Reloadable prepaid · United States

Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card review: fees, limits and how it works

People who regularly receive Western Union transfers

By the CreditCardCompare editorial team · Updated · Fees checked against the provider's published fee schedule

Quick answer: The Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card is a reloadable card issued by Pathward, N.A. that you order through Western Union with no credit check. Western Union says active cards have no monthly fee and transfers arrive free, but ATM and retail reload fees can apply. It suits people who regularly receive Western Union transfers.

ProviderWestern Union / Netspend (issued by Pathward, N.A.)
NetworkVisa
Monthly feeWestern Union's page says there's no mon…

Best for: People who regularly receive Western Union transfers

Pros

  • Receive WU transfers free
  • No monthly fee for active cards
  • No credit check

Cons

  • Reload fees
  • Fees vary by plan
A person holding a credit card in front of a machine — using the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card
Photo: Nathana Rebouças / Unsplash

Who it suits

Good fit if

  • People who receive Western Union money transfers often
  • Anyone without a bank account who wants a card for transfers
  • Ordering online with no credit check

Skip it if

  • You want free ATM withdrawals
  • You mostly load cash at stores, which carries reload fees
  • You want to build credit

Fees

Monthly feeWestern Union's page says there's no monthly fee for active cards. Check the current fee schedule.
OtherReload fees at retail or by bank transfer
OtherNo fee to receive Western Union money transfers onto the card
OtherSee the cardholder agreement for ATM fees

How to get and load it

Order online through Western Union. No credit check and no bank account needed.

  • Western Union money transfer
  • Direct deposit
  • Retail reload
  • Online

Activation

Activate online, then verify your identity.

Deposit protection and credit building

Protection: Issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. An older Mastercard version was issued by MetaBank, now Pathward.

Credit building: No

Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card FAQs

Does the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card have a monthly fee?

Monthly fee: Western Union's page says there's no monthly fee for active cards. Check the current fee schedule.. Other charges to check: Reload fees at retail or by bank transfer; No fee to receive Western Union money transfers onto the card; See the cardholder agreement for ATM fees.

How do I activate the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card?

Activate online, then verify your identity.

Is money on the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card insured?

Issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC. An older Mastercard version was issued by MetaBank, now Pathward.

Does the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card build credit?

No

How do I add money to the Western Union Netspend Prepaid Card?

You can load it by Western Union money transfer, direct deposit, retail reload, online.

Official Western Union / Netspend (issued by Pathward, N.A.) site

Sources: www.westernunion.com · www.netspend.com. Fees change; confirm on the official fee schedule.