MetaBank

MetaBank Background Information

MetaBank is one of the largest prepaid debit card issuers in the United States (more than 50% of the debit cards reviewed on GetDebit.com are issued by MetaBank). Through their premier Meta Payment Systems division, MetaBank services more than 500 prepaid card programs. MetaBank also serves as a traditional financial and lending institution providing a diverse product offering across several product lines including personal finance, commercial finance, mortgage services and agricultural services. MetaBank has 12 brick and mortar offices located in 4 distinct market areas. Offices include: Central and NW Iowa; Sioux Empire, South Dakota; and Brookings, South Dakota. Meta’s subsidiary Meta Payment Systems (MPS) manages four business segments including: ATM Sponsorship, ACH Origination, Prepaid Debit Cards and other various Credit Products. The unique “Super Community” philosophy on banking has enabled MetaBank to realize continued growth, while in the same breath, keep its community banking roots. Inherent benefits to this mentality are streamlined efforts and rapid decision making at the local level and a more enhanced service package to the customer.

MetaBank Electronic Payment Models

MetaBank’s “Money On The Move” platform is one of the many innovations created to enhance the customer experience. There are four payment systems platforms:

Gift Card Platform

• Discover gift card purchase at bank
• Electronic funds sent to Meta from bank
• Gift card given to friend or family
• Recipient spends at merchant
• Discover pays merchant and electronically moves money from Meta

Rebate Card Platform

• Product bought at merchant/rebate form filled out
• Rebate processor electronically sends funds to MetaBank to hold
• Meta sends Rebate MasterCard to customer in mail
• Customer spends funds on card
• MasterCard takes money from Meta to pay merchant

Travel Card Platform

• Visa travel card purchased at bank
• MetaBank holds funds until needed
• Customer uses card for travel expenses
• Merchants paid by Visa as funds taken from Meta

Reloadable Card Platform

• Consumer buys card at retail merchant store
• Consumer direct deposits employer paycheck on MetaBank card
• Consumer buys groceries, clothing, gasoline and other goods and services on card
• Visa pays merchants/service providers and transfers money to cover from MetaBank

MetaBank Debit Cards

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AccountNow Visa Card (No Direct Deposit) The AccountNow prepaid debit Visa Card comes in two options – a version which requires you to set up direct deposit, and a version which does not. This review is about the card without direct deposit. The AccountNow Visa without direct deposit can be a good choice for people who want “pay as you go” convenience, but who don’t want (or can’t) to use direct deposit. Read More

READYdebit Prepaid Visa (“Select” Plan) The ReadyDebit folks have designed a prepaid card program that gives their customers the value of choice. READYDebit Visa cards are offered in three categories – The SELECT plan (this review), the CONTROL plan and the PLATINUM plan. READYDebit is committed to providing their customers superior financial products. Traditional big banking bilks billions every year from their account holders with annoying overdraft and other checking fees. The READYdebit “Select” prepaid Visa debit card can assist you in the elimination of those fees. Read More

Facecard Prepaid MasterCard A Facecard is a prepaid reloadable card that can be used anywhere MasterCard® is accepted. Getting a Facecard is easy, not to mention VERY low cost (how’s that for cool?). Read More

UPside Visa Prepaid Card (Life Plan) The UpSide Visa card is pretty close to the perfect prepaid debit card. We love it because the fees are low (some of the lowest available), as well as the great features. They now have rolled out their newest feature — the ability to write and mail personal checks using the card! Read More

UPside Visa Prepaid Card (Clear Plan) The UPside Visa prepaid card is an excellent card with very competitive fees and some excellent features as well. UPside also has a unique personal check writing feature, companion card availability and NO activation fee. Read More

Only1 Prepaid Visa Card The Only1 Visa card is a prepaid debit card brought to you by the folks at Blackhawk Network and Metabank. You can purchase the Only1 debit Visa card in retail locations as well as online. The card comes with a number of unique features, such as Only1′s “MoneyShield” which allows you to enjoy even more security when making purchases online. Only1′s slogan is “It’s the Only1 you’ll ever need” — read our review, and see if you agree! Read More

Corporate Overview