Netspend review

No monthly charge applies. The listed monthly fee is $0, so the account costs nothing to keep open. The fees to watch are elsewhere: cash loads cost 0 to 3.95 USD per cash load each, depending on how you add money.

It is a prepaid card rather than a debit card tied to a bank account. The card runs on the visa network, so it is accepted anywhere Visa is taken. You load funds first, then spend them.

Yes, there is a rewards programme with a cashback rate of 10% on eligible spending. It is the clearest perk here, given that the monthly fee is $0 and the card itself carries no recurring charge.

Cash loads cost 0 to 3.95 USD per cash load, which varies by load method. That is the main cost to plan around. Because the card is prepaid, the balance is yours to spend but is not a bank deposit.

It holds a licence as an NMLS (licensed money transfer provider) in the US, and the operator is Netspend Corporation. The card is issued in the US, where the company is headquartered. It is not a bank.

Yes, a virtual card is available, so you can hold your details online and start using the account before any plastic card is posted to you. That is useful for setting up spending straight after loading funds.

It fits readers who want a prepaid spending card rather than a current account, including anyone who prefers to work from a fixed loaded balance. It suits US-based spending, since the card is issued there.

Support runs on email, phone and help centre, so you can use email, phone or the help centre. The card itself operates in the US, and the listed monthly fee of $0 keeps the account free to maintain.