Prepaid cards are sold at retail stores, online, and directly from card issuers

You can buy a prepaid card at any major pharmacy or grocery store — CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets stock them near the checkout or in the financial services section. You can also order them online from the card issuer's website, from Amazon, or from financial services websites like NetSpend or Green Dot. Some banks and credit unions sell their own prepaid cards in branch, and a few employers offer prepaid payroll cards as an alternative to direct deposit.

The card you choose depends on what you need it for: everyday spending, sending money to someone else, managing a budget, or building a record of transactions. Different issuers charge different fees for activation, monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals, and customer service calls, so the cheapest card at the register may not be the cheapest card to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepaid cards are available at retail checkout counters, online from card issuers, and through some banks and employers.
  • Activation fees range from free to $10 or more, and monthly maintenance fees vary widely — some cards charge nothing, others charge $5 to $10 per month.
  • ATM withdrawal fees and customer service fees differ by card, so comparing the full fee schedule matters more than the purchase price.
  • Online ordering takes one to three business days for delivery, while retail cards are ready to use immediately after activation.

Retail stores and pharmacy chains

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and most other large grocery chains sell prepaid cards at the register or in a dedicated financial services section. The cards on display are usually from major issuers like Green Dot, NetSpend, Vanilla, and Movo. You pay the purchase price (usually $0 to $10) at checkout, then activate the card online or by phone using the instructions on the packaging.

Retail cards are ready to use the same day, which makes them useful if you need a card immediately. The downside is that retail locations typically stock only the most popular cards, so your choice is limited. You also cannot compare fee schedules side by side — you have to read each package carefully or look up the issuer's website before you buy.

Online ordering from card issuers

Most prepaid card issuers sell directly from their websites: Green Dot, NetSpend, Chime, LendingClub, and Varo all let you order online. You can also find prepaid cards on Amazon, which ships them to your address. Online ordering usually takes one to three business days for delivery, so this route works if you can wait a few days but want to compare options before buying.

Ordering online gives you access to the full fee schedule before you purchase, and some issuers offer lower fees or bonus features for online orders. You can also read customer reviews and compare cards side by side. The tradeoff is that you cannot use the card until it arrives, and you have to activate it once it does.

Banks and credit unions

Some banks and credit unions issue their own prepaid cards, often called reloadable prepaid debit cards or prepaid checking accounts. Chime, LendingClub, Varo, and several regional credit unions offer these through their websites or in branch. If you already have a checking account at a bank, ask whether they offer a prepaid card — you may be able to order one immediately online or pick one up in person.

Bank-issued prepaid cards sometimes have lower fees than retail cards, especially if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. They also tend to offer better customer service and fraud protection because they are backed by the bank's infrastructure. The downside is that you need to open an account first, which takes longer than buying a card at the store.

Employer payroll cards

Some employers offer payroll cards as an alternative to direct deposit into a personal bank account. These are prepaid cards loaded directly with your paycheck. If your employer offers one, you can usually request it through payroll or human resources. Payroll cards are free to use for basic functions like checking your balance and making purchases, though some charge fees for ATM withdrawals or customer service.

Payroll cards are useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one, but they are only available if your employer offers them. You cannot choose the issuer — your employer selects the card provider. If you leave the job, you lose access to that card and need to transfer any remaining balance to another card or account.

Comparing fees before you buy

The purchase price of the card is not the main cost. Look at the full fee schedule: activation fee (usually $0 to $10), monthly maintenance fee ($0 to $10), ATM withdrawal fee ($0 to $3 per withdrawal), balance inquiry fee, customer service fee, and reload fee if you plan to add money later. A card that costs $5 at the register but charges $10 per month in maintenance is more expensive than a free card with no monthly fee.

Most issuers publish their fee schedules on their websites or on the card packaging. Before you buy, compare at least three cards across the fees you will actually use. If you plan to withdraw cash frequently, prioritize a card with free or low-cost ATM access. If you reload money regularly, check the reload fee. If you only use the card for purchases, monthly maintenance fee matters most.

Activation and first use

After you buy a prepaid card, you must activate it before you can use it. Activation usually takes five minutes and happens online through the issuer's website or by calling the number on the back of the card. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Some cards require you to load money during activation; others let you activate first and load money later.

Once activated, the card works like a debit card — you can use it for purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online payments. You cannot spend more than the balance on the card. If you run out of money, you can reload it by transferring funds from a bank account, receiving a direct deposit, or buying a reload pack at a retail store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a prepaid card without a Social Security number?

Most issuers require a Social Security number for activation, but some accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the issuer before you buy to confirm whether they accept ITIN. A few smaller issuers offer cards with minimal identity verification, though these often have lower spending limits.

What is the difference between a prepaid card and a gift card?

A prepaid card is reloadable — you can add money to it repeatedly and use it anywhere that accepts that card brand (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). A gift card is usually single-use and works only at one store or brand. Prepaid cards also come with a PIN and can be used for ATM withdrawals, while gift cards typically cannot.

Do I need a bank account to buy a prepaid card?

No. You can buy a prepaid card with cash at any retail store and activate it with just your name and date of birth. You do not need a bank account, credit history, or credit check. Some issuers let you load money from another prepaid card or through a money transfer service if you do not have a bank account.

How long does it take to receive a prepaid card ordered online?

Most online orders arrive within one to three business days. Some issuers offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. Retail cards are ready to use the same day you buy them, but you cannot compare options as easily.

Can I use a prepaid card to build credit?

No. Prepaid cards do not report to credit bureaus, so using one does not build a credit history or credit score. If you want to build credit, you need a credit-builder loan, a secured credit card, or a credit card that reports to the bureaus.