A secured card that reports to the three major credit bureaus — even without a bank account.
| Product Name | Green Dot® Platinum Visa® |
|---|---|
| APR for Purchases ( Purchase Rate ) | 19.99% variable |
| Annual fee | $39 |
| Cash Advance Rate | 19.99% variable |
| Card Type | Visa |
| Interest Free Period The interest-free period on purchases is the period or number of days you do not have to pay interest on your card purchases. You will be charged interest either from the day you make a purchase or from the statement date, unless you pay the closing balance in full by the due date (or within the interest-free period) on your statement. | Up to 25 days |
| Returned Payment Fee | $27 |
| Foreign Currency Conversion Fee (VISA) Foreign currency conversion fees are charged when you make a transaction that is converted by a credit card network, such as MasterCard, Visa or American Express, from Australian dollars to a foreign currency. You’ll also incur a currency conversion fee if you make a purchase or obtain a cash advance in Australian dollars while overseas or shopping online with a foreign merchant or financial institution. | 3% of transaction value |
| Minimum Interest | $1 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|---|
| Min credit limit This is the lowest credit card limit that you can request. It is possible to apply for a higher credit card limit but not a lower one than this figure. | $200 |
| Max credit limit This credit limit may not be issued to you immediately on application. This is the maximum credit limit for this card which must be applied for or offered to you after you are approved and have already opened the account. | $1,000 |
| Annual fee | $39 |
|---|---|
| Returned Payment Fee | $27 |
| Over The Credit Line Fee | $0 |
| Late Payment Fee | $27 |
| Cash Advance Fee | $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
The Basics
The Green Dot Platinum Visa is a simple secured card that offers a solid opportunity to build or rebuild your credit. Your refundable security deposit act as collateral and becomes your credit limit. With on-time payments and responsible spending reported to the three major credit bureaus, you’ll be on your way to improved creditworthiness. You can even prequalify with Green Dot without affecting your credit score.
Most applicants qualify for this card that requires a low minimum security deposit of $200 to get started. Unlike most secured cards, Green Dot does not require an existing bank account; instead, allowing you to pay your monthly bills at participating retailers. You won’t get rewards, but the 19.99% variable APR is on the lower end for secured cards.
The Perks
The Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card is not a prepaid or debit card but rather a credit card that helps you build your credit history with the three major credit bureaus. Its APR is also 3% to 5% lower than similar cards.
- Low 19.99% variable APR. This APR applies to cash advances and everyday spending.
- No bank account required. Unlike with other secured card issuers, you can pay your bill at thousands of participating retailers, including Walmart and CVS.
- Flexible deposits. Put down from $200 to $1,000 for a deposit, which then becomes your credit limit.
What to watch out for
Green Dot can help you build your credit to meet your financial goals. But consider the following before you apply:
- Annual fee. Your annual fee comes off the top of your credit limit, limiting your spending. Other major cards — like the Discover it® Secured Card and the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® — don’t have an annual fee, but their APRs are 3% to 5% higher.
- Retailer payment fee. It may be worth it for you to open a checking account to avoid the $4.95 fee that comes with paying in person.
- No rewards or upgrades. This card offers no points or cash back rewards for your spending and won’t automatically upgrade you to an unsecured card as a reward for improved credit.
- Deposit fees and limitations. It will cost you $4.95 to load deposits onto your card at participating retailers. Retailers have a maximum deposit limit of $500, though Walmart’s maximum is a higher $1,000.
How to apply for the Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card
Always consider your options and your financial situation before you apply for a credit card.
Am I eligible?
You won’t need a specific score or credit history to be approved for the Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card. But you will need to meet a few basic requirements:
- You’re at least 18 years old.
- You have a valid Social Security number.
- You have a verifiable physical US home address.
Apply for the Green Dot Platinum Visa Secured Credit Card online at Green Dot’s website:
1. Go to Green Dot’s site and click Platinum Credit Card.
2. Fill in your personal contact information and carefully review the disclosures, agreement and privacy policy. Check that you’ve read these documents and click Send my card.
Once you’re preapproved, you’ll also need to supply:
- Your employment status.
- Your monthly income.
- Your monthly housing expense.
How to activate the card
Your card is activated once you make your security deposit. You can make a deposit in any of the following ways:
- Send a check or money order to Green Dot. Payments take about 10 days to process.
- Pay by direct deposit or bank transfer.
- Pay at a Green Dot partner retail store. Put down your deposit at stores, including Walmart, CVS and 7-Eleven to activate your card. This is the fastest way to get access to your funds; they’ll be available within 10 minutes after they are loaded.
I got the card. Now what?
Start building your credit with everyday spending and on-time payments that are reported to the three major credit bureaus.
- Pay your statement. Pay your bill online with a Green Dot account, at a participating retailer or by mail.
- Avoid interest payments. After the close of each billing cycle, you have a grace period of 25 days to pay your balance. If you do, you won’t pay interest on your purchases.
- Avoid unnecessary fees. Returned payments come with hefty fees of up to $27. Cash advances and foreign transactions also come with fees.
- Contact customer service. Find support at 866-795-7597, on Facebook at Green Dot, on Twitter @greendotcards or on Instagram @greendotcards.
What customers are saying about the Green Dot Platinum Visa
Known for prepaid debit cards, Green Dot is relatively new to the secured card scene, so you won’t currently find many online reviews about their Platinum Visa card. But the company gets a solid A from the Better Business Bureau.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to build your credit and improve your overall financial health, a secured credit card can get you there — especially one that reports to the three credit bureaus.
The Green Dot® Platinum Visa® is a decent option that comes with a credit limit equal to your refundable security deposit. Just watch out for the many fees that could trip you up.
Does the platinum card offer direct deposit? If so where can I find the acct & routing number for my card?
Hi Mariah,
Thanks for reaching out.
These are the types of income or benefits that can be direct deposited to your Green Dot Card:
– Paycheck from your employer
– Social Security
– Veterans Compensation and Pension
– Supplemental Security Income
– Federal Civil Service (Retirement/Annuity)
You can follow these steps to set up your direct deposit:
1. Ask your payroll or benefits office if they offer direct deposit.
2. If they do, get your direct deposit account number and bank routing number by logging in to your account or requesting the info via text message.
3. Provide your direct deposit account number and bank routing number to your payroll or benefits office and they’ll walk you through the rest.
TIP: Ask your payroll, how long it’ll take them to set up your direct deposit. If it takes longer than expected to receive your first direct deposit on your card, check back with your payroll or benefits office. Green Dot does not have any information about your enrollment status.
Best Regards,
Joanne
I’m trying to access my online account it would not let me get in without a account number to reset my password..what should I do to get in
Hi Visha,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder. Please note that we do not represent any of the providers on our page and we are a comparison website.
The first thing you need to do to retrieve your account number is to contact Green Dot directly. You need to dial +1-(866) 795-7597. In a first menu press 5. After that, the automated phone system will ask you to enter your card number or SSN number. Once you enter it you will be connected to a live customer service representative.
Cheers,
Joel
I went to Walgreens reloaded $30 on to my card however I do not see the transaction
History. My bill isn’t due until
The 23rd But i paid early. How does that work ? I see that my cash balance went up but the outstanding balance is still the same. Do I have to wait until the 23rd to pay again?
Hi Porscha,
Thanks for visiting finder.
Kindly note that we are product comparison website built to give you advice and we don’t stand as a representation of the companies featured on our site. You may ask Walgreens how long it takes for their company to post a payment/reloading for Green Dot. There may be a delay.
For other concerns regarding your account, please contact them directly as we don’t have access to the information you need.
Thanks,
Nikki
I need to update my address
Hi Angel,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
You can update your customer details by going to the Green Dot website and logging in to your account. Head to update information and that’s it. You can also call 866-795-7597 if you need further help in doing this.
Cheers,
Joel
Can I go to atm now card is active
Hi Katina,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
You can withdraw money from your Green Dot Platinum Visa Card as soon as it is active. Your PIN number should come from the same packaging as your card. If you need further help, please send us a message anytime.
Cheers,
Joel
How do i set up my user name and password
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can set up your Green Dot User ID and password by following the steps below:
1. To create a User ID, you’ll need your Card number, Expiration date, Date of birth and ZIP code
2. When asked, enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
3. Come up with a Green Dot User ID and choose a password to go with it. Fill in some personal information like your security question and a valid email address.
4. Review the information and make sure it’s accurate. Should you need to make any changes, simply select “edit” to do so. Once everything looks good, select “confirm” to finish creating your Green Dot User ID and password.
Hope this helps,
Joanne
I would like to know if my husband can drop money into my acct from overseas
Hi Mary,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
To make your deposit, go to any participating retail chain such as 7-Eleven, CVS, Dollar General, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart. Bring your card and cash to the cashier and they will swipe your card to load the cash for $4.95 or less. For retailers excluding Walmart, a $500 deposit limit per transaction applies.
You can also pay by direct deposit or bank transfer or mail your deposit by check at no extra charge. Mailing a deposit by check will take an extra 10 days to process, which means you’ll need to wait longer in order to use your card.
For further inquiry, you may reach them at (866)291-0818.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
How does this card work? If my credit limit is 1,000 what do I need to deposit?
Hi Landra!
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
A secured card is where you deposit the minimum amount required by or higher. This amount will be your credit limit.
So if you deposit $1000, your credit limit will also be $1000.
Hope this clarifies! Feel free to write back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
I have funded my security deposit at Walgreens in which I have my receipt but my funds haven’t showed up I’ve called the 1800 number and it keeps saying to find it like I never funded it please help immediately that’s 200$ that has disappeared and I am not happy
Hi Ty,
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
Sorry to hear that this happened. As much as we want to help out, please note that we’re a product comparison website and we do not represent any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
You may have to call your bank to raise this case since it is money owed to you.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Nikki
what is another number to call to a real green dot agent ..i called the 1800 number on the back of card but seems to be a automatic calls …i was lock trying to log in and see my profile in green dot app .
Hi Maria,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder. Please note that we are a comparison website and we do not represent any of the providers on our page
You can try contacting them at (866) 291-0818 or go to the “CONTACT US” section in their website.
Cheers,
Joel