However, fees and card limitations can add up quickly, making your prepaid debit card a pricey piece of plastic. So, we found the best prepaid cards that are both convenient and relatively low risk. We considered factors like coverage options, fees, and availability while choosing the top cards. Based on these elements and more, the cards below are the best options for you.
The American Express Serve Cash Back Card is an FDIC-backed card with amounts up to $100,000 for your use. It also collaborates with over 30,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations nationwide, offering easy access to your money. The reward structure is the card’s best feature, offering unlimited 1% Cash Back on in-store and online purchases. However, it is important to note that ATM transactions do not earn cashback rewards. After your purchases, you do not have to wait for your rewards, with rewards available immediately after the transaction settles. Your rewards will never expire, so you can take your time using them. With the Spend Prepaid Debit Card, you also receive emergency assistance and roadside support if you encounter trouble on your travels. While you are still responsible for the costs of any services, American Express will offer coordination and assistance to get you back on the road that much faster. The American Express Serve Cash Back card offers similar protections to a traditional debit card, with the ability to freeze your card and no financial responsibility for fraudulent charges. Purchase protection protects eligible purchases from accidental damage and theft up to 120 days from the date of purchase. You can also receive your money up to two days faster when you use direct deposit for your paychecks, giving you even greater freedom with your spending. Pros
Unlimited 1% Cash Back rewardsNo monthly fees with $500+ in direct depositsNo card fee with online applications
Cons
Monthly fee for most cardholdersUp to 10 days clearance for mobile depositsForeign transaction fees
The American Express Serve Free Reloads Card is similar to its sister card, the Serve Cash Back. Instead of cash rewards, the Serve allows for free reloads when you prefer cash to reload your prepaid card. The Serve Free Reloads is FDIC-protected and comes with a maximum balance of up to $10,000. There is no credit check to apply, making the process even easier. There are no fees when you need to reload. You have the option to load money onto your card using 45,000 retail locations with an easy barcode reload, or you can simply transfer money from your bank account using the Serve Mobile App. You can add anywhere from $20 to $500 at a time. No minimum balance is required. Similar to the American Express Serve Cash Back Card, the Serve Free Reloads Card carries Fraud Protection with Purchase Protection lasting up to 120 days. There is also emergency and roadside assistance for travel support. Pros
Free cash reloadsNo card fee for accounts opened online No credit check required
Cons
No rewardsMonthly card feeLimited AMEX retailers
The Starbucks Rewards Visa Prepaid Card is a Chase product that allows flexible spending power. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, with the exception of rentals like cars, furniture, and equipment. As you make purchases, you receive rewards that can be redeemed at Starbucks for food and beverage purchases. With every purchase, you receive one star for every $10 spent on eligible items. Stars never expire, either, so you can take your time redeeming them. Stars are in addition to the standard two stars per $1 purchase bonus that you get when you use your Starbucks Card. There are no monthly or annual account fees, and it is free to reload cash onto your card. Rewards are transferred to your account within 14 days after the end of each billing cycle, so there is a bit of a wait to receive and use your rewards. You then can redeem your rewards at any participating Starbucks store in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. When you redeem your stars, Starbucks offers the following rewards schedule. Certain item restrictions reply. You can sign up for free text notifications when your balance gets low, and all you have to do is text back to use Easy Reload. There is also Zero Liability Protection, so you are not responsible for fraudulent charges, and your card comes with chip-card technology for extra security and peace of mind. The card is also FDIC-insured. Pros
Bonus Starbucks rewardsRewards on every purchaseAdded security features
Cons
Rewards redeemable at Starbucks onlyMust be a Starbucks Rewards memberNo cash reloads
If you’re looking to build credit, however, you’re better off with a starter credit card. For that, check out our list of top picks of beginner credit cards.
Maximum balance: This is the first step in making sure a card is right for you. Prepaid debit cards can come in various amounts, ranging from $300 to over $100,000.Reload options: When you need to add cash to your card, accessibility is important. Some cards allow online transfers, while others partner with popular retailers like CVS and Walmart to offer extra convenience. Fees: Prepaid debit card issuers typically charge fees for a variety of purposes, including monthly, foreign transaction, and cash reload fees.Rewards: Some cards offer additional rewards, such as cash back or specialty items, while others do not have a rewards program at all.Peace of mind features: Other critical points of consideration include account security features and purchase protections, such as fraud protection.
Happier staying at home and shopping online? You should be, because you can receive a prepaid debit card online free of charge.
Akimbo Prepaid MasterCardBluebird by American ExpressChime Visa Debit CardFamZoo Prepaid CardFifth Third Access 360° Reloadable Prepaid CardGreenlight Prepaid MastercardMOVO Digital Prepaid VisaMOVO Virtual Prepaid VisaNetspend Prepaid CardWalmart MoneyCard Visa with Cashback Rewards
If you think a different type of card may be a better fit for you, consider one of our top picks for the best secured credit cards or the best cashback credit cards in 2022.
