Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card review: fees, limits and how it works
Direct-deposit users who can meet the fee waiver
Quick answer: The Green Dot Prepaid Visa is a reloadable prepaid card from Green Dot Bank. It costs $0 a month if you get a payroll or government benefits direct deposit, and $5 a month otherwise, according to Green Dot's product page. In-network ATMs are free. It suits people paid by direct deposit who want a card sold in stores.
Best for: Direct-deposit users who can meet the fee waiver
Pros
- Free in-network ATMs
- Widely available
- Fee waiver with direct deposit
Cons
- Cash reload fee
- Monthly fee without direct deposit
What the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card costs per month
| If you… | Monthly cost | How it adds up |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll or benefits direct deposit, in-network ATMs only | $0 | The monthly fee is waived after a payroll or government benefits direct deposit in the previous monthly period, and in-network ATM withdrawals are free. |
| No direct deposit, one $500 cash load at a store | $10.95 | $5 monthly fee without a qualifying direct deposit, plus the $5.95 flat retail cash deposit fee for loads up to $500. |
| Direct deposit user, 2 out-of-network ATM withdrawals | $6 plus ATM owner fees | Monthly fee waived by direct deposit, plus $3 for each out-of-network withdrawal (2 x $3). The ATM owner may add its own fee. |
Who it suits
Good fit if
- Workers paid by direct deposit who qualify for the fee waiver
- People who want free in-network ATM withdrawals
- Buying a card at a store without a credit check
Skip it if
- You mainly load cash, since each retail deposit costs $5.95
- You often use out-of-network ATMs
- You have no direct deposit and want to avoid a monthly fee
Fees
| Monthly fee | $5 a month, waived when you received a payroll or government benefits direct deposit in the previous monthly period (per Green Dot's product page). |
| Other | $3 out-of-network ATM withdrawal, plus any ATM owner fee |
| Other | Cash deposit up to $500 for a $5.95 flat fee at retail |
| Other | Card purchase price at retail varies |
How to get and load it
Buy at retail stores or open an account online at greendot.com.
- Direct deposit
- Retail cash reload
- Bank transfer
- Mobile check deposit
Activation
Activate at secure2.greendot.com/enroll/get-started and verify your identity. See our step-by-step activation guide.
Deposit protection and credit building
Protection: FDIC-insured up to allowable limits through Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, once your identity is verified.
Credit building: No (prepaid)
Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card FAQs
Does the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card have a monthly fee?
Monthly fee: $5 a month, waived when you received a payroll or government benefits direct deposit in the previous monthly period (per Green Dot's product page).. Other charges to check: $3 out-of-network ATM withdrawal, plus any ATM owner fee; Cash deposit up to $500 for a $5.95 flat fee at retail; Card purchase price at retail varies.
How do I activate the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card?
Activate at secure2.greendot.com/enroll/get-started and verify your identity.
Is money on the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card insured?
FDIC-insured up to allowable limits through Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, once your identity is verified.
Does the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card build credit?
No (prepaid)
How do I add money to the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card?
You can load it by direct deposit, retail cash reload, bank transfer, mobile check deposit.
Official Green Dot (Green Dot Bank) site
Sources: www.greendot.com · www.greendot.com. Fees change; confirm on the official fee schedule.