Where you can actually buy prepaid cards

You can buy prepaid credit cards at most major retailers, at your bank, and online. The most common places are drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, grocery stores like Walmart and Target, and gas stations. You can also order them directly from the card issuer's website — companies like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and NetSpend all sell their own prepaid cards online. Your own bank may offer a prepaid option as well, especially if you have a checking account there.

The card you find at a checkout counter is usually a general-purpose reloadable prepaid card, meaning you can add money to it repeatedly and use it anywhere that takes that card brand. Some retailers also sell single-use prepaid cards, which work once and then are done — these are less common now but still appear in some stores. The difference matters because a reloadable card costs more upfront but saves money if you plan to use it more than once.

Online purchases give you more card options to choose from, but you will wait for shipping. In-store purchases are faster — you can load money and use the card the same day — but your choices are limited to what that store stocks. Neither route is inherently better; it depends on whether you need the card when ready or are willing to wait a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepaid cards are sold at drugstores, grocery stores, gas stations, and online directly from card issuers like Visa and Mastercard.
  • Reloadable prepaid cards cost $5 to $15 to buy but let you add money repeatedly, while single-use cards are cheaper but work only once.
  • In-store purchases let you load money and use the card when ready, while online orders take several days but offer more card types to choose from.
  • Your bank may offer its own prepaid card, sometimes at a lower cost than retail prepaid cards, especially if you already have an account there.
  • Monthly fees, ATM fees, and reload fees vary widely by card, so comparing the card's fee schedule before buying saves money over time.

What to expect when you buy in a store

When you buy a prepaid card at a retailer, you pick it up from the checkout area or a display near the registers. The card itself is empty — it has no money on it yet. You then go to the register and pay for the card itself (usually $5 to $15) plus the amount of money you want to load onto it. So if you buy a $10 card and load $50 onto it, you pay $60 total at checkout.

The cashier will set up the card and load your money during the transaction. You walk out with a card that is ready to use when ready. Some stores let you load money at a self-checkout kiosk instead of asking a cashier, which can be faster if you prefer not to explain what you are doing to another person.

Keep your receipt. It has the card number, set up information, and customer service phone numbers. If the card is lost or stolen, you will need this receipt to report it and recover any remaining balance.

Buying prepaid cards online

When you order a prepaid card from a company's website or from a marketplace like Amazon, you pay for the card and the initial load amount together. The card ships to your address, usually within 3 to 7 business days. You will need to set up it when it arrives — the set up process is straightforward and happens online or by phone, and takes a few minutes.

Online ordering gives you access to cards that your local stores do not carry. You can compare fee structures before you buy, read customer reviews, and choose a card that matches your specific needs. This is especially useful if you want a card with no monthly fee, or one designed for a particular purpose like international travel or online shopping.

The downside is the wait. If you need a card today, online ordering will not work. You also cannot see the physical card before you buy, so you are relying on the product description and reviews to know what you are getting.

Prepaid cards through your bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, ask whether they offer a prepaid card. Many banks do, and they often charge lower fees than retail prepaid cards because the bank already knows who you are and has your information on file. Some banks offer prepaid cards to customers who do not have a traditional checking account, as a way to provide banking services to people who cannot or do not want a standard account.

Bank-issued prepaid cards usually have the same features as retail prepaid cards — you load money, use it like a debit card, and can reload it repeatedly. The main difference is the fee structure. A bank prepaid card might have no monthly fee, or a lower monthly fee than a retail card. ATM fees and reload fees may also be lower or waived entirely if you use your bank's ATM network.

To get a bank prepaid card, visit a branch in person or call the customer service number on your bank statement. Some banks let you order online. The process is usually faster than retail because the bank already has your identity verified.

Understanding the fees before you buy

Prepaid cards charge fees in several places, and these add up quickly if you do not pay attention. The most common fees are a monthly maintenance fee (usually $2 to $10), an ATM withdrawal fee (usually $1 to $3 per withdrawal), a reload fee (usually $1 to $5 each time you add money), and a customer service fee if you call for help. Some cards also charge fees for checking your balance, making a purchase, or transferring money to another account.

Before you buy, look at the fee schedule. This is usually printed on the back of the card packaging or listed on the company's website. Add up what you expect to pay in a month based on how you plan to use the card. If you plan to withdraw cash twice a week and reload money once a week, the fees will be much higher than if you use the card for purchases only and reload once a month.

Some cards have no monthly fee but charge high per-transaction fees. Others charge a monthly fee but waive ATM fees or reload fees. There is no single "best" card — the best card for you depends on your specific habits. A card that is cheap for someone who uses it once a month might be expensive for someone who uses it daily.

Comparing card types: reloadable versus single-use

A reloadable prepaid card is designed to be used many times. You load money, spend it, and then add more money when the balance runs low. These cards have a card number, expiration date, and security code, just like a credit card. They work at any store or website that accepts that card brand. Reloadable cards cost $5 to $15 to buy initially, but you can use them for years.

A single-use prepaid card is loaded with a specific amount of money and works only until that money is spent. Once the balance reaches zero, the card is done — you cannot reload it. These cards are cheaper to buy (sometimes $2 to $5) and are useful if you need a card for one specific purchase or one trip. They are less common now because reloadable cards have become cheaper and more convenient.

For most people, a reloadable card makes more sense. The higher upfront cost is worth it if you plan to use the card more than once. Single-use cards are only better if you genuinely need a card for a single transaction and will never use it again.

What happens after you buy the card

Once you have a prepaid card, you use it like a debit card. Swipe it, insert it, or tap it at a checkout. Online, enter the card number, expiration date, and security code just as you would for a credit card. The money comes directly from your prepaid balance, not from a bank account or a line of credit.

You can check your balance by logging into the card issuer's website or app, calling their customer service number, or checking at an ATM. Most cards let you set up automatic reload, so money is added to the card on a schedule you choose — for example, $50 every Friday. This is useful if you use the card regularly and do not want to run out of money.

If the card is lost or stolen, contact the issuer when ready using the phone number on your receipt or their website. Most prepaid cards protect you against unauthorized charges, similar to a credit card, but you need to report the loss quickly. Keep your receipt and any account statements so you have proof of what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card to build credit?

No. Prepaid cards do not report to credit bureaus, so using one does not help or hurt your credit score. The card issuer is not lending you money — you are spending your own money that you loaded onto the card. If you want to build credit, you need a credit card or a loan that the lender reports to the credit bureaus.

What if I lose the card or it gets stolen?

Contact the card issuer when ready using the number on your receipt or their website. Most prepaid cards protect you against unauthorized charges if you report the loss within a certain time frame, usually 30 to 60 days. You will need your receipt or account information to prove you owned the card. The issuer will cancel the old card and issue a replacement.

Can I use a prepaid card internationally?

Yes, if the card is a Visa or Mastercard, it works in most countries. However, you will pay foreign transaction fees, usually 1% to 3% of each purchase, plus ATM fees if you withdraw cash. Some prepaid cards are designed specifically for international travel and have lower foreign fees. Check the fee schedule before you buy if you plan to use the card abroad.

Do I need a bank account to buy a prepaid card?

No. You can buy a prepaid card with cash at any retail store. You do not need a bank account, credit card, or any prior financial relationship. This is one reason prepaid cards are useful for people who are unbanked or underbanked — they provide a way to store money and make purchases without a traditional bank account.

How long does a prepaid card last?

Prepaid cards have an expiration date printed on the front, usually 3 to 5 years from the date of issue. Before the card expires, the issuer will mail you a replacement card, or you can order one online. Any money remaining on the card transfers to the new card automatically. You do not lose your balance when the card expires.