Where you can buy prepaid cards right now
You can buy prepaid cards at most major retailers, online, and directly from card issuers. The most common places are Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon. You can also order them directly from the card company's website — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Netspend all sell their own prepaid products. Some banks and credit unions offer prepaid cards to customers, and a few fintech companies like Chime and LendingClub sell them online only.
The card you choose depends on what you plan to use it for. Some prepaid cards charge monthly fees, some charge per transaction, and some charge nothing if you meet certain conditions. A card that costs $10 a month might be fine if you use it daily, but wasteful if you only need it once or twice. Knowing where to look and what to compare saves you money over time.
Key Takeaways
- Prepaid cards are sold at retail stores like Walmart and Target, online retailers like Amazon, and directly from card issuers' websites.
- Fees vary widely — some cards charge monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, or ATM fees, while others charge nothing if you meet balance or activity requirements.
- Retail store cards are usually available when ready and cost between $3 and $10 to set up, while online cards may take a few business days to arrive.
- Compare the total cost of ownership, not just the set up fee — a card with no monthly fee but high ATM charges may cost more than one with a small monthly fee.
Prepaid cards at grocery stores and drugstores
Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery store chains stock prepaid cards near the checkout or in the money services section. You walk in, pick a card off the rack, go to the register or customer service desk, and set up it on the spot. The set up fee is usually between $3 and $10, and you load money onto it when ready using cash or a debit card. You leave with a working card in minutes.
The downside is that retail prepaid cards often have higher ongoing fees than cards you order online. Many charge $3 to $5 per month just to keep the account open, plus $2 to $3 per ATM withdrawal. If you plan to use the card frequently, these fees add up. If you only need it for occasional purchases, the convenience of buying it today might be worth the cost.
Retailers that sell prepaid cards include Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and most regional grocery chains. Call ahead if you want to confirm a specific brand is in stock, because inventory changes by location and season.
Prepaid cards from online retailers and card companies
Amazon, the Visa website, Mastercard, American Express, and Netspend all sell prepaid cards online. You order the card, it arrives by mail in three to seven business days, and you set up it when it arrives. Online cards often have lower monthly fees than retail versions — some charge nothing at all if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. The set up fee is usually $0 to $5.
The trade-off is waiting time. If you need a card today, online ordering does not work. If you can wait a week, online cards are usually cheaper over the long run. Many online prepaid cards also offer features that retail cards do not, like bill pay, mobile check deposit, or the ability to transfer money to other people.
Check the card issuer's website directly before buying through a third-party retailer. Some companies offer better terms on their own site than they do on Amazon or other marketplaces. Read the fee schedule carefully — it should list monthly maintenance fees, per-transaction fees, ATM fees, and any fees for customer service calls or paper statements.
Prepaid cards from banks and credit unions
Some traditional banks and most credit unions offer prepaid cards to members. These are often cheaper than retail or online prepaid cards because the institution already has your information and relationship history. A credit union prepaid card might have no monthly fee, no ATM fees at credit union machines, and lower fees overall. You open the account in person or online, and the card arrives by mail.
The catch is membership. You usually have to be a member of the bank or credit union to get their prepaid card. Membership is often free or costs a small annual fee, but it is an extra step. If you already bank somewhere, ask whether they offer a prepaid product — you may already be may be able to access.
Community banks and smaller credit unions sometimes offer prepaid cards that are not advertised heavily. Call your local branch and ask what prepaid options they have. You might find a card with fees lower than anything available at retail or online.
Prepaid cards from fintech companies
Companies like Chime, LendingClub, and Revolut sell prepaid and debit cards online only. These cards are designed for people who want a modern banking experience without a traditional bank account. Many fintech prepaid cards have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no ATM fees at partner networks. Some offer features like early direct deposit, savings tools, or spending controls.
Fintech cards require a smartphone and an internet connection to set up and manage. You read an app, verify your identity, and the card is usually ready to use within a few days. If you are comfortable managing money through an app and do not need in-person customer service, fintech cards can be the cheapest option available.
The trade-off is that fintech companies are newer and smaller than banks. If something goes wrong, customer service may be slower or available only through the app. Read reviews from other users before choosing a fintech card, and make sure the company is registered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Comparing fees before you buy
The set up fee is only the beginning. Before you buy any prepaid card, write down the monthly maintenance fee, per-transaction fee, ATM fee, and any other charges listed in the fee schedule. Then calculate the total cost for how you plan to use the card.
Example: Card A costs $5 to set up, $5 per month, and $0 per ATM withdrawal. Card B costs $0 to set up, $0 per month, but $2.50 per ATM withdrawal. If you use an ATM twice a month, Card A costs $15 in the first month and $5 every month after. Card B costs $5 in the first month and $5 every month after. Over a year, Card A costs $65 total. Card B costs $65 total. They are the same. But if you use an ATM four times a month, Card B costs $10 per month, making it $120 per year — more expensive than Card A.
Look for cards with no monthly fee if you plan to use them infrequently. Look for cards with no ATM fees if you plan to withdraw cash often. Some cards waive fees if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance — check whether you can meet those conditions before you commit.
What to bring when you buy in person
At a retail store, you need cash or a debit card to load money onto the prepaid card. You do not need an ID or a bank account. Some stores ask for a phone number or email address for the set up, but it is not required. You can set up the card anonymously if you prefer.
If you are buying from a bank or credit union, you will need an ID and proof of address. Bring a driver's license or passport and a recent utility bill or bank statement. If you do not have an address, some institutions accept mail from a shelter or social services agency as proof.
When you order online, you need an email address and a way to verify your identity — usually a Social Security number or an ITIN. You will also need a way to load money onto the card, which is usually a bank account, debit card, or credit card. Some companies allow you to load cash at retail locations after the card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a prepaid card without an ID?
At retail stores, yes — you can buy and set up a prepaid card with just cash. Online and at banks, no — you will need to verify your identity with a government ID or Social Security number. If you do not have an ID, buy a retail prepaid card in person.
How long does it take to set up a prepaid card?
Retail cards set up when ready at the register. Online cards take three to seven business days to arrive by mail, then set up when you receive them. Bank and credit union cards usually arrive within five to ten business days. Some companies let you use the card before it arrives if you set up it through their app or website.
What is the cheapest prepaid card?
The cheapest depends on how you use it. If you never withdraw cash, a card with no monthly fee and no ATM fees is cheapest. If you withdraw cash frequently, a card with a small monthly fee and no ATM fees might be cheaper overall. Compare the total cost for your specific usage pattern, not just the set up fee.
Can I reload a prepaid card after I spend the money?
Yes. Most prepaid cards let you reload money online, at an ATM, at a retail store, or through direct deposit. Some charge a fee to reload, and some do not. Check the fee schedule to see whether reloading costs money before you buy.
Do prepaid cards build credit?
No. Prepaid cards are not connected to a credit report, so using one does not build credit history. If you want to build credit, you need a credit-builder card or a secured credit card from a bank or credit union. Prepaid cards are useful for spending control and convenience, not for improving your credit score.