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MOVO Digital Visa Prepaid Debit Account review
Last updated:
Spend safely online with temporary card numbers.
- Get this prepaid debit card if you want the ability to generate virtual card numbers or transfer Bitcoin.
- Choose another prepaid debit card if you want to purchase your card in store or want EMV chip technology.
$0
Monthly fee
Expert review
Review by
Rhys Subitch
rhys.subitch@findercrew.comRhys Subitch is a writer and editor at Finder who tackles topics across the site. With 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 on all things finance.
Expert review
Movo is best for anyone who wants to have the ability to generate virtual card numbers or transfer Bitcoin. There are no monthly fees and free person-to-person transfers to anyone in the U.S.
But it falls short when it comes to securing its physical cards as it does not include the added security of EMV chip technology.
The basics
The MOVO Digital Visa Prepaid Debit Account is a twist on the everyday prepaid debit card. It aims to tie more of your payment options together without the use of a traditional bank account, and does so by providing a number of deposit and spend options.
MOVO prepaid card account fees
MOVO doesn’t charge for bill pay, ATM balance inquiries, withdrawals with a bank teller, or physical card replacements. But there are still a few fees to watch out for:
| CASH Card | $2.95 |
| Purchase transactions, international | Up to 3% of the transaction |
| ATM withdrawal, domestic | $2, plus any ATM surcharge |
| ATM withdrawal, international | $2, plus up to 3% of the amount withdrawn |
| ACH decline fee | $15 |
| Inactivity fee after 90 days without a transaction | $4.94 monthly |
Movo prepaid card benefits
The MOVO Digital Visa Prepaid Debit Account has these noteworthy benefits:
- No monthly fee with activity. Don’t pay a monthly maintenance fee so long as your account is active.
- Virtual cards with CASH Card. Generate virtual prepaid cards for $2.95 each. You can use these to make purchases online and over the phone without giving your card number away.
- Transfer Bitcoin. Make direct Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash transfers to anyone in the US.
- Free person-to-person transfers. Transfer money to anyone in the US for $0.
- Full-service app. Manage your account completely from your smartphone.
- Direct deposit. Sign up for direct deposit and get your paycheck or government benefits directly on your MOVO prepaid card.
What to watch out for
Although the MOVO Digital Visa Prepaid Debit card has some unique features, you may want to watch out for:
- Third-party app required for checks. You’ll need to get a third-party app called Ingo if you’re looking to deposit checks. Using Ingo to process your checks costs 1% to 5% of the amount deposited, depending on the amount and if it’s a preprinted government check.
- No EMV chip. Chip cards have become the standard across the US, but Movo doesn’t provide this extra security.
- Limited ATM cash withdrawals. You’re limited to withdrawing $500 per day from ATMs in the US, and $250 per day using international ATMs.
- Can’t sign up in stores or on the website. The only way to sign up is through the Movo Apple or Google Play app.
If you prefer a traditional account or a card that comes with rewards, you’ll want to keep looking. As always, compare your options when looking for a prepaid debit card.
Compare with other prepaid debit cards
Find the best prepaid card for your wallet by comparing the MOVO Digital Visa Prepaid Debit Account against other providers.
How to apply for the MOVO prepaid card
Apply for the MOVO prepaid card on your mobile phone using these simple steps:
- Download the MOVO app from the Apple or Google Play app store.
- Open the app and select Sign up for Movo.
- Enter your mobile number and email, create a user ID and password then select your security question and answer. Select Next.
- Read the privacy statement then select Next.
- Fill in your first and last name, gender, date of birth and home phone number — if different from your mobile — and select Next.
- Provide your address and select Next.
- Fill in your Social Security number and select Next.
- You’ll know whether your account is approved within moments.
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements to apply:
- At least 18 years old
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Have a US residential address
Required information
Make sure you have the following information hand when you apply:
- Name, email address and phone number
- US residential address
- Social Security number
Funding options
There are quite a few ways to add or reload money onto your MOVO prepaid card:
- Direct deposit
- PayPal
- ATM
- Visa ReadyLink
- Green Dot MoneyPak or at the register
- Bank transfer
When will I get my MOVO prepaid card?
Once your account is approved, your physical card will be sent in the mail within a week and should arrive seven to 10 days after that.
I got the card. Now what?
You can start using your account as soon as it’s approved. Simply load funds onto your card, start digitally swiping and follow these extra steps:
- Create a CASH Card. If you’re interested in spending online or over the phone, but don’t feel comfortable giving out your account number, you can go onto the app and request a digital CASH Card, which can only be loaded once. Just remember that it costs $2.95.
- Keep the app. You can’t access your account online through the Movo website. Unless you plan on strictly managing your account via ATM and teller, you’ll want to keep the app.
- Use your account to keep it active. An account that hasn’t had a transaction that changed the balance is considered inactive. If it’s inactive for more than 90 days, you’ll start getting charged a monthly fee.
- Contact customer service. You can reach Movo customer service by phone at 866-533-6686 or by email with any questions you may have about the app or your account.