Visa cards that customers can register online or by calling a toll-free number. Customers can use the cards at gas stations, restaurants and at other merchants.

Card must be linked to PayPal account. No purchase fee. Charges a monthly plan fee of $4.95. Earn cash back through the PayPal rewards program. Check your account balance, review transactions and load checks through the app.

Sells prepaid cards and gift cards. Charges a $1.95 domestic ATM cash withdrawal fee. Directly deposit payroll, government benefits or tax return funds. Service fees may apply to reload at stores. No ATM access for gift cards.

Offers a convenient way to receive federal benefit funds. No cost to sign up and no monthly fees. Charges ATM cash withdrawal fees up to $0.85 per transaction. Manage your money from your mobile device through the app.

Provides Serve, Serve Free Reloads and Serve Cash Back options. Purchase price up to $3.95. Charges monthly fees up to $7.95 and ATM fees up to $2.50. Earn up to 1% cash back. Offers travel protection and 24/7 customer service.

Track transactions 24/7 with mobile app. 2% APY with savings up to $1,000. Earn up to $75 cash back each year at Walmart. Free family accounts up to four people. No monthly fee with balance over $1,000.

Offers business and personal gift cards from $25 to $3,000. Funds never expire. No usage fees. Not reloadable. Provides dozens of designs and customized messages. Use in stores and online.

Manage your money easier with Green Dot Prepaid Cards. ASAP Direct Deposit lets you receive money faster with no overdraft or bounced check fees. Use anywhere in the United States that accepts Visa.

Prepaid cards with $0 purchase price. $7.95 monthly fee is waived if you spend more than $1,000 per month. Unlimited cash back account earns 3% cash back plus 3% APY for savings. Free reloads and ATMs.

Gold Visa Prepaid Card earns cash back rewards plus 3% APY. Charges a $9.95 monthly fee and $3 ATM fee. No overdraft fees. Free withdrawals and cash deposits at major retailers. Pay rent or expedite bill payments online.
Prepaid Cards Buyers guide
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In this guide
Contents
What is a prepaid card?
A prepaid card is a way to make purchases without using cash, credit or a paper check — the card contains funds without being connected to a bank account or line of credit.
Prepaid cards are typically associated with a national card network, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. You can use the card wherever its network is accepted. Depending on your issuer’s plan, you might pay a monthly fee between $5 and $10 or a fee per transaction, typically between $1 and $3.
Prepaid card vs. gift card
Gift cards are a type of prepaid card that can only be used with one merchant or within that merchant’s network. General prepaid cards, on the other hand, are issued by a third party and can be used at multiple locations. Neither prepaid cards nor gift cards require a bank account.
Prepaid cards and gift cards can both have expiration dates. With a gift card, by law you have at least five years to use the card before the funds expire. With a prepaid card, you may be able to request a new card or have any remaining funds returned to you for a fee. Both types of cards also may charge an inactivity fee if you don’t use the card within a certain period of time.
Prepaid card vs. debit card
Prepaid cards and debit cards are similar in that you can only spend the money you already have. However, unlike a prepaid card, a debit card is linked to your checking account.
Prepaid cards usually have an inactivity fee if you don’t use them within a certain period of time, while debit cards do not. Prepaid cards may also have an expiration date, after which you’ll need to pay a fee for a new card or to access any remaining balance. This isn’t a concern with debit cards.
Prepaid card vs. credit card
Unlike a prepaid card, a credit card gives you access to funds without having to deposit any money upfront. (Note there are also secured credit cards, which do require a deposit and are typically for people with poor credit or no credit history.)
Credit cards typically require a credit check and will report your payments to the credit bureaus, contributing to your credit score. Prepaid cards don’t require a credit check, nor do they help you build credit.
Credit cards also come with many features and rewards that aren’t available with prepaid cards, such as cash back and travel miles. However, they also charge interest, whereas prepaid cards do not.
Prepaid card | Gift card | Debit card | Credit card | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Linked to bank account | ||||
Builds credit | ||||
ATM access | ||||
Cash advances | ||||
Rewards programs |
How do prepaid cards work?
With a prepaid card, you load money onto the card upfront and then use it to make purchases.
Most prepaid debit card issuers allow funds to be loaded and reloaded by direct deposit, cash or bank transfer. If you don’t have a bank account, you can have your government checks and paychecks directly loaded onto the card. You can also load cash onto a prepaid card at retail stores for a fee. Many prepaid debit cards waive reload fees if you opt into direct payroll check deposits.
Some prepaid cards earn rewards and come with other benefits, such as fraud protection and online debit card banking services.
Note that some prepaid cards may come with an expiration date, after which point you’ll need to pay a fee to either get a new card or to release any remaining funds. Be sure to check if there’s an expiration date on your card.
How to get a prepaid card
A prepaid card is relatively easy to get — there is no credit check or minimum balance requirement. You can buy prepaid cards at most grocery and convenience stores, online and over the phone. Some banks and local credit unions also sell prepaid cards. If you buy the card online, you may be issued a virtual card or receive a physical card in the mail at a later time.
Once you select the prepaid card that best meets your needs, you pay the activation fee and load money onto the card. Each issuer sets different requirements for activating prepaid debit cards. Some require photo identification and charge an activation fee up to $10 for loading the initial funds onto the card. Once you pay the card’s purchase price, you have options for funding the initial amount, including:
- Electronic transfer
- Retail store cash deposit
- Employer direct deposit
- Reload card (MoneyPak)
You’ll need to register your prepaid card with the issuer if it’s insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This is so the FDIC can identify you — and get you your lost funds — if the bank goes under. You might be asked to provide your full name, address, date of birth, email, phone number and Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number to verify your identity. Some issuers provide access to instant debit cards online that use virtual card numbers.
How to use a prepaid card
You use a prepaid card to make purchases in stores, shop online and pay bills. Once you load money and activate the card, there are several ways to access funds:
- ATM withdrawal: Prepaid debit cards let you withdraw cash at an ATM. ATM operator fees for withdrawals vary based on the provider and your card policy.
- Point-of-sale transaction: Swipe or insert the card into a retailer’s reader or type in the number to complete an online transaction. Some stores may allow you to receive cash back on a purchase. This can be a way to avoid the fees associated with an ATM withdrawal. However, there may be a cash-back withdrawal limit from the retailer.
- Electronic transfer: You can transfer funds between accounts if you link your prepaid account with another bank account. In some cases, it may be possible to send money without linking it. For example, some cards also allow transfers to a Cash App, Venmo or PayPal account.
» COMPARE: Best Money Transfer and International Money Transfer Services
Prepaid card costs and fees
A prepaid debit card costs $0 to $10 to activate and has monthly fees up to $10. Service fees vary by card, so check the list of fees for different types of transactions before you activate a new prepaid debit card. Examples of possible fees include:
- Reloading fees: Many prepaid cards charge a fee to deposit money onto the card account.
- Monthly service fees: Much like a checking account, many prepaid debit card accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee. Some cards reduce or eliminate this fee if you set up direct deposit or make monthly deposits that exceed a minimum threshold. Check with your card issuer to find out how to reduce fees.
- Transaction fees: Some prepaid cards charge a fee per transaction, usually around $1. Most prepaid debit cards also charge foreign transaction fees up to 3% for purchases made with vendors outside of the U.S. Shop around for the card with the most reasonable rates before traveling internationally.
- Withdrawal fees: Prepaid debit cards charge a fee for ATM usage in addition to charges by the ATM owner. Check for free ATMs and partners to minimize this cost.
- Additional fees: Some prepaid cards also charge ATM balance inquiry fees, inactivity fees, stop payment fees and decline fees. You will likely have to pay a fee to replace or cancel your card.
Who are prepaid cards good for?
Prepaid cards are typically used by consumers who either don't have a traditional bank account or can’t get a credit card due to poor credit history. These consumers are often referred to as “the underbanked'' because they lack access to traditional bank accounts.
This was the situation for ConsumerAffairs reviewer Jarred in Tennessee. “I needed a card because I wasn't able to get a bank account just yet. I was working and wasn't able to get a bank account, but Netspend was able to give me a banking and a routing number, so that was as good as a banking account. I was able to get my apartment because I had that Netspend card with the banking and the routing number,” Jarred said.
Other people who may benefit from a prepaid card include:
- Online shoppers: If you frequently shop online but don’t want to give out your credit card or banking information, you may prefer the security of a prepaid card.
- Habitual overdrafters: A prepaid debit card is a great alternative if you routinely overdraft your checking account. Since you can only spend the amount loaded onto the card, you won’t face overdraft fees, and it’s harder to rack up debt.
- Those with low credit scores: Prepaid debit cards may be a good option if you have a low credit score and are ineligible for a credit card.
- Young adults and teens: Parents can help teens and young adults learn to manage their money by using a prepaid debit card.
» MORE: How to manage your money
Prepaid cards pros and cons
Prepaid cards make a lot of sense for some people, especially for those who live in underbanked communities. Using a prepaid card is often safer and more convenient than carrying cash, but cardholders don’t enjoy the same perks as those with even entry-level credit cards.
Pros
- Easy to get: Prepaid cards don’t require a credit score or bank account. Loading funds onto a card is also usually a simple process.
- Better budgeting: You can use prepaid debit cards as a money management tool. Parents can use it to give their children an allowance.
- Safer online shopping: Prepaid cards can be used anonymously, so you can minimize the risks associated with online shopping.
- Asset protection: If legal or financial issues affect your ability to access your funds, a prepaid debit card can help cover bills and other expenses during negotiations. Seek legal advice before using a prepaid debit card during an audit, bankruptcy, divorce or other legal proceedings.
Cons
- No credit: You can’t use a prepaid card to access credit or improve your credit score. You only have access to the funds in your account.
- Inconvenient funding: Reloading locations and in-network ATMs could be scarce in your area. This can be a hassle, especially if you only have cash to deposit.
- Few perks: Prepaid cardholders get fewer perks and protections than those with credit cards and bank debit cards.
- Miscellaneous fees: Some prepaid debit cards charge high fees just to open and maintain an account. There may also be fees to check your balance or if you don’t use the card for a few months.
How to choose a prepaid card
Whether you're looking for a prepaid card to help with budgeting, online purchases or travel, you’ll want to weigh your options carefully. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a prepaid debit card:
- Fees: Be aware of any activation fees, maintenance fees, ATM withdrawal fees and transaction fees. Some cards may offer fee waivers for specific activities or under certain conditions.
- Loading options: Some cards allow direct deposit, bank transfers or mobile check deposits, while others may only offer in-person reload options. Consider what method is most convenient for your needs.
- Spending limits: Even though all the funds in your account are your own, some issuers put caps on how much you can withdraw or spend in a 24-hour period. Spending limits on prepaid cards can be as low as a few hundred dollars or as much as several thousand.
- Travel use: If you plan to use the card for travel, check if it has worldwide acceptance and a competitive currency conversion rate.
- Customer service: Investigate the card's customer service options, including availability, responsiveness and whether it offers 24/7 support. Reading reviews from other cardholders on sites like ConsumerAffairs can offer insight into the quality of customer service.
- Security features: Assess the security features provided, such as chip-and-PIN technology, fraud protection and the ability to lock or unlock the card through a mobile app.
- Mobile app and online access: Check if the card offers a user-friendly mobile app or online platform for easy account management and transaction tracking.
FAQ
Where can I buy a prepaid card?
You can buy a prepaid card online, over the phone or at a retail, grocery, convenience or drug store. Some banks and credit unions also issue prepaid cards. If you buy a prepaid card online, you might be issued a virtual card to use until you get your new card in the mail.
Is a prepaid card a credit card?
No, a prepaid card is not a credit card or charge card. Even though they look the same, a prepaid card does not give you access to a line of credit.
Can you pay a credit card with a prepaid card?
Yes, you can pay your credit card bill with a prepaid card. However, you typically can’t pay for a reloadable debit card with a credit card.
Are prepaid cards safe?
Prepaid debit cards are generally safe to use and are likely safe to use for online shopping purchases. A prepaid debit card for international travel also lets consumers make more secure purchases when spending abroad.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
Guide sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "If my prepaid card expires, do I lose my money?” Accessed Nov. 7, 2023.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, “Prepaid Cards and Deposit Insurance Coverage.” Accessed Nov. 7, 2023.
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