Log in Join
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser Disclosure

Green Dot Prepaid Card review

Early direct deposit is a strong draw, but fees may outweigh it.

  • Get this card if you want to take advantage of direct deposit and mobile account access.
  • Choose another card if you make a lot of cash deposits or ATM withdrawals.
No reviews yet. Write a review
Avatar

By

Rhys Subitch

Updated

Fact checked

$7.95

Monthly maintenance fee

Details

Card typeDebit
Card networkVisa,Mastercard
Monthly fee$7.95

Review by

Rhys Subitch is a personal finance editor at Bankrate and former loans editor at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. Rhys has nearly a decade of experience researching, editing, and writing for startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities and websites. They hold a BA in sociology and a certificate of editing from the University of Washington.

Expert review

If you’re looking for a straightforward prepaid card that supports early direct deposits, the Green Dot Prepaid Card is an ideal choice. It has a waivable monthly fee and the option to receive extra benefits as a VIP member. But you can’t apply for this card online. The only way you can find it is in-store at a participating retailer.

As with most prepaid cards, you’ll want to be cautious of the various account-related fees. They can add up quickly if you’re not aware of how to avoid them.

How much does Green Dot Prepaid Card cost?

The Green Dot Prepaid Card has a $10,000 maximum balance limit, a $3,000 daily spending limit and a $400 daily ATM withdrawal limit — all of which are onpar with other prepaid cards. Its website states the following fees, but more charges may apply based on how you use the card.

FeeCost
Initial purchase$1.95
Monthly usage$7.95
Cash deposit with a retail partner$5.95
Moneypak deposit$5.95
Teller withdrawal$3
ATM withdrawal$3
ATM balance inquiry$0.50
Pack of 12 paper checks$5.95
Card replacement, regular delivery$5
Card replacement, expedited delivery$15
VIP upgrade$4.95

If you want a prepaid debit card with minimal to no fees, you’ll want to keep looking. As always, compare your options when choosing a prepaid debit card.

How do I open a Green Dot Prepaid Card account?

The Green Dot Prepaid Card is only available at retail-partner locations, so you won’t be able to order it online. To find the location closest to you, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the provider’s site and follow the steps to apply.
  2. From the Green Dot website, click Other products, then Prepaid card.
  3. Scroll down to the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card and click Learn More.
  4. Select Find Location.
  5. Enter your location or enable location finder.

Eligibility

    To register your Green Dot Prepaid Card you must be:
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Have a Social Security number.

Required information

Have the following ready before you register your card online:

  • Full name, residential address and mobile phone number
  • Date of birth and Social Security number
  • Possibly a state or federal ID, such as a driver’s license or passport

What you’ll like about the Green Dot prepaid card

Green Dot offers prepaid Visa and Mastercard options that you can manage easily on the go. You’ll have access to its mobile app where you can transfer money and deposit checks, in addition to the following features:

  • Avoidable monthly fee. Green Dot waives the monthly fee when you load at least $1,000 on your card the previous month.
  • Early direct deposit. You could receive your paycheck up to two days early when you sign up for direct deposit with this card.
  • No overdraft fees. You’re protected from overdraft fees, but you’re still responsible for any negative balances you incur. The monthly maintenance fee applies even if you’re at or under a zero balance.
  • No credit check. Green Dot won’t run a credit check, so you can rest assured that your score won’t take a hit when you register your card.
  • Checks available. You can order checks for a fee.
  • VIP benefits. For an additional fee, you can join Green Dot’s VIP program and receive additional benefits — including ATM-fee waivers, priority customer service and expedited card replacement.

What to watch out for

While the Green Dot prepaid card has some enticing benefits, it’s less than perfect. Make sure you consider these drawbacks:

  • Not available for purchase online. You’ll have to go to a local retailer to purchase the card.
  • Monthly maintenance fee. Every month you don’t make $1,000 in deposits, your account is subject to a $7.95 maintenance fee.
  • Regular fees can eat into your hard-earned cash. Withdrawals by ATM or teller, cash deposits and checking your balance at an ATM will all cost you.
  • Withdrawal limits. You’re limited to $500 daily in withdrawals.
  • Not travel-friendly. Each international purchase comes with a foreign transaction fee equal to 3% of the transaction.

Compare with other prepaid cards

Name Product Annual or monthly fee ATM withdrawal Features
Brinks Prepaid Mastercard
Brinks Prepaid Mastercard
$9.95 per month (or $5 with a $500+ direct deposit, or $0 with pay-as-you-go)
$2.50
  • Mobile app
  • Direct deposit
  • Payback rewards
No credit check. No minimum balance. No late fees because this is not a credit card.
Go to site
More Info
Netspend Prepaid Mastercard, WWE partner
Netspend Prepaid Mastercard, WWE partner
$9.95 per month (or $5 with a $500+ direct deposit, or $0 with pay-as-you-go)
$2.50
  • No activation fee
  • Payback rewards
  • No minimum balance required
No credit check, mobile check load, and now a WWE partner
Go to site
More Info
BusyKid
Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5: ★★★★★
BusyKid
$48 per year or $4 per month
$1.50
  • Low fee
  • Investing
  • Parent-paid interest
  • Donation options
The BusyKid Visa® Prepaid Spend Card gives your kids the freedom to spend anywhere Visa® is accepted, and parents see every transaction made.
Go to site
More Info
Netspend All-Access Account
Netspend All-Access Account
$5 per month
$0
  • Earn cash back on everyday purchases
  • Earn up to 6% APY with an optional Savings Account
  • Receive your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with Direct Deposit
With Netspend All-Access Account there's no credit check and no minimum balance to open an account.
Go to site
More Info
PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
$4.95 per month
$1.95
  • Manage money on the fly
  • Receive special offers and cash back rewards
  • Get your state and federal tax refund faster than a paper check
Use the no-cost direct deposit service and have access your funds up to two days faster than what traditional banks offer.
Go to site
More Info
loading

Funding options

You can load your Green Dot prepaid card in several ways, including:

  • Moneypak. Use Moneypak to load between $20 and $500 for a flat $5.95 fee.
  • Direct deposit. Sign up for direct deposit to your prepaid card for free.
  • Check. Deposit checks using the mobile app. Fees may apply.
  • Cash. Deposit cash at a retail partner for a fee.
  • Bank transfer. Transfer money directly from your bank for free.

I got the Green Dot prepaid card. Now what?

Get the most out of your Green Dot Prepaid Card by taking advantage of all its features.

  • Register the card online. Go to the Green Dot website and register your card and access additional features, including access to the mobile app.
  • Meet the monthly fee waiver minimum. Deposit at least $1,000 each month to avoid paying the monthly service fee.
  • Sign up for direct deposit. If you plan on using direct deposit, you can get your account information quickly from the Green Dot website once you create your online account.
  • Contact customer service. Any account-related questions can be addressed by calling the number on the back of your card or 866-795-7597. You can also send Green Dot a message over Twitter @greendotcards.

Frequently asked questions

Ask an expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.

2 Comments

    Default Gravatar
    J
    February 26, 2020

    What is the card limits for a green dot platinum prepaid visa?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangco
      February 26, 2020

      Hi J,

      Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.

      You can have up to a $10,000 balance on the Green Dot Prepaid Visa Card – higher than most prepaid cards. The maximum daily spending limit for the card is $3,000, in line with most prepaid cards. The ATM limit is $400 a day, again in line with most prepaid cards.

      As a friendly reminder, check the eligibility requirements of the card before proceeding with your application. Also, read about its features and benefits and see how it fits your financial needs. Additionally, it’s helpful to review the PDS and Terms & Conditions of the card before fully committing to the card. You may also reach out to the bank if you have any clarifications.

      Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Reply
Go to site