7 of the Best Prepaid Cards if You Want to Avoid Debt ...

Valencia Nov 3, 2014

If you like the convenience of a credit card, but you hate debt, here's a look at the best prepaid cards.

A prepaid card is a debit card that isn't tied to your bank account. You can load and reload money onto this card, and only spend what you deposit in your account. For young adults -- or anyone who wants to avoid credit card debt -- a prepaid card is the way to go. Here are seven of the best prepaid cards.

1. American Express Serve

This reloadable card is one of the best prepaid cards because it requires no credit check and no minimum balance. There's a $1 monthly fee and you can use this prepaid card at over 24,000 ATMs nationwide. To reload your card, visit a CVS pharmacy, a Family Dollar, Walmart and participating 7-Elevens.

2. Account Now Prepaid MasterCard

This prepaid card features no monthly fee, and you can get a card with no credit check or ChexSystem check. There's the option to direct deposit your paycheck onto the card. Use funds for any purpose – whether you're buying groceries, getting gas or entertaining.

Frequently asked questions

3. Brink's Money Prepaid MasterCard

Use this card for direct deposit and get your cash two days faster. Enjoy mobile and online access, which lets you check your balance, send money and find ATM locations. You can earn cashback through the Payback Rewards program, and you'll receive a $10 purchase cushion when you're short on cash. There's no monthly fee.

4. NetSpend Prepaid MasterCard

Get a prepaid card and stop worrying about high balances and late fees. With this card, you can earn cash back with the NetSpend Payback Rewards, and up to 55% off on prescription medication. Set up activity alerts and receive notifications with your mobile phone. The monthly fee for this prepaid card is up to $9.95.

Better credit starts with better data. Credit AI shows you actionable steps to boost your score—backed by artificial intelligence.

5. READYdebit Visa Select Ocean Prepaid Card

Just like any prepaid card, your approval is guaranteed. Use this card and you'll never pay a card fee or a purchase fee. You can access your account online, plus there's the option to withdraw cash from participating ATMs. Use your prepaid card wherever Visa is accepted -- whether you're shopping, entertaining or traveling.

Gallery Spotlight

Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.

6. ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Card

Use this card for direct deposit and get your cash faster. You can transfer money to another ACE Elite cardholder with no fee. And if you take advantage of direct deposit, you can withdraw up to $300 daily (no fee) at any ACE Cash Express location. There's the option to earn cashback on everyday purchases, and you can manage your account online or through a mobile device. The maximum monthly fee is $9.95.

7. GreenDot Prepaid MasterCard or Visa

You can track your spending with the mobile app, or use online bill pay to send checks and pay bills. This prepaid card can be used everywhere MasterCard or Visa are accepted. Reload your card at participating 7-Eleven locations, or set up direct deposit and get your funds faster. There's a $5.95 monthly charge, but you can avoid this fee by loading at least $1,000 a month.

Unfortunately, a prepaid card doesn't build or improve your credit score. But if you're looking for a simple way to manage your money, and you don't want a credit card, a prepaid card is the next best thing. What are other benefits of a prepaid card?

EST 2005

Evolve. Empower. Elevate.

Creators on the platform
3,000+
Total social reach
12M+
Features published
100K+
New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

Are You Using These Credit Card Perks ... Is This Why Your Debt Clearance Strategy Isnt Work... 7 Ways to Feel More Confident about Your Money ... 7 Money Mistakes That Can Cost You Big Time ... 7 Types of Friends Who Are Bad for Your Personal F... You Never Have to Make a Late Payment Again ... how to bounce back from bad credit 7 Incredibly Scary Things Youre Doing with Your Mo... 7 Incredible Ways to Stay on Track after Paying of... fights between roommates