Netspend Visa Prepaid Card review: fees, limits and how it works
People without a bank account who want a Visa card for paychecks or benefits
Quick answer: The Netspend Visa Prepaid Card is a reloadable card from Netspend, issued by Pathward, N.A., that you can buy in stores or order online with no credit check. Your monthly cost depends on your card version and fee plan, plus ATM and reload fees, so check your fee schedule first. It suits people without a bank account.
Best for: People without a bank account who want a Visa card for paychecks or benefits
Pros
- No credit check
- Widely sold in stores
- Choice of fee plans
Cons
- Monthly or per-purchase fees add up
- ATM and reload fees extra
Who it suits
Good fit if
- People without a bank account who need a Visa card
- Getting paychecks or benefits by direct deposit
- Buying a card in a store with no credit check
Skip it if
- You make many small purchases that could each carry a fee
- You need regular ATM cash without fees
- You want to build credit
Fees
| Monthly fee | Monthly Plan $9.95, cut to $5 after $500+ in payroll or benefit direct deposits in the prior month. The Pay-As-You-Go plan has no monthly fee but charges $1.95 per purchase. An annual plan is also offered. |
| Other | The monthly plan covers purchase fees only, not ATM or reload fees. |
| Other | ATM withdrawal fees apply. See the fee schedule. |
| Other | Retail reload fees apply at Netspend Reload Network locations. |
How to get and load it
Buy at retail stores such as 7-Eleven, or order online at netspend.com. No credit check.
- Direct deposit
- Retail reload
- Bank transfer
- Mobile check load
Activation
Activate online or by phone and verify your identity before using all features.
Deposit protection and credit building
Protection: Issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. Prepaid funds are generally FDIC-insured through the issuing bank once your identity is verified. Confirm in your cardholder agreement.
Credit building: No. Prepaid card activity isn't reported to credit bureaus.
Netspend Visa Prepaid Card FAQs
Does the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card have a monthly fee?
Monthly fee: Monthly Plan $9.95, cut to $5 after $500+ in payroll or benefit direct deposits in the prior month. The Pay-As-You-Go plan has no monthly fee but charges $1.95 per purchase. An annual plan is also offered.. Other charges to check: The monthly plan covers purchase fees only, not ATM or reload fees.; ATM withdrawal fees apply. See the fee schedule.; Retail reload fees apply at Netspend Reload Network locations..
How do I activate the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card?
Activate online or by phone and verify your identity before using all features.
Is money on the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card insured?
Issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. Prepaid funds are generally FDIC-insured through the issuing bank once your identity is verified. Confirm in your cardholder agreement.
Does the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card build credit?
No. Prepaid card activity isn't reported to credit bureaus.
How do I add money to the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card?
You can load it by direct deposit, retail reload, bank transfer, mobile check load.
Official Netspend (issued by Pathward, N.A.) site
Sources: www.netspend.com · www.netspend.com · www.7-eleven.com. Fees change; confirm on the official fee schedule.