Which prepaid card is easiest to get?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 04, 2026
We’ve established that no prepaid card is 100% no-fee. But the one that comes closest to this ideal is the Bluebird® by American Express prepaid card. You can reload this card for free from several sources, including cash or a debit card transfer at a Walmart store, as well as mobile check deposit and direct deposit.
Can I get a prepaid debit card without a bank account?
You don’t need a bank account to get a prepaid debit card, but it’s a requirement for a regular debit card, which is linked to your checking account. For prepaid debit cards, you load the card with money when you get it, then use it to make purchases.
Can you buy a prepaid card without loading it?
Prepaid cards are available online and at retail locations, and buying one is anonymous when you go the latter route. However, while you’ll be able to load funds to a prepaid card obtained in store at the time you get it, you won’t be able to anonymously reload it for recurring use.
How quickly can you get a debit card?
In many cases, customers can expect to receive new debit cards within five to 10 business days, depending on the bank. If you don’t remember or weren’t told what time frame your bank policy offers for receiving debit cards, call the bank or visit its website to read through the debit card policy statements.
How can I get a debit card without a checking account?
What Types of Debit Card are Available?
- Prepaid Debit Cards. A prepaid debit card is the type of debit card that doesn’t require you to have a bank account.
- Store Cards.
- Digital Debit Cards & Payment Wallets.
- Virtual Debit Cards.
Are there any prepaid debit cards with no fees?
There are no fees for direct deposit, mobile check deposit, in-network ATM withdrawals, or online bill pay. Another option is the Serve Free Reloads Card. Along with the basic Serve card, this one offers free reloads at tons of national retailers, such as CVS, Walmart, Dollar General, and 7-11.
Can you get a prepaid debit card without a Social Security number?
The U.S. Patriot Act made it almost impossible to activate — or even apply for — a traditional prepaid card without a Social Security number. But some cards on the market allow you to apply using an alternate form of identification, such as an ITIN. 1. Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Debit Account
How is a reloadable prepaid card different from a debit card?
A reloadable prepaid card requires a deposit account from which the card will draw money. In this way, they are similar to a debit card. However, unlike a debit card that draws funds for each individual transaction, most prepaid cards require you to move over funds in set amounts, somewhat similar to a gift card.
Can a prepaid credit card be used as a credit card?
Simply click the card name to visit its official application. Even the best prepaid credit cards have a limited function — to act as a cash substitute wherever credit or debit cards are accepted. Despite their name, prepaid credit cards are not credit products and do not offer a cardholder the option to finance purchases over time.