Prepaid debit cards aren’t tied to a line of credit or a bank account — you simply load them with cash and then spend what you have. Compare the best prepaid cards out there based on monthly fees and reload options.
The prepaid Bluebird card by American Express was on our list, but the card is no longer available for purchase. For current Bluebird customers, June 2, 2026, will be the last day you can make purchases, and on September 8, 2026, it will be the last day you can log in and view prior transactions and statements.
Finder’s banking experts compare over 45 prepaid debit cards to find the best in the current market. We compare availability, account features and how easy it is to access your money. All prepaid cards must meet these minimum requirements to be considered one of the best:
A debit card is linked to a bank account, typically a checking account. When you use a debit card, the money is withdrawn from your account.
Prepaid debit cards aren’t tied to a bank account or a line of credit. These cards can be reloaded and reused, similar to debit cards, but the money doesn’t sit in a deposit account. Prepaid debit cards can be gift cards, payroll cards or a place to deposit government benefits.
There can be a number of reasons why someone may want a prepaid debit card over a typical debit card, including:
Typically, no, traditional debit cards tend to be the more affordable and convenient option.
Prepaid debit cards have great uses, such as being used for gift cards or when traveling. But for everyday use, they are often more expensive than traditional checking accounts and come with more fees, such as inactivity fees, cash reload fees or card purchase fees, and some prepaid cards charge a fee for every transaction.
For the most part, typical checking accounts just charge a monthly fee. The bank won’t charge you to deposit cash at an in-network location or ATM, or for making a purchase — unless you’re overdrafting.
And on top of that, plenty of checking accounts don’t charge monthly fees, either.
Prepaid cards can be covered by federal deposit insurance, but it’s not a guarantee.
Federal deposit insurance covers balances up to $250,000 in US deposit accounts from FDIC- or NCUA-insured institutions. Since prepaid cards aren’t linked to a deposit account, there’s no guarantee that every prepaid debit card will come with that coverage. Some banks that issue prepaid cards may include it, since the funds may be held in deposit accounts, but it’s not always a given.
However, some prepaid debit cards offer this coverage, such as Revolut’s and Green Dot’s prepaid cards.
If you’re concerned about deposit insurance, compare checking accounts that will be federally insured, or look through your prepaid card’s terms and conditions for coverage and registration options.
Narrow down top prepaid cards by monthly fees, ATM fees and their perks. Tick the Compare box on multiple cards to compare them side by side.
The Finder Score applies to 45+ kids' debit card options. It takes into account the card's fees, features, age requirements, ATM access and more — this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like debit cards. So if you're comparing the best kids' cards with no monthly fees, you can see how card stacks up against each other by features, opening deposits and other benefits.
Prepaid debit cards can be ideal for traveling, giving away as gifts or for giving your kid their allowance digitally. However, prepaid cards can come with pesky fees, like monthly maintenance fees, reload fees or inactivity fees. When comparing prepaid cards, read the fine print so you aren’t caught off guard.
Wisely is a prepaid debit card with early direct deposit, cashback rewards and no monthly fees, but watch out for other fees.
Explore how Honeydue makes joint finances easier for couples: a deeper look at its benefits and drawbacks.
The first LGBTQ-focused digital banking platform launches with this prepaid card.
Though the debit card program is no longer available, you can still plant trees by walking and shopping sustainably with the Treecard app.
A prepaid card that puts you in control of your money with early direct deposits and cashback rewards
A prepaid card with all the benefits of a traditional checking account.
The mega-retailer Walmart has a prepaid card with some perks, but it’s not free.
A digital prepaid Visa account that prioritizes virtual security.
Netspend’s reloadable prepaid debit cards have some perks, but the number of fees might not be worth it.
This is a review about the AccountNow Gold Visa Prepaid Card, the one that allows cardholders the convenience of direct deposit without having to open a checking account.
I lost my card
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for getting in touch! Sorry to hear you lost your card, it would be best to contact your bank immediately to report this incident and request for a replacement card.
Hope this helped. Feel free to reach back out for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
I already have a visa money network card from Bank of America through my employer. Can I have the loan put directly to my card I already have?
Hi James,
Thank you for reaching out.
There are some lenders who will allow you to receive your funds to a prepaid debit card while some don’t. In most cases, payday loans allows it.
You may need to check with the lender if they will allow to have the loan put directly to your Visa Money Network card.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
Can I get a cash advance on my prepaid Mastercard when I’m disabled and need to make a mortgage payment?
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃
I’m afraid you can’t get a cash advance on your prepaid Mastercard since it is a prepaid card and not a credit card. If you need to make a cash advance, you would need a credit card. If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, it would be a good idea to speak to your lender to discuss your situation. They would be able to offer a repayment plan that could help.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
When I’m in Europe, which of the cards will work best.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out.
European sim cards work equally well as they have good cell service. You can opt to get a sim card that is prepaid (no ID’s required) and make sure your handset is unlocked to make sure the sim card works.
You can go to this page to see the line-up of Prepaid sim card providers in Europe.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Nikki
I was wondering if I could receieve some on my prepaid card?
Hi Jerquesia,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Your approval may vary depending on the lender. What you can do next is to review the offers under section “Comparison of prepaid card offers”. Then choose the lender that will best fit your personal requirements and send your application.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold