The Netspend Prepaid Visa Card offers a range of benefits and features at a reasonable cost. Many use the card as an alternative to a checking account. Others use the reloadable prepaid card to avoid overspending and overdraft fees. We’ll cover the benefits, features and fees in this detailed review of the Netspend Prepaid Card.
Snapshot
- With 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 Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
- Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
- Card issued by MetaBank® N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
- Get your tax refund direct deposited to your account and no more waiting in line to cash your check!
- See additional Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card details by clicking Apply Now
Pros & Cons
What we like
- No credit check
- No activation fee
- No minimum balances
- Get paid up to 2 days faster with Direct Deposit
- Earn cash back with Payback Rewards
- Anytime alerts
- Mobile app
What could be better
- ATM withdrawal fee
- Inactivity fee
Features
| Direct Deposit | Yes |
| Bill Pay | Yes |
| Free ATMs | Yes |
| Savings Account | Yes |
| Cash Back Rewards | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes |
| Text Alerts | Yes |
| Mobile Check Deposit | Yes |
| Purchase Cushion | Yes |
| Virtual Card Numbers | Yes |
Fees
| Fee | Monthly Plan | Pay-As-You-Go Plan | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $9.95 | $0 | $5 |
| PIN Transactions | $0 | $2.00 | $0 |
| Signature Transactions | $0 | $1.00 | $0 |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | $2.50 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Cash Reload Fee | $3.95 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| Direct Deposit Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Card Limits
| Card Limit | $15,000 |
| Transaction Limit | $5,000 |
| Daily ATM Limit | $940 |
| Daily Cash Load Limit | $940 |
Features
Direct Deposit: Get your paycheck or government benefits check deposited directly to your Netspend account. Direct deposit is free and can result in getting paid up to 2 days faster. You can also get your tax refund deposited to your card.
Mobile Check Load: Using the Netspend smartphone app, you can deposit checks by snapping a picture of the check.
Reload Locations: Load cash to the card at over 130,000 retailer locations nationwide. You can search for reload locations here.
Send Money: Send and receive money to other Netspend account holders.
Anytime Alerts: Receive text alerts for any of the following activity on your account:
- Individual transaction details
- Received deposits
- Declined transactions
- Budget notifications
You can setup alerts to be received daily, weekly or with each individual transaction. Netspend works with most major mobile phone carriers.
Purchase Cushion: With the Premier card plan, Netspend’s purchase cushion may cover you up to $10.
Smartphone App: With the Netspend smartphone app you can see your balance and transactions any time. It allows you to send and receive money or find the nearest reload location. The app also enables you to deposit checks by snapping a picture of the check.
Online Account Center: With the Netspend website you can see all your transactions, set up direct deposit and activate Netspend Payback Rewards. The account center also offers budgeting tools and enables you to set up Anytime Alerts.
Rewards & Benefits
Most prepaid debit cards don’t offer cash back rewards. Netspend is an exception. It offers four types of rewards:
Payback Rewards: Netspend offers cash back rewards customized to your spending patterns. These offers can be specific to certain retailers. Rewards are credited to your account.
Refer a Friend: Refer a friend who loads at least $40 to their new card, and you both receive a $20 credit.
Savings Account: Netspend offers an FDIC-insured savings account that pays up to 5.00% APY. You can transfer funds between your Netspend card and the savings account. You can also set up automatic transfers to the savings account to automate your savings.
Prescription Savings: Netspend offers a free Pharmacy Savings Card that can save you up to 50% on prescriptions.
Custom Cards: You can upload your own photo to create a personalized card. Upload an image of you, your family or your pet, for example. A photo of yourself can help avoid fraudulent use of your card if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Virtual Card Numbers: You can create up to 6 virtual card number for online or over the phone shopping. Once the transaction is complete, you can log back into your Netspend account and cancel the virtual number. That way, if it’s stolen, it can be used.
Comparison
Who the card is best for
The is best for those wanting a low-cost prepaid card and who want–
- an alternative to a checking account
- ability to budget spending
- direct deposit of a paycheck or government benefits check
Who might do better with a different card
Those looking for a prepaid card for the whole family, including children, would be better served with the teen prepaid card, such as the Greenlight card.
FAQs
Yes. Netspend offers a Zero Liability protection. And money transferred to the high-yield savings account is FDIC insured.
Yes. Because Netspend is not a credit card, they do not check your credit when you apply for the card.
No. The Netspend card is not a credit card.
Yes. Founded in 1999, it’s served more than 10 million customers and counting.
Rating
Netspend Prepaid Visa Card Rating
Summary
The Netspend Prepaid Visa Card offers a wide range of features making it ideal as a banking alternative. The fees are reasonable given the benefits, particularly for those using direct deposit.
Still haven’t found what you want? Check out are complete list of the best prepaid debit cards.
