Where Can You Buy Netspend Cards?

Reviewed by Thomas J. CatalanoReviewed by Thomas J. Catalano

Founded in 1999, Netspend is a popular prepaid debit card provider that serves 10 million people annually. One reason for its popularity is the accessibility of its products. You may get Netspend prepaid debit cards via participating retailers or the company’s website.

Available as a MasterCard or a Visa card, the Netspend card allows debit and automated teller machine (ATM) withdrawals (fees may apply), online account access, and payback rewards. It also provides a purchase cushion if you are short on your balance.

Key Takeaways

• Netspend is a prepaid debit card that’s easy to purchase because it’s widely available.
• Netspend cards are available from many retailers and on the company’s website.
• You can use Netspend like a debit card or use it to withdraw money at ATMs.

Buy Netspend From a Retailer

The company’s website lists some of the most popular retailers and notes that you can reload your card at over 130,000 locations. In addition, the site features a handy tool that lets you search for participating retailers by entering a five-digit ZIP code or the city and state. Once you’ve entered that information, the tool zooms into a map of your chosen area with red circular indicators at each participating retail location. Clicking on a red circle reveals more data about that location’s retailer, including the vendor’s name, address, and telephone number, along with whether it charges a fee and the exact fee amount.

You can also send the location data to a mobile phone or an email address. If you click “get directions,” the page will open to a larger map with detailed travel instructions to your chosen location.

The type of retailers that sell NetSpend cards varies widely—from drug and grocery stores to office suppliers and travel agencies. NetSpend has partnerships with many national chains, including:

• Office Depot
• Walgreens
• 7-Eleven
• Safeway
• Jacksons
• CVS Pharmacy
• Dollar General
• Family Dollar
• HEB
• Kroger
• Speedway

The card’s purchase fee may cost up to $9.95, with the reload fee averaging $3.95. Before purchase, the vendor is required to record your name, address, date of birth, and to see your driver’s license or another piece of official identification to comply with both NetSpend’s rules and the USA Patriot Act.

130,000

The number of Netspend card reload locations in the U.S.

Buy a Netspend Card Online

Another way to get a Netspend prepaid debit card is by opening an account on Netspend.com. Along with offering sign-ups, the site describes everything you need to know about using the card, its features, benefits, and fee structure.

To begin the process, click the “sign up now” button. From there, you input your name, address, and email address. You may select a “direct deposit” option or choose “none” (which you may change later). The next step requires you to create a user name, password, and a security question. Once you have completed these steps, you may log in to your account online.

All applicants are guaranteed approval once the applicant’s identity is proven. You will receive your new Netspend card via the U.S. Postal Service in seven to 10 business days. When your card arrives, you’ll need to follow the printed activation and identity verification steps to get started.

(For related reading, see “How Netspend Works and Makes Money“)

Netspend also offers debit accounts on its website. Instead of a pay as you go account, you’ll pay a $5 monthly fee, but your deposit will earn interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Netspend a Credit Card?

Netspend isn’t a credit card; it’s a prepaid card. You simply get a Netspend card and pay to load money onto it. When you make purchases, Netspend deducts a small fee and processes the transaction. Once the funds are depleted, reload the card by making a deposit into your Netspend account.

How Much Does a Netspend Card Cost?

According to Netspend’s website, it costs nothing to sign up and get the card in the mail, but when you purchase a card at a retailer you typically buy a card with money loaded onto it. Reload fees typically cost around $3.95.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New Netspend Card?

If you purchased a Netspend card, you should get it in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

The Bottom Line

It’s easier than ever to get your hands on a Netspend card in person or online. Once you’ve loaded your card and used your funds, refilling your card at one of 130,000 locations (or online) is simple although you will have to pay a small fee.

Read the original article on Investopedia.