Have you checked out the AccountNow Prepaid Visa Card yet? Find out why more people choose this prepaid debit card than any other. This version of the card is the card with direct deposit (you can also get the card without direct deposit, but it costs more).
Review of the AccountNow Visa Card (Direct Deposit)
Here it is—The #1 prepaid debit card, that our readers LOVE. The AccountNow prepaid Visa card is amazing. Get this card, and you will never care about having a regular bank account again. The AccountNow prepaid Visa is basically a “bank account you carry in your wallet”. Everyone can get one, as AccountNow offers 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 Debit Visa 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. Also, you can BUILD YOUR CREDIT by using your account, thanks to their amazing (and free) Credit Builder that comes with every new account.
- NEW! Now with the iAdvance(SM) loan option, no credit check needed.
- 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 Check Writing – 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 Visa card 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 Visa Card*
| 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 Visa 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 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 Visa, 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 Visa Card (Direct Deposit)
