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How to choose a reloadable prepaid card

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A reloadable prepaid card can benefit you in many ways, it can help you budget and save money. Once you know you want to get one, the next step is choosing which one. It can be a difficult decision as there are many prepaid card options available on the market today.

But we’re here to help. Discover which are the top prepaid visa cards in our guide as we help you identify the best fit for you, including revealing the prepaid debit cards without fees.

How do prepaid debit cards work?

Prepaid debit cards are similar to a gift card as you load it with money before use – except you regularly top it up and can use it anywhere. Unlike a credit card, which arrives with preloaded, borrowed credit – the money is entirely yours.

Prepaid debit cards can make a great alternative to regular debit cards, which are linked to a checking account when you make purchases. With prepaid cards, you don’t need to link a bank account. This can be helpful if you have poor banking history. What’s more, if you’re worried about credit history, you don’t need a credit check to apply, either.

Reloadable prepaid cards can be useful if you’re looking to budget better, separate your income or your savings. They can even serve as allowances for your children or resources for vacations and emergencies. Check out how prepaid cards work on our blog for more information.

What is the best reloadable prepaid card?

Most major banks offer prepaid cards so you may be familiar with a few of them already. Sometimes there are fees involved for the convenience of their use, but we’ll be looking at the best low-fee prepaid debit cards. They include:

Kroger Rewards Prepaid Debit Card

Our Kroger Rewards Prepaid Debit Card can be used everywhere with debit card access/ Conveniently load your reloadable card at any regular checkout or service desk by cash across 130,000 locations within the Kroger Family of Stores. You can also reload your Kroger Rewards Prepaid Debit Card via direct deposit from another checking account or prepaid card.

  • No overdraft fees – You can’t spend more than your balance
  • International usage – Reload anywhere Visa or MasterCard are accepted
  • 24/7 access – Manage your card online and on the go
  • Load funds easily – By cash, check, direct deposit, and PayPal transfer

Discover all the benefits of Kroger Rewards with straightforward pricing and no hidden fees. Find one at your local Money Services within the Kroger Family of Stores to enjoy low monthly fees of $4.95.

NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card

NetSpend Visa Prepaid Cards offer a safe and reloadable debit card, manageable by mobile app. There are zero overdraft fees, and it won’t let you spend more than your balance. Load your money via direct deposit, checks, or cash when you pick up a NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card at your local Money Services.

  • Zero credit checks
  • No minimum balances
  • No-cost direct deposits

Visit Money Services within the Kroger Family of Stores to pick up a NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card with a maximum monthly fee of $9.95.

PayPal Prepaid MasterCard

Offering unique perks such as cash back and deals on retailers, the PayPal Prepaid MasterCard makes for a breezy introduction to reloadable prepaid debit cards. It’s even easier if you have a PayPal account – simply move money from your online PayPal account onto the card. You can also reload via direct deposit, checks, or use cash in-store at your local Money Services.

  • Manage money on the go on the PayPal Prepaid mobile app
  • Link to your PayPal account
  • No-cost direct deposits

Drop by your local Money Services within the Kroger Family of Stores to collect your PayPal Prepaid MasterCard at a monthly cost of $4.95.

Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa Card

The Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa Card operates entirely through contactless payment and mobile banking. There are no monthly fees, but you will incur a monthly inactivity fee of $4.95 after three months of no use. If you don’t mind making contactless-only payments from your phone, this makes for instant, on-demand spending. Prefer the traditional feel of a physical card? You can apply for one – allowing cash withdrawals from any Visa ATM.

  • No monthly fees
  • Instant transfers between cards and checking accounts
  • Contactless payments

Fifth Third Access 360° Prepaid Debit Card

This prepaid debit card is great for everyday purchases online and at the point of sale. Simply pay $4 as a monthly fee to access this card. Avoid this regular fee if you already have a checking account with Fifth Third, or load $500 or more onto your prepaid card each month.

  • No overdraft fees
  • Track purchases online or on the app
  • Fee-free cash withdrawals at over 50,000 ATMs

Greenlight Prepaid MasterCard

If you’re looking for easy family banking or to build your children’s money management skills, Greenlight allows up to five subaccounts as well as store-specific spending, starting at $4.99 per month. Monitor allowances, arrange rewards, and receive real-time notifications. Reload by direct deposit, card, or bank transfer only.

  • Manage accounts online or on the mobile app
  • $100 daily ATM withdrawal limit
  • Ideal for children and teens

FAQs

How do you put money on your prepaid debit card?

There are various ways to load your prepaid debit card with money.

  • Make a transfer from an existing checking account or another prepaid card
  • Arrange regular payments or paychecks to deposit onto the reloadable card
  • Purchase “reload packs” to add funds
  • Top up funds at the bank provider or various retail providers

You can add funds to a Kroger Rewards Prepaid Card at any Kroger Family of Stores location in the following ways:

  • Cash
  • Direct deposit
  • Card-to-card transfer
  • PayPal transfer
  • Photograph a check and send funds via ingo money
  • Use a reload pack

How do you use a prepaid debit card?

Once you load your prepaid debit card with money, you’re free to spend it in-store or with online retailers. You can use it just like a debit or credit card at the point of sale by swiping or inserting the card. You can also use some prepaid cards to withdraw cash at an ATM.

How can I get a debit card without a bank account?

Since there’s no credit check or need for a bank account to open a prepaid debit card, they’re easy to acquire whatever your situation or history. You can load money onto prepaid cards via cash or checks, too.

How much does a prepaid card cost?

There is usually a small fee for the convenience of activating a reloadable or bank-free prepaid debit card, and often a small monthly maintenance fee.

Find your nearest location to buy a reloadable prepaid card with Money Services today.

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