Credit Cards

AccountNow Prepaid Cards

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The Accountnow prepaid card is one of the oldest reloadable cards available today. I’ve covered the prepaid card space since 2007, and AccountNow was a popular option back then.

In this review, we’ll cover the features of this card and its fees. We’ll also compare it to other prepaid debit card options available today.

How the AccountNow Prepaid Cards Work

Money can be added to an AccountNow prepaid card in several ways. The easiest, most convenient, and least expensive way to add funds is through direct deposit. Your employer can have your paycheck transferred directly to your AccountNow card. You get access to your funds on payday, avoid the inconvenience and cost of check cashing stores, and don’t have to worry about carrying around a lot of cash. And because prepaid cards can be used at ATMs, you can get access to the cash immediately.

You can also add money to an AccountNow card at many local stores, including Walmart, CVS, Kroger, UPS, and more. These stores use cash networks such as Money Gram and Green Dot, which enable them to transfer cash to prepaid cards.

You can use the AccountNow prepaid card to buy products online, get gas, pay for rental cars, hotel stays or airline tickets, or buy stuff everywhere Debit Visa or MasterCard is accepted. Prepaid cards are more convenient than carrying cash and safer too with Visa’s Zero Liability or the MasterCard Zero Liability (check the AccountNow website for details) coverage that protects you from unauthorized purchases.

Like an ATM card, you can withdraw funds from your card at more than 1 million ATM locations. And like a bank debit card, you can avoid ATM fees by getting cash back at your local grocery store.

AccountNow Features

Billpay: You can pay bills from AccountNow’s website. You add your creditors’ information online. From there you can authorize AccountNow to pay bills directly from your prepaid card account.

Tax Refund: AccountNow’s direct deposit feature works with tax refunds, too. You can have your state and federal tax refunds transferred directly to your prepaid card.

Direct Deposit Bonus: You’ll earn a $15 bonus when you sign up for a direct deposit and have at least $500 transferred to the card in two consecutive months.

Refer-a-Friend: When you refer a friend to AccountNow and they get a card, you can earn $20 and your friend can earn $10.

AccountNow Fees

Fees on the AccountNow are high. The card charges a monthly fee of $9.95. There are also fees of at least $2.50 for ATM withdrawals. There are also fees for checking your balance at an ATM or requesting a paper statement.

While some of these fees can be avoided, the AccoutNow fees are the biggest downside to this prepaid card.

How Does the AccountNow Card Stack Up?

In terms of features, the AccountNow card is competitive. Its bill pay feature stands out as one example. There are cards, however, with more features.

For example, several prepaid cards offer high-interest savings accounts. There are also several cards that charge much lower fees. You can see a list of free and low-cost prepaid debit cards here.

Pros and Cons

  • Good Features

  • Tax Refund Option

  • Free Bill Pay


  • Fees

How to Apply for an AccountNow Prepaid Card

To apply for an AccountNow Prepaid Visa or MasterCard, simply visit the AccountNow website and complete a simple online application. Because these are prepaid cards, there is no credit check or Chexsystems review. Approval is guaranteed. And unlike secured credit cards, no deposit is required.

With direct deposit, there are no upfront fees and no monthly fee. At that price, AccountNow cards cost less than most banks, particularly when bank penalties and “convenience” fees are considered.

Rob Berger

Rob Berger

Rob Berger is the founder of Dough Roller and the Dough Roller Money Podcast. A former securities law attorney and Forbes deputy editor, Rob is the author of the book Retire Before Mom and Dad. He educates independent investors on his YouTube channel and at RobBerger.com.


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