Bluebird prepaid debit card Review
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- Monthly maintenance fee
- $0
- Card fee
- $5
Our verdict
Provides standard card features at no monthly cost, but some services incur fees.
The Bluebird prepaid debit card by American Express is a solid choice for those seeking a low-fee alternative to traditional bank accounts, especially if you have trouble qualifying for one. It shines with no monthly fees, easy-to-use family account features and extra perks like Purchase Protection. However, the card does come with fees for certain services, such as cash deposits at some retailers and out-of-network ATM withdrawals, which might make it less appealing for some users.
Best for: Those who struggle to qualify for a traditional bank account or prefer a low-fee alternative.
Pros
-
Subaccount feature to share with family members
-
No monthly fees or overdraft fees
-
Purchase Protection covers accidental damage or theft
Cons
-
High fees for immediate access to check deposits
-
5-day processing period for bank account reloads
-
Cash reloads fees as high as $3.95
Who is the Bluebird prepaid debit card best for?
The Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card is best for individuals who want a low-fee alternative to traditional bank accounts, especially those who may have difficulty qualifying for a checking account.
It’s also a practical tool for parents looking to teach their kids financial responsibility in a controlled setting.
What we like about Bluebird prepaid debit card
In addition to a mobile app with personal financial management tools, Bluebird offers the following benefits that make this account stand out among other prepaid debit cards:
Family accounts
You can add up to four family members as subaccount users, and the main account holder can set controls, such as spending limits. This setup can be a great way to give kids access to spending cards without the annoying monthly fees or risk of overdrafting.
No monthly fee
While most prepaid debit cards charge some kind of monthly or annual fee, Bluebird doesn’t.
Roadside assistance and emergency assistance hotline
The card comes with a 24-hour free dispatch service for assistance, including towing, winching and battery jump-starts.
Additionally, if you travel more than 100 miles from home and need assistance, you can call the hotline for coordination services. These services include emergency legal and medical referrals, missing luggage and translation services.
Early access to tax returns and paychecks
If you sign up for direct deposit with your Bluebird account, you can access your paycheck and tax return funds two days early.
Purchase protection
If an item you purchase is accidentally damaged or stolen within 90 days, American Express will reimburse you up to $1,000 per incident, with a maximum of $50,000 per 12-month period.
Where the Bluebird card falls short
While Bluebird has its benefits, it also comes with a few drawbacks.
High fees on basic services are common — you’ll pay up to 5% for immediate access to check deposits, and there’s a five-day processing period for funds added from another bank account. Additionally, cash withdrawals at non-MoneyPass ATMs cost $2.50 plus any ATM owner charges. If you deposit money through participating retailers, you may be charged up to $3.95.
If you want a prepaid card that lets you transfer money directly from your bank account, you may want to keep looking. As always, compare your prepaid card options. Bluebird isn’t the only prepaid card out there.
Bluebird prepaid debit card’s fees and access
| Type of fee | Fee details |
|---|---|
| Monthly service | $0 |
| Opening deposit | $20 deposit, plus $5 opening fee if opened in-store (free online) |
| ATMs |
|
| Debit card fees |
|
| Overdraft or nonsufficient funds | $0 |
| Wire transfers | N/A |
| Other fees |
|
Compare Bluebird prepaid debit card to other prepaid cards
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How to open the Bluebird prepaid debit card
Follow these steps to open the Amex Bluebird card:
- Visit Bluebird.com and select Get Started.
- Apply for the prepaid card.
- Create a username, password and ATM PIN.
- Add funds to your account via applicable sources, including cash funding and debit card transfers.
Customer reviews and ratings
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | Not rated |
| BBB customer reviews | 1.09 out of 5 stars, based on 502 customer reviews |
| Trustpilot score | 1.5 out of 5 stars, based on 4,397 customer reviews |
| Apple App Store Score | 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 18,300 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 49,800 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 09 October 2024 |
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between the Bluebird Prepaid Debit Account and a regular checking account?
The Bluebird prepaid card functions similarly to a checking account, allowing you to pay bills, transfer money and receive direct deposits. The main distinction is that a prepaid card typically isn’t linked to a bank account, meaning you need to load funds onto it before use. While it avoids the maintenance fees associated with checking accounts, it may lack certain features, such as extensive customer service or physical branch access.
Where can you load a Bluebird Card for Free?
You can load cash for free at Family Dollar registers. Other locations may charge up to $3.95, such as Walmart, which charges $3.75 for cash reloads.
Your reviews
Gabriel Finder
Writer
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Ren Finder
December 20, 2022
Hi Debby,
Thanks for commenting.
You may have an incorrect email address on file. Kindly check Bluebird’s frequently asked questions for the steps to update your email address on file. If you encounter any difficulties or have additional concerns about your Bluebird account, please contact their customer services directly through their Contact Us page.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Ren
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debby
December 19, 2022
having trouble verifing my e mail my e mail is debbyatwell0@gmail and it shows debbyatwello what do i have to do so i can eveify on my account