The AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard can replace any bank account. When you set up Direct Deposit of your pay or benefits check with your AccountNow MasterCard, you enjoy great savings. Check out this feature packed card right now.
Review of the AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard (Direct Deposit)
The folks at AccountNow understand banking. They’ve created the “bank account you carry in your wallet”. And best of all, they are offering 100% approval rates! That’s right, even if you are on ChexSystems’ list, and even if you have terrible credit, you can qualify for the amazing AccountNow Vantage Debit MasterCard in seconds. Enrollment is simple, instant and guaranteed. There is no paperwork or lines, no security deposit, and one simple enrollment form. You can be banking again in seconds. Their prepaid debit MasterCard also allows you to improve your credit, with their FREE Credit Builder.
- Build your credit with the new iAdvance loan option(SM)
- Instant Guaranteed Approval* – no credit check, no security deposit
- $0 ACTIVATION FEE – when you load your card by direct deposit
- Free Direct Deposit – no more check cashing fees
- Free Online Bill Pay – no need for expensive money orders
- Free Credit Builder† – bill pay transactions are reported to PRBC®
- No Overdraft Fees – no minimum balance required
- Reloadable – $10,000 balance limit.
How We Rated This Card
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Rating Explanation
The AccountNow prepaid debit Mastercard received some of our highest scores for it's features (it has it all -- credit builder, credit line, bill pay, you name it) and for it's load options (you can load this card in tons of different ways). Also, the company behind the AccountNow debit Visa card (AccountNow, Inc.) is very highly rated by the Better Business Bureau (which shows that they are serious about dealing with consumer issues). The only reasons why this card is not the absolute highest rated card is because the fees are slightly higher than some other cards. However, if you need extra features, we think the small fees on the AccountNow product is well worth it. If you want a card with the most features, and understand that those features come with a small additional cost, this card is for you. |
Card Fee Examples
Want to know how much this card might cost you to use in a typical month? We have crunched the numbers for you! We also show how this card stacks up against some common alternatives so you can see if you would save money using this card. Please remember -- cost should NOT be the only reason why you pick a card -- make sure to consider the card's features (some cards have more features than a typical bank account).
To see different scenarios, change the following variables.
Note: * Based on a U.S. Average check cashing rate of 4.54% (per the Brookings Institution),
**Using the Money Order fees from the U.S. Post Office (Some of the lowest available),
*** We assume that 1/2 of your in-store purchases will be made using your PIN,
****A LARGE portion of Americans experience at least 1 overdraft each Month. Also note that the Check Casher CANNOT buy items online, and must use cash for all purchases.
Fees Associated With The AccountNow MasterCard with Direct Deposit*
| Activation Fee: | $0.00 |
Card Limit: | $10,000 |
| Monthly Fee: | $9.95 |
ATM Withdrawal:** | $2.50 |
| Signature Transactions:*** | $0.00 |
ATM Balance Inquiry: | $1.00 |
| PIN Transactions:*** | $0.00 |
Bill Payments: | $0.00 |
The Account Now MasterCard with recurring direct deposit has very few fees. With normal use, your primary fees will be the monthly fee ($9.95), and ATM fees ($2.5 for withdrawals, and $1 for balance inquiries, in addition to any fees charged by the ATM operators). If you need special assistance (like a stop payment of a bill pay transaction, or a new or replacement card, additional fees will be charged).
Notes:
* Fees verified as of 01/05/2010. Check the Current Terms & Conditions for a list of all the fees.
** Some ATM operators may charge a fee for use of their ATMs in addition to this fee.
*** To use your card in a "signature" transaction, select "Credit" when checking out at a brick and mortar merchant. Most internet transactions are automatically processed as "signature" transactions.
Card Options
The AccountNow line of products include 2 options: a choice of card network (Visa and MasterCard) and a choice of recurring direct deposit or "pay as you go". Cards set up with recurring direct deposit have lower fees and are recommended.
Here are GetDebit’s “Low Fee Tips” for this Card
Many prepaid cards, including the AccountNow prepaid MasterCard, have fees that can be avoided with careful use.
Here are a few tips to minimize your monthly fees and costs associated with this card.
- First reduce the number of ATM withdrawals you make. If you need $200 of cash for the week, take that whole amount in one withdrawal from the ATM (assuming you have enough funds in the account!). Don't withdraw $20 or $40 at a time (the fees add up FAST).
- Save paper. Don't order paper copies of your account statements. AccountNow (like many prepaid issuers) charge you extra to receive statements by mail. Why not save a tree and save yourself some money?
- Treat your card like a checkbook. Don't try to take money out when you don't have it (you won't get an overdraft charge, but you could get a "decline" transaction at an ATM).
- Avoid the need for special fees, like stop payments on bill pay transactions, or special customer service.
- ALWAYs use direct deposit (it's good for the planet since it reduces paper, it's good for you, and it's good for your bank account).
Tips for Using The AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard (Direct Deposit)
