Best for reloads: Chase Liquid Card
Chase
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Chase’s prepaid card gives you free access to over 16,000 Chase ATMs in 26 states, and over 11,500 of those ATMs accept cash and checks for deposit free of charge. In contrast, many prepaid debit cards rely on networks involving retail stores that generally charge a fee for reloads. But the Chase Liquid must be opened at a Chase branch, available only in 23 states, and the monthly fee is hard to waive.
General fees and features: $4.95 monthly fee that’s only waived if you have a Chase Premier Plus Checking or other high-end account; no costs for activation or inactivity; “soft” credit check may occur
Purchases: No fees
ATM withdrawals: Free at Chase ATMs; $2.50 at other ATMs, plus any ATM operator fees
Reload methods: Direct deposit, bank transfer, Chase ATMs that accept cash or checks, Chase’s mobile check deposit
Other services : Free online bill pay and free money transfers via Chase QuickPay that take minutes to other Chase customers and other banks. For any banks that don’t accept real-time payments, delivery can take days.
Downsides: The Chase Liquid must be opened at a Chase branch, which isn’t available in every state; the card doesn’t let you add cash at retailers; and there’s no separate savings account