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Prepaid debit cards can be a smart alternative to traditional bank accounts, giving you the ability to make purchases, pay bills, and even withdraw cash without worrying about overdraft fees. Whether you’re trying to stick to a budget, need a banking alternative, or just want a secure way to spend, a prepaid card can help.
However, fees, perks, and features vary widely from one card to another. Some offer rewards and free ATM access, while others charge for reloading or transactions. Choosing the right card depends on how you plan to use it.
8 Best Prepaid Debit Cards
To help you find the best option, we’ve reviewed the top prepaid debit cards available in 2025. Here’s what each one offers and what to consider before signing up.
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that works anywhere Visa or Mastercard debit cards are accepted.
You can shop, pay bills, and withdraw cash from ATMs without needing a bank account or credit check.
A key benefit is its cashback program: 3% back at Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% at Walmart stores, up to $75 per year.
The card has a $5 monthly fee, but it’s waived if you deposit at least $1,000 in a calendar month.
Funding the card is flexible with direct deposit for paychecks or government benefits, cash reloads at Walmart stores and participating retailers, or mobile check deposit.
The Walmart MoneyCard app makes money management simple, letting you track balances, view transactions, find ATMs, and even create money vaults to save for specific goals.
With its mix of convenience and rewards, the MoneyCard is a solid option for everyday spending and budgeting.
The Bluebird prepaid card, issued by American Express, works anywhere AmEx is accepted and provides access to more than 24,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Unlike many prepaid cards, Bluebird has no activation fee, no monthly fee, and no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong choice for both everyday use and international travel.
Reloading is simple with multiple options: set up direct deposit for paychecks or benefits, add cash at Walmart registers, transfer from a debit card, or use mobile check deposit.
Bluebird also offers features that make it family-friendly and practical. You can request up to four additional cards, each with its own spending limit—ideal for allowances or household budgeting.
The Insights tool helps track spending habits and offers personalized tips to keep your finances on track.
You don’t need a PayPal account to get the card, but linking one unlocks extra features like direct deposit.
The card charges a $4.95 monthly plan fee. ATM withdrawals cost $1.95 plus any surcharge from the ATM owner, though using MoneyPass network ATMs can help avoid additional fees.
Cardholders can also open an optional savings account through the issuing bank that pays 5.00% APY on balances up to $1,000, with lower rates on amounts above that. Deposits are FDIC insured up to the standard limit once your identity is verified.
A refer-a-friend program is available, allowing both you and your friend to earn a small bonus when they sign up and meet the initial funding requirement.
American Express offers three types of Serve prepaid cards, each with its own perks.
The basic Serve card provides free direct deposit, online bill pay, and fee-free withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs.
You can also create multiple subaccounts for family use. The card is free online (or up to $3.95 at retail), with a $1 monthly fee that’s waived if you deposit at least $500 monthly.
Reloads can cost up to $3.95, and non-MoneyPass ATM withdrawals carry a $2.50 fee plus any operator charges.
For frequent reloaders, the Serve Free Reloads Card may be a better option. It lets you add cash for free at major retailers like CVS, Walmart, Dollar General, and 7-Eleven. This version has a $4.95 monthly fee but can save money if you’d otherwise pay reload fees often.
The third option is the Serve Cash Back Card, which carries a $5.95 monthly fee but earns unlimited 1% cash back on purchases. For those who use a prepaid card regularly, the rewards can easily offset the monthly cost.
Netspend is one of the leaders in prepaid debit cards. Signing up is quick and easy since there is no required credit check and no activation fee. In addition, this prepaid debit card comes with a free mobile app so you can easily manage your money.
You’ll load money onto your card using the company’s mobile check deposit feature. And you can reload your account at any of Netspend’s 130,000 reload locations.
With the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card, you can get paid faster, up to two days earlier, if you use direct deposit.
When you sign up for the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card, you can choose between two different accounts. The Pay-As-You-Go is the company’s default account, and it comes with no monthly fee. However, you will pay $1.50 per transaction.
If you plan to make direct deposits of at least $500 or more, you might want to consider the Premier Plan. You’ll pay $5 per month, but the company claims you’ll save up to 50% on fees.
FamZoo offers prepaid debit cards and a financial education for kids and teens. It allows parents to set up a virtual family bank for their kids designed to teach them how to earn, save, spend, and give money wisely.
You can get up to four cards on the monthly plan for $5.99. There’s a one-time $3 fee per card for each additional family member. However, you can also pay for up to 24 months at a time, which would equal $2.50 per month for four cards.
Using the FamZoo website or app, you can send allowances, split payments, see balances and activity on all prepaid cards. You can also set up text and email alerts.
There are no costs to activate the FamZoo Prepaid Card, and no fees for purchases. However, the FamZoo prepaid debit card doesn’t have its own ATM network, so you will have to pay ATM fees.
You can reload the FamZoo debit card via direct deposit or bank transfer, or through Apple Pay, PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo. You can also reload it at retailers like 7-Eleven and Walgreens.
To add more money, you can sign up for direct deposit, transfer funds from another account, or visit one of the 130,000 reload locations.
This prepaid debit card comes with several helpful features, including a mobile app, cash back rewards on certain purchases, and more.
You can also quickly transfer money to family and friends at no cost with the mobile app.
By using your Brink’s card, you may even be able to receive your tax refund sooner. When you file your taxes, you can get them deposited to your Brink’s prepaid card.
The Pay-As-You-Go Plan has no monthly fee but charges $1 for each signature purchase and $2 for each PIN purchase—costly if you use the card often.
The Monthly Plan eliminates per-transaction fees with a flat $9.95 monthly charge. For the lowest rate, the Premier Plan reduces the fee to $5 per month if you receive at least $500 in direct deposits.
Other fees apply across all plans, including a $5.95 monthly inactivity fee, $0.50 balance inquiry fee at ATMs or by phone (text inquiries are free), and a $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee plus any operator charges.
Overall, the Western Union NetSpend card can be convenient for money management, but the right plan depends on how frequently you use the card and whether you can qualify for the Premier Plan through direct deposit.
The Chime Visa® Debit Card is not a prepaid card, but it can save you more money than some prepaid cards on this list. With Chime, there are no monthly fees, and that is also true of the debit card.
To get started, you will have to open a Chime Checking account. Then, you can manage your account with the bank’s mobile app. There’s no minimum balance you have to maintain and no monthly fees.
One of the advantages of using the Chime Visa® Debit Card is that it can help you save money over the long run. This is because every time you swipe your card, Chime rounds up your transaction to the nearest dollar.
The bank will then transfer these savings into your savings account. It’s an easy way to save money without even having to think about it.
Chime allows you to get paid up to two days early2 with direct deposit. You’ll also get fee-free1 ATM withdrawals at over 47,000 stores like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven.
Chime also just launched a brand new secured credit card that can help you build your credit.
How We Chose the Best Prepaid Debit Cards
We analyzed over 40 prepaid debit cards from banks, credit unions, and financial companies to find the best options. Our rankings focused on key factors like fees, ease of use, reloading options, and extra perks such as rewards or free ATM access.
We also looked at customer experience, mobile app functionality, and overall value. The cards on this list offer a mix of affordability, convenience, and benefits that make them stand out from the rest.
How to Pick the Right Prepaid Debit Card
The right prepaid debit card depends on how you plan to use it. Some have lower fees, while others offer rewards or better ATM access. Here’s what to look for when choosing one.
1. Compare Fees
Prepaid cards come with different costs, so check for:
Monthly fees – Some charge a maintenance fee unless you meet a deposit requirement.
Reload fees – Adding cash may cost extra, depending on where you do it.
ATM withdrawal fees – Look for free in-network ATM access to avoid extra charges.
Transaction fees – Some cards charge per purchase instead of a monthly fee.
2. Look at Reload Options
Make sure the card offers a way to add money that fits your needs:
Direct deposit – Often the easiest and cheapest way to reload.
Cash reloads – Available at retailers but may come with a fee.
Mobile check deposit – Some apps let you deposit checks by snapping a picture.
3. Check for Extra Perks
Some prepaid cards offer benefits like:
Cash-back rewards – Earn money back on purchases.
Savings features – Some let you set aside money and earn interest.
Budgeting tools – Track spending and manage funds through an app.
4. Consider Where You’ll Use It
Most prepaid cards work anywhere Visa, Mastercard, or American Express is accepted. If you travel internationally or shop online, make sure the card allows those transactions.
5. Read the Fine Print
Look for hidden fees, spending limits, and expiration policies before signing up. The best prepaid debit card is the one that meets your needs without unnecessary costs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a prepaid debit card comes down to how you plan to use it. If keeping fees low is your priority, look for a card with no monthly charges and free reload options. If you rely on cash withdrawals, find one with free in-network ATM access. And if you want extra perks, consider a card with cash-back rewards or savings features.
Think about your spending habits and financial goals before deciding. If you’re using a prepaid card as an alternative to a bank account, pick one that offers direct deposit and online bill pay. If it’s for budgeting, go for a card with spending controls and tracking tools.
No single prepaid debit card is perfect for everyone, but the right one can make managing money easier without the hassle of overdraft fees or credit checks. The key is finding a card that fits your lifestyle while avoiding unnecessary costs.
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