You can buy prepaid Visa cards at most retailers, banks, and online — they're sold like gift cards at checkout counters
Prepaid Visa cards are physical or digital cards loaded with money upfront. You load cash onto them, then spend that balance anywhere Visa is accepted. Unlike credit cards, they don't create debt — you can only spend what you've already put on the card. They're sold at thousands of locations and come with different fee structures depending on where you buy them and which brand you choose.
The main places to get one are grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, banks, and online retailers. Each location stocks different brands and fee schedules, so the card you buy at Target may cost more or less per month than the one at your bank. The card itself is usually free or costs $5 to $10 at the point of sale, but monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, and ATM fees vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- Prepaid Visa cards are sold at retail checkout counters, bank branches, and online — you load money onto them and spend only what you've loaded.
- Retail brands like Visa Vanilla and Green Dot are available at grocery stores and pharmacies; bank-issued prepaid cards often have lower fees.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $10 depending on the brand and whether you meet activity requirements.
- You can load money by cash deposit, bank transfer, direct deposit, or at retail locations, depending on the card brand.
- Prepaid cards do not build credit history because they are not credit products.
Retail locations where you can buy prepaid Visa cards
Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores sell prepaid cards at the checkout counter or customer service desk. Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger all stock multiple brands. The cards are usually displayed near gift cards, and you can ask a cashier if you don't see them. Buying in-store means you can load money when ready and start using the card the same day.
The brands available vary by store. Walmart typically carries Walmart MoneyCard and Green Dot. Target stocks Visa Vanilla and other brands. Pharmacies often carry Green Dot and NetSpend. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K carry their own branded prepaid cards. Call ahead if you want a specific brand — not every location stocks every card.
In-store purchases usually include an set up fee of $3 to $10, which is deducted from the money you load onto the card. Some stores waive the fee if you load a minimum amount, such as $50 or $100. Ask the cashier about fee waivers before you pay.
Bank-issued prepaid cards and where to open them
Many banks and credit unions offer their own prepaid cards, often with lower fees than retail brands. Chime, LendingClub, and Varo offer prepaid cards with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. Traditional banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo also offer prepaid products, though they may have different fee structures than their checking accounts.
To get a bank prepaid card, visit the bank's website or a branch in person. You'll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and a form of ID. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes online. The card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer when ready digital cards you can use when ready while waiting for the physical card.
Bank prepaid cards often come with perks that retail cards don't: direct deposit, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and customer service by phone. Monthly fees are typically $0 to $5, and many waive the fee if you receive a direct deposit each month. ATM access is usually free at the bank's ATM network and sometimes at other networks too.
Online retailers and digital prepaid cards
You can buy prepaid Visa cards online from Amazon, PayPal, and the official websites of card brands like Green Dot and NetSpend. Digital cards are usually delivered to your email within minutes and can be used for online shopping and bill pay right away. Physical cards arrive by mail and can be used at ATMs and in stores.
Online purchases sometimes have lower set up fees than in-store purchases — some digital cards have no set up fee at all. However, you'll need a bank account to fund the card online, since you can't pay cash. Shipping for physical cards usually takes 5 to 10 business days, though some retailers offer expedited shipping for an extra fee.
PayPal and Square Cash also offer prepaid card products that function similarly to traditional prepaid Visa cards. These are often linked to a digital wallet and can be used online or at contactless payment terminals. Check the terms for each service, as fees and features differ.
How to load money onto your prepaid card
The way you load money depends on the card brand and where you bought it. Most prepaid cards accept multiple loading methods: direct deposit from your employer, bank transfer, cash deposit at a retail location, or a one-time cash load at purchase.
Direct deposit is the fastest and cheapest way to load money — it's free and deposits arrive on your payroll schedule. Bank transfer (also called ACH transfer) is free and usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Cash deposits at retail locations cost $1 to $3 per transaction and are when ready. Loading cash at purchase is when ready but only works the first time you set up the card.
Some cards let you reload at ATMs or by phone, though these methods often charge a fee. Check your card's terms to see which loading methods are free and which cost money. Cards with no monthly fee often charge for certain loading methods, so factor that into your decision.
Comparing fees across prepaid card brands
Prepaid card fees fall into several categories: set up fee (one-time, at purchase), monthly maintenance fee, transaction fees, ATM fees, and customer service fees. A card with no monthly fee might charge $2 per ATM withdrawal. A card with a $5 monthly fee might offer free ATM access. The cheapest card for you depends on how you plan to use it.
Retail brands like Visa Vanilla and Green Dot typically charge $5 to $10 per month, with ATM fees of $2 to $3. Some waive the monthly fee if you load money each month or maintain a minimum balance. Bank prepaid cards often have $0 monthly fees but may charge for certain transactions. Chime and Varo charge no monthly or ATM fees at all, but they require a bank account to open.
Read the fee schedule before you buy. The card's packaging or the retailer's website should list all fees. If you plan to use an ATM frequently, a card with free ATM access is worth a higher monthly fee. If you rarely use ATMs, a card with a low monthly fee and higher per-transaction fees may be cheaper overall.
What you need to buy and set up a prepaid card
In-store purchases require only a valid ID and cash or a debit card to pay for the card and load money onto it. You don't need a bank account, credit history, or Social Security number to buy a prepaid card at a store. The set up happens at checkout — the cashier loads your money and activates the card when ready.
Online purchases require a bank account to fund the card and a valid email address to receive the digital card details. You'll also need to provide your name and address. Some online retailers ask for your Social Security number for identity verification, but not all do. Check the website's terms before you proceed.
Bank prepaid cards require a Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease). The process is the same as opening a checking account. If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks offer prepaid cards with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, though availability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid Visa card to build credit?
No. Prepaid cards are not credit products, so they don't report to credit bureaus and don't build your credit history. If you want to build credit, you'll need a credit card or a credit-builder loan. Some banks offer credit-builder prepaid cards that report to credit bureaus, but these are less common.
What happens if I lose my prepaid card?
Contact the card issuer when ready to report it lost or stolen. Most prepaid cards let you freeze the card through their mobile app or customer service line, which stops anyone from using it. You can usually order a replacement card, which arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Any money still on the card is protected, though you may have to wait for the replacement to access it.
Can I withdraw money from an ATM with a prepaid card?
Yes, but ATM fees vary by card. Most prepaid cards charge $2 to $3 per ATM withdrawal. Some cards offer free ATM access at specific networks or at the issuing bank's ATMs. Check your card's fee schedule to see which ATMs are free before you open the card.
Do I need a bank account to get a prepaid card?
No. You can buy a prepaid card at a retail store with cash and no bank account. However, if you want to load money by bank transfer or direct deposit, you'll need a bank account. Retail prepaid cards let you load cash in-store, so a bank account is optional.
How long does it take to receive a prepaid card ordered online?
Digital cards arrive within minutes and can be used for online purchases when ready. Physical cards arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Some retailers offer expedited shipping for $5 to $15 extra. If you need a card today, buy one in-store instead.