Best Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards work like a credit card, except that you can only spend the amount of money you have deposited into the account. Prepaid debit cards are ideal for individuals who tend to spend more than they can afford when using a credit card, but like the convenience of swiping a card to make payment, or for those who need a credit card number to buy online or by phone.

Best Prepaid Card Options

When researching the many prepaid debit cards available, you want to look for cards that have the lowest fees and most useful extra features for your financial needs. Some of the features found on the best prepaid debit cards include access to your credit score, free online bill payments and free direct deposits, and cards that are reloadable.

Green Dot Gold Prepaid Visa

This prepaid debit card features a $5.95 monthly fee which can be waived if you make at least 30 purchases with the card within the month. Green Dot Gold Prepaid Visa gives you access to more than 18,000 MoneyPass ATMs to withdraw cash if needed, no transaction fees on United States purchases, no overdraft fees and no minimum deposit required. If you have a qualifying direct deposit, you get a $10 credit; and your first MoneyPack cash load will earn you a credit of $4.95. New card users can set up their account online with no set up fee and no credit check.

NetSpend Prepaid Mastercard

All individuals who apply for a NetSpend Prepaid Mastercard will be approved without a credit check. You can use the card to pay bills online or by phone and use the online budgeting tools and phone alerts to track your spending and keep your budget on track. The card features a rewards program to help reward you with cash back on purchases and your deposits are FDIC insured up to current limits. NetSpend Prepaid Mastercard has a $9.95 monthly fee.

Pink ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Card

All individuals will qualify for a Pink ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Card, there is no application fee and no credit check required. You can set up a direct deposit at no cost. One of the best features of this card involves a portion of all purchases going to breast cancer awareness and detection, so you can do your part to help without paying more to do so. Your card also entitles you to open a free savings account with up to 5% APY, and FDIC insurance for all deposits as well as a card backed by Visa Zero Liability.