The Best Prepaid Card for Walmart Shoppers

The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that lets you earn cash back and receive direct deposits early.

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Updated January 24, 2024
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Key takeaways

  • The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that offers rewards and cash back on purchases made at Walmart.
  • The prepaid card offers early direct deposit, overdraft protection, and online account management with no monthly fees.
  • Walmart shoppers can enjoy the benefits of electronic transactions and rewards without the risk of accruing credit card debt.

The Walmart MoneyCard is a great prepaid card for anyone who loves shopping at America’s favorite superstore. It offers cash back rewards on everyday goods, gas, and more. Who doesn’t love the idea of making some extra cash effortlessly?

With the Walmart MoneyCard, you have the opportunity to make an easy $75 while enjoying a range of fantastic benefits. Including overdraft protection, early direct deposit, and a high APY on your savings. It’s hard to find a prepaid card with so many perks.

Let’s go over all the Walmart MoneyCard to see if it’s a good choice for you.

What is the Walmart MoneyCard?

The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card issued by Green Dot Bank. You use it as you would a regular bank debit card but you don’t need a bank account to get it and it comes with a host of perks when you shop at Walmart.

You can use the Walmart MoneyCard anywhere Visa Debit or Debit Mastercard are accepted. Add money to it and you’re good to go.

Walmart’s prepaid debit card comes with a mobile app that makes it easy to manage your money. You can deposit checks or cash, monitor your balance, pay bills, transfer money, and more. It’s the perfect addition to a prepaid card.

My Favorite Prepaid Debit Card

I can do so many things with my Walmart debit card. Pay bills, no fee, transfered money, so many perks! Earning rewards is my favorite with my Walmart card. It is a great Debit Card.” M. Diane Sheer, Google Play Review

How to apply

Applying for a Walmart MoneyCard is straightforward. You can either sign up online or purchase a starter kit at a Walmart MoneyCenter. Either way, your card will be delivered to your home within two weeks. Activate it, and you can start using it immediately.

You do have to be over 18 to apply and will need to verify your identity using your Social Security Number and email or phone number. To access all the features of the card, it’s best to download the mobile app. 

How to add money

There are several ways you can add money for free:

  • Mobile check deposit via the MoneyCard app
  • Link your paycheck direct deposits to your account
  • Transfer money from existing bank account
  • Add cash at Walmart stores using the MoneyCard app
  • Cash your check at Walmart stores and add the cash to your account, not available at all locations

You can also deposit cash at other reload locations for a fee of up to $5.95.

Why choose the Walmart MoneyCard?

Get rewarded for your everyday purchases

One of the perks of the Walmart MoneyCard is the rewards program. Cardholders earn:

3% at Walmart.com

2% at Walmart fuel station

1% at Walmart stores

You can earn cash back on Walmart purchases up to $75 per year!

This means you’re earning money every time you shop at Walmart and use your Walmart MoneyCard. Imagine earning money back just for buying the things you need!

Want to bank without fees or credit checks?

Enter Chime! All the benefits of a bank without all the fees.

Early direct deposit

Waiting for payday can feel like an eternity, especially when you have bills to pay and expenses to cover. With the Walmart MoneyCard, you can say goodbye to those long waiting periods and hello to an early paycheck. 

Set up direct deposit and you can access your paycheck up to two days before your coworkers who use traditional bank accounts. Benefits can arrive up to 4 days early.

Imagine having your hard-earned money in your hands sooner! The Walmart Money Card ensures you receive your money promptly. It’s a convenient and efficient way to manage your finances and take control of your cash flow.

Highly Recommend

“This is the easiest, most convenient and it doesn’t cost money to send money and pay bills. Early direct deposit for my monthly income. I’ve been banking with Walmart Money Card for almost 5 years. I’ve never had a problem that they couldn’t fix promptly for free. I HIGHLY recommend this card or Banking system. When I call which is rarely, they’re always so nice and polite and take care of my needs PROMPTLY and kindly. And I want to say, I’m not being paid to write this Review. Thank You 💖 Lisa Powell, Google Play Review

Overdraft protection

Nobody likes the feeling of accidentally overspending and facing a declined transaction or dreaded overdraft fees. The Walmart MoneyCard offers peace of mind with its overdraft protection of up to $200.

Overdraft protection works by covering the difference if you happen to spend more money than you have on your card. Instead of facing hefty fees or a declined transaction, the Walmart MoneyCard will step in and prevent your account from going into the negative. This way you don’t overspend and incur unnecessary fees.

No monthly fees

When it comes to managing your finances, every penny counts. Walmart knows this so does not charge a fee for their MoneyCard if you had direct deposits of $500+ the previous month. If not, it does charge a monthly fee of $5.94. This is a rare find in the world of prepaid cards and makes it an economical choice for budget-friendly Walmart shoppers.

The Walmart MoneyCard does come with a few fees: 

  • Card opening fee: $1
  • Maximum balance: $10,000
  • ATM withdrawal fee: $2.50 per withdrawal, plus ATM operator fee
  • ATM balance inquiry fee: $0.50
  • Withdraw cash at Walmart MoneyCenters: $0
  • Cash reload fee: $0 at Walmart, up to $5,95 at other retailers
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3%

I Approve!

“I’ve been using Walmart money card for years now. And because I’ve always had direct deposit so I’ve rarely ever had to pay a monthly fee. Not being able to have a regular bank account, this works just a well since there is an account and routing number. I have overdraft protection up to 200 dollars because of how much my direct deposits are weekly. I also shop a lot at Walmart so I can get little bits of money back on all purchases I make at Wal-Mart. Overall this is a good fit for me. Thanks” Donelle Smith, Google Play Review

2% APY on savings

Saving money is always a smart financial move, and the Walmart MoneyCard makes it easy to save with a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) of 2%. In comparison, most big banks offer a measly 0.46% APY.

Here’s how it works: Any money you save on your Walmart MoneyCard will earn you interest at a rate of 2% APY. That means if you have $1,000 in savings, at the end of the year, you’ll earn $20 in interest. That’s money you didn’t have to work for—it’s money that grows on its own. 

The catch here is, you’ll only earn a 2% APY on the first $1,000 in your account. If you don’t have another savings account, that certainly is better than nothing.

Accounts for your family

Managing the finances of your entire family can be a challenging task. However, the Walmart MoneyCard makes it easier by offering the option to set up accounts for up to 4 family members. Members do have to be approved and over the age of 13. 

The feature is a great way to teach your kids about money management. You can track their spending in real-time, easily transfer money between accounts, help them budget, and teach them how to save. All in one convenient platform.

Additionally, by having all family members’ accounts in one place, you can streamline your family’s finances. Whether it’s for budgeting, tracking expenses, or transferring funds between family members, the Walmart MoneyCard provides a convenient and efficient solution.

Pros and cons of the Walmart MoneyCard

The Walmart Money Card, a reloadable prepaid debit card, offers a variety of features and benefits, but also has some drawbacks. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons:

Pros

1. No credit check: The Walmart Money Card does not require a credit check, making it accessible to individuals with poor or no credit history.

2. Direct deposit: Cardholders can set up direct deposit for their paychecks or government benefits, often receiving funds up to two days earlier than traditional banks.

3. Cash-back rewards: Earn 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% at Walmart stores.

4. Walmart benefits: Exclusive savings and offers at Walmart stores and online.

5. Money management tools: The card comes with an app that provides budgeting tools, account alerts, and the ability to track spending.

6. Bill pay services: Pay bills online directly from your card account.

7. Free cash reloads: Reload cash at Walmart locations for free.

8. Fraud protection: Zero liability protection against unauthorized transactions.

Cons

1. Fees: Monthly fee unless certain conditions are met, such as direct deposits totaling $500 or more per month. ATM withdrawal fees, unless using a MoneyPass ATM. Fees for card replacement, check deposit, and other services.

2. Reloading costs: While cash reloads at Walmart are free, reloading at other locations can incur a fee.

3. Limited interest: Funds do not earn interest, unlike some savings accounts.

4. Withdrawal limits: Daily cash withdrawal limits, which might be inconvenient for some users.

5. No overdraft: Unlike traditional checking accounts, there is no overdraft protection, which can be a limitation for some users.

The Walmart Money Card can be a convenient and rewarding option for individuals looking for a prepaid debit card with no credit check and direct deposit benefits. However, users should be aware of the associated fees and limitations. It’s a good choice for those who frequently shop at Walmart and can meet the conditions to avoid monthly fees.

Who is the Walmart MoneyCard best for?

The Walmart MoneyCard is a solid option for frequent Walmart shoppers. You earn cash back rewards up to 3% on items you’re going to purchase anyway.

It’s ideal if you have a low credit score or a spotty bank record and have a hard time opening a traditional bank account. The Walmart MoneyCard does not conduct a credit check and has low to no fees making it more accessible.

Lastly, parents seeking to teach their kids financial responsibility may also benefit from the Walmart MoneyCard’s family accounts.

Bottom line

The Walmart MoneyCard is more than just a prepaid debit card. It offers a wide range of features that make it an ideal choice for Walmart shoppers looking to earn cash back and save money. With the Walmart MoneyCard, users can earn 3% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com, 2% cash back at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back at Walmart stores. This makes it a great option for frequent Walmart customers who want to maximize their savings.

In addition to cash-back rewards, the Walmart MoneyCard also provides a suite of money management tools, including a mobile app for budgeting, account alerts, and spending tracking. Users can set up direct deposits to receive their paychecks or government benefits up to two days earlier than with traditional banks. The card also offers bill pay services, making it easy to manage and pay bills directly from the card account.

Moreover, the Walmart MoneyCard comes with free cash reloads at Walmart locations, fraud protection, and no credit check requirement, making it accessible to individuals with poor or no credit history. Whether you’re looking to earn cash-back rewards, save money, or manage your finances more effectively, the Walmart MoneyCard might just be the financial ally you’re looking for.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.
3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.
4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.
5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC
6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.
7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.
8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.
9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.
10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.
11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.
12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.
13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.
29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.
31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.
35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.
36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.
37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.
* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.