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Akimbo review
Please note: This product has been discontinued, and it’s not available on our site.
Akimbo is a basic prepaid debit card platform that comes with one main card and up to five subcards, which can be used for budgeting or to pay teens an allowance. But an Akimbo customer service representative told finder that it’s currently not issuing new prepaid cards to customers, so you’ll need to keep looking for another kids debit card.
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$0
Monthly maintenance fee
$0
Signature transaction fee
$0.99
PIN transaction fee
Details
| Card type | Debit |
|---|---|
| Card network | Mastercard |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Signature transaction fee | $0 |
| PIN transaction fee | $0.99 |
| Additional Card Fee | $4.95 |
Review by
Rhys Subitch
rhys.subitch@finder.comRhys Subitch is the loans editor at Finder, guiding Americans toward smart borrowing decisions. With over half a decade of experience researching, editing and writing for a Fortune 500 company, university and several independent publications, Rhys brings readers the most up-to-date and curated info in the lending sphere. They make frequent appearances on Finder's YouTube channel to talk through loan topics that range from the very basics to the latest government assistance programs. Before specializing in lending, Rhys was a personal finance writer for Finder’s credit cards, insurance, banking and mortgage verticals. They hold a BA in sociology and a certificate in editing from the University of Washington, Seattle.
Expert review
Akimbo offers a unique way to manage funds through one main card and up to five subcards. The lack of monthly maintenance fees puts Akimbo ahead of several competitors. But cash reloads cost you and only the first card is free.It’s ideal for those who want to take control of their budget by using separate cards for things like groceries, gas and entertainment. Or for parents who want to divvy out separate cards to kids and teens. Just keep in mind that it’s missing key features found in most prepaid cards for kids and teens. Akimbo doesn’t have any chore management integrations, so you can’t assign and track tasks in the app. And you can’t control how and when your child spends their money. While the Greenlight debit card or Jassby’s virtual debit card may be better options for parental controls, Akimbo is best for teens who are already financially responsible and need little supervision.
However, we spoke to two customer reps who told us that Akimbo isn’t issuing prepaid cards to new customers, and it’s unclear whether the company will resume issuing cards in the future.
How do I open a Akimbo account?
Currently, Akimbo is not accepting new customers for its Akimbo Prepaid Mastercard at this time.
What you’ll like about Akimbo
Akimbo is a prepaid debit card that gives you the power to easily manage your family’s money. Similar to other debit cards you can switch the card on and off and receive text notifications. Other benefits include:- Create up to five subcards. Choose to have virtual or physical cards — both types count toward the five maximum.
- Send money instantly. Transfer money from your main Akimbo balance to any other Akimbo card almost instantly and without attracting additional fees.
- No monthly maintenance fee. There’s no monthly or annual fee for opening or maintaining your Akimbo account.
- Request funds. Send a real-time request for funds from any of your Akimbo cards.
- Automatic reloads. Set it and forget it with weekly automatic reloads to any of your Akimbo cards.
- Send gift cards. Send digital Akimbo gift cards instantly via email or text.
What to watch out for
Prepaid debit cards come with limitations, and you may find that Akimbo isn’t as robust as other setups. Similar to other prepaid debit cards, you won’t earn interest on funds moved to your Akimbo cards and only one person can manage the account. Other drawbacks include:
- Debit cards aren’t currently available. We spoke to two support specialists who confirmed that Akimbo isn’t currently offering cards to new customers. Existing Akimbo customers can keep using their cards, but it’s unclear if and when the company will resume issuing new prepaid cards.
- ATM withdrawals and PIN transactions cost. Signature transactions come at no extra cost, but you’ll pay to make ATM withdrawals or PIN transactions and you can’t withdraw money using a subcard at this time.
- Cash reloads come with a fee. While the fee isn’t charged by Akimbo, it’ll still run you a couple of bucks every time you want to put cash on your card.
- Only the first subcard is free. Each subcard aside from the first one costs $4.95.
- Not a complete chore app. While Akimbo bills itself good for allowances, it doesn’t offer chore or task management tools that other apps and kids cards specifically designed for allowances have.
If you prefer a more comprehensive task-management solution for allowances and chores, compare your prepaid debit card options.
Compare Akimbo with other kids debit cards
Use the table to sort through other kids debit cards with varying annual or monthly fees and key highlights.
Akimbo card funding options
You can fund your main account in a few ways. Reloading via check or cash may cost extra.
- Direct deposit
- ACH transfer
- PayPal
- Mobile check deposit via Ingo
- Cash via Mastercard rePower or Green Dot Reload at the Register
- Transfers from other Akimbo cards
How long will it take to get my Akimbo card?
Cards arrive five to seven business days after your information is verified. However, Akimbo isn’t currently issuing cards to new customers.
I got my Akimbo card. Now what?
Once you’ve got your card in hand you can:
- Set up direct deposit. You can set up direct deposits from your employer, government stipend or tax refund.
- Transfer money to your main account. Start funding your prepaid debit card using any of the six available funding options.
- Order more subcards. Order up to five subcards and customize them for any use.
- Set up automatic reloads. If you want to transfer money to your card regularly, set up automatic reloads from your bank or main Akimbo account.