Review of NetSpend Prepaid Debit Mastercard Fee Advantage, Review of Netspend Debit Card Fee Advantage

NetSpend MasterCard Prepaid Card (Fee Advantage Version)

When you are looking for a financially sound, flexible and fast growing prepaid debit card provider, then take a gander at the NetSpend prepaid family of cards. The NetSpend Prepaid Master Card FEE Advantage option gives plastic card customers the benefits of high volume purchase transactions at one low, monthly fee without requiring direct deposit. If you are a low volume transactor, then the “Pay as You Go” plan is more than likely the method you would prefer. “Premier Fee Advantage” also gives consumers a high level of purchase volume with an even lower monthly fee when they sign up for direct deposit.

Review of the NetSpend MasterCard Prepaid Card (Fee Advantage Version)

NetSpend MasterCard Prepaid Card (Fee Advantage Version)


Sometimes you just need to run with the leader of the pack, especially in the financial world. Keep your money safe with NetSpend’s FDIC protection and Mastercard’s Zero Liability fraud, theft and loss protection. If you are worried about customer service, don’t be. NetSpend is ranked at the top for consumer satisfaction. Find out why millions of people choose NetSpend as their prepaid card. If we haven’t convinced you yet, below are a few more features offered by NetSpend MasterCard’s prepaid card line:

  • 100% Approval – No credit check needed (ID verification required).
  • Get your paycheck, government benefits and tax refund faster with free direct deposit
  • New – Get rewarded with NetSpend Payback RewardTM options.
  • Real-time account activity alerts to your mobile phone.
  • Funds are FDIC insured up to the current coverage limit (ID verification required).

    Apply Now!



How We Rated the NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard

Card FeaturesNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Features
FeesNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Fees
Disclosure ClarityNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Disclosure
BBB RatingNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard BBB Rating
Load OptionsNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Reload Options
Overall RatingNetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Rating
Rating Explanation
NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard 4 GetDebit.com Editor The NetSpend line of prepaid cards continue to receive some of our highest scores for their features and for their load options (you can load these cards in tons of different ways). Also, the company behind the NetSpend cards (NetSpend Corp.) 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 Activation Fee and various other fees are slightly higher than some other cards. (which is typical for a "Fee Advantage" type - higher monthly fees and lower transaction fees - of card). However, if you are a heavy user of your card (and make many ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases each month), this card is extremely inexpensive. If you have a need for lighter use, we recommend the NetSpend "Pay as You Go" line of cards.
The NetSpend line of prepaid cards continue to receive some of our highest scores for their features and for their load options (you can load these cards in tons of different ways). Also, the company behind the NetSpend cards (NetSpend Corp.) 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 Activation Fee and various other fees are slightly higher than some other cards. (which is typical for a "Fee Advantage" type - higher monthly fees and lower transaction fees - of card). However, if you are a heavy user of your card (and make many ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases each month), this card is extremely inexpensive. If you have a need for lighter use, we recommend the NetSpend "Pay as You Go" line of cards.

NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Fee Examples

Want to know how much the NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard might cost you to use in a typical month? We have crunched the numbers for you! We also show how NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCardstacks 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.
Number of transactions each month NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Bank of America "Regular" Checking Check Cashing Store
Monthly Fee Once per month $ $ $
Cash paycheck (per month) $ $ $ $*
ATM Withdrawals $ $ $
Bill Payments $ $ $
Online Purchases $ $ N/A
In-Store Purchases*** $ $ N/A
Overdrafts:**** $ $
Total $ $ $

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 NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard*

Activation Fee:$9.95 Card Limit:$2500
Monthly Fee:$9.95 ATM Withdrawal:**$2.50
Signature Transactions:***$0.00 ATM Balance Inquiry:$0.50
PIN Transactions:***$0.00 Bill Payments:$0.00

The NetSpend prepaid MasterCard with the "Fee Advantage" plan has a very simple fee structure. You pay for ATM transactions and a monthly fee. Point of sale PIN and signature debit transactions are FREE.


Notes:
* Fees verified as of 01/18/2011. 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 NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard in a "signature" transaction, select "Credit" when checking out at a brick and mortar merchant. Most internet transactions are automatically processed as "signature" transactions.

NetSpend Fee Advantage MasterCard Card Options

The NetSpend line of cards comes in a variety of options, including the "Pay as You Go" plan, the "Fee Advantage" plan, and the "Premier Fee Advantage" plan. NetSpend issues both Visa and MasterCard debit cards in each of these plans.

Here are GetDebit’s “Low Fee Tips” for this Card

Many prepaid cards, including the NetSpend "Fee Advantage" MasterCard, have fees that can be avoided with careful use.

Tips for Using The NetSpend MasterCard Prepaid Card (Fee Advantage Version)