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You are here: Home / Prepaid Debit Cards / Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard Review

Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard Review

May 3, 2021 by Rob Berger

The Brink's Prepaid Mastercard® is a low cost reloadable prepaid debit card. It offers benefits and features that make it an ideal alternative to a traditional bank account.

Brink's Prepaid Mastercard®
Apply Now
Our Rating
4.8/5.0
Monthly Fee
$9.95*
Card Limit
$15000

Snapshot

  • Brink’s gives you the peace of mind you deserve. Securing cash and valuables since 1859.
  • With Brink’s Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
  • No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
  • Use the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text message or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply.)
  • Subject to card activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs Apply. Issued by Axos Bank®, Member FDIC. Click for full details.
  • Get your tax refund direct deposited to your Card Account and no more waiting in line to cash your paper check!
  • See additional Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard® Details.

Pros & Cons

What we like

  • No credit check required
  • No overdraft fees
  • Mobile check deposit
  • Free Online bill pay
  • High-yield savings account

What could be better

  • ATM withdrawal fee
  • Doesn’t build credit

How We Review Prepaid Debit Cards

We evaluate prepaid debit cards based on four key factors important to consumer:

  • Fees: Nearly half of all prepaid debit card users cite avoiding overdraft fees and check-cashing fees as a major reason for using a prepaid card. We therefore evaluate the fees charged by a prepaid card, particularly those fees that cannot be avoided (e.g., a monthly fee that cannot be waived).
  • Budgeting: A majority of consumers using prepaid cards want to avoid credit card debt, spend less than they make, and create budget categories to help control spending. As a result, we evaluate the features a prepaid card offers to help consumers better manage their money.
  • Make Purchases: Consumers also use prepaid cards to make purchases online and other places that do not accept cash. While all prepaid debit cards by their very nature enable cardholders to make purchases, we evaluate specific characteristics that make using the card easier or harder for consumers.
  • Banking Features: Many people want to use a prepaid card in place of a traditional checking account. For this reason, we evaluate important banking features of prepaid cards, such as ATM services, online bill pay, mobile check deposit and linked savings accounts.

We'll first provide an overview of the Brink's Prepaid Mastercard features, benefits and fees. Then will use the above factors to evaluate the card and assess who would be best serviced by this card and who should look for other options. Finally, we'll outline alternatives to the Brink's Prepaid Mastercard.

Editorial Review

The is a reloadable prepaid debit card. It distinguishes itself from many other prepaid cards by its long list of features. These include mobile check deposit, online bill pay, and three fee plans you can tailor to your specific circumstances. The card is part of the Netspend family of prepaid cards, and its terms, features and fees are identical, in all important aspects, to the Netspend prepaid card.

How Does the Brink’s Prepaid Mastercard® Work?

The is a low cost, reloadable prepaid debit card. This card can be used anywhere in the world that accepts Debit Mastercard. As with all prepaid cards, cardholders must first add money to the card before using it. There are several ways to load money onto the card:

  • Direct Deposit: Get paid up to two days faster with direct deposit of your paycheck or a government benefits check (including tax refund)
  • Cash Reload: Add cash to your account from over 130,000 Netspend reload locations
  • Transfer: Add money through a transfer from a bank account or another Brinks' card.

Once funds have been added to the Brink's card, it can be used anywhere that accepts debit Mastercard, including online. In addition, cardholders can pay bills online for free.

Key Features

Direct Deposit: This feature allows you to refill your account by depositing your paycheck, tax refund, or even a government benefits check. It is free and allows you to receive your checks up to 2 days faster.

Brink’s Reduced Monthly Fee Plan: With direct deposit of $500 or more from your paycheck or government benefits, you will only pay $5 per month instead of $9.95 per month.

Anytime Alerts: Receive text message alerts from Brink’s notifying you about activity on your account such as:

  • Declined transactions
  • Received deposits
  • Individual transaction details
  • Budget notifications

Online Account Center: With the Netspend website, you can see all of your transactions, set up direct deposit, and activate Netspend Payback Rewards. Brink’s is currently offering 500 bonus points when you enroll in Payback Points when using the Online Account Center as well.

Reload Locations: With over 130,000 retail locations nationwide, this feature gives you practically unlimited accessibility to load cash onto your card.

Earn Payback Points: This feature gives you the chance to earn cash back as well as merchant offers when making signature transactions with your card such as online, or ordering from restaurants. This allows cardholders to earn one (1) point per dollar spent for each signature transaction. If you use the Online Account Center to enroll in this feature, Brink’s is currently offering cardholders 500 bonus points in return for doing so.

$10 Purchase Cushion: If you have a purchase that exceeds your current account balance, this feature (on approved transactions), could allow you to create a negative $10 balance on your account. Keep in mind though that this is not an extension of credit nor is it guaranteed.

Smartphone App: The Brink’s Money Prepaid Mobile App helps you be able to manage your money on the go. With this service you can view any of your balances and transaction history, send money to individuals, relocate your money to or from your Savings Account, load checks via photograph, or help you find the nearest reload location.

Rewards & Benefits 

Custom Card: Brink’s allows its cardholders to create their own custom card using their very own personalized photograph.

Refer A Friend: With the Refer A Friend feature, you could receive a $20 credit. For every person referred, you can both receive a $20 credit as long as the referred card holder orders the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard®, and adds a minimum of $40 to their new card account via cash or through direct deposit.

Prescription Discounts: Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard® allows it’s cardholders to save up to 50% at most major pharmacies. Do this by printing your personalized discount card and show it to the pharmacist.

Savings Account: Cardholders who are eligible for Brink’s Preferred Benefits, including Brink’s Reduced Monthly Plan, can also be eligible for the Savings Account feature. Though optional, this account will help you grow your money with up to a 5.00% APY. There is no minimum balance required to open an account. Keep in mind though that there is a maximum of 6 of these transfers monthly.

Comparison

Who the card is best for?

Anyone that is looking for a low cost prepaid card that offers:

  • An alternative to a bank or checking account
  • A convenient way to budget your money
  • The ability to get your paycheck or any government benefits 2 days faster

Who might do better with a different card?

Someone that is looking for a prepaid card that would benefit the entire family, this includes any children, would be better pairing with the teen prepaid card.

FAQs

Are there any limitations as to what I can buy with my Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard?

Anywhere that accepts Debit Mastercard will allow you to purchase items via in-store, online, or over-the-phone. 

Can anyone be eligible to receive the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard®?

Currently everyone is eligible to open a card account except for residents of Vermont. You must have a valid social security number.

Will the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard help build my credit score?

No, because the Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard is a debit card, not a credit card.

I receive a monthly SSI check. Will I be able to deposit this check into my Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard account?

Yes. The complete list of acceptable direct deposit government payments are the following:

-Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
-Pension and other regular payments
-Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB)
-Social Security Disability Act (SSDI)
-State unemployment benefits (these vary from state to state)
-Veterans Administration Compensation and Pension
-Defense Finance and Accounting Service Payments (DFAS) 
-Social Security Payments

Are there any transaction limits applied to my Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard®?

Yes. There are limits that can affect how much money can be withdrawn or loaded onto your card account. This varies though by the type of transaction. 

About Rob Berger

Rob Berger is the founder of allCards.com. He's written about personal finance and investing since 2007 and is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Retire Before Mom and Dad. He is a former litigation attorney in the securities field and the Founding Editor of Forbes Advisor.

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