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READYdebit® Card |
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Issued by MetaBank
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The READYdebit® Card is a prepaid debit card that is ideal for folks who want to slim down their spending or who would rather use plastic instead of cash. This prepaid debit card can mean a ton in savings when you consider the free services that come with the card.
The READYdebit® Card offers free signature transactions, free online customer service help, free automated phone support, and free cash loading options. You'll also get one free phone call to a customer service representative if you have trouble using your card. Plus, if you sign up for direct deposit, you'll automatically get free online bill pay, online check writing, and, because the READYdebit® Card is a prepaid debit card funded by your money, you won't incur any overdraft fees.
The Fees Associated with this Prepaid Debit Card
There are two plans to choose from with your READYdebit® Card. The Basic Plan charges an initial $9.95 fee for the card itself and a $4.95 monthly service fee. Charges for ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries are $2 and $0.50 respectively, and PIN transactions cost $0.95. Cardholders will also pay a $4 monthly fee for unlimited online bill payments.
The Select Plan charges an initial $9.95 fee for the card itself and charges a monthly service fee of $8.95. The fee amount for ATM withdrawals is lower at $1.50, and balance inquires are free. You'll also get free PIN transactions and the option to be issued an additional card for $10. If you have arranged to have your card funded by employer or government-issued direct deposits, the $4 per month online bill pay fee will be waived, and you'll be able to make unlimited online bill payments.
For both plans, there is a $5 fee for bank teller cash advances, a $2 paper statement fee, and a $2 fee for live customer service assistance beyond the free call that you'll be entitled to every month. If you lose your card additional card replacement fees apply.
Loading Your Prepaid Debit Card
There are a number of ways to load the READYdebit® Card, and there is no fee for loading the card. The direct-deposit option is good if you don't like to stand in long lines at the bank on payday or if you want to avoid check cashing fees. If you dont receive a traditional paycheck, you can load your card by buying a Green Dot MoneyPak®, give the cashier the amount you want deposited/loaded into your account, and have access to your money immediately. You'll also be able to load your card at retailers displaying the Visa ReadyLink symbol by simply giving the cashier the amount you want loaded.
Additional avenues for loading the card include bank ACH transfers (a check deposited electronically) from your checking or savings account or shared cash between your READYdebit® Card accounts if you have more than one.
You can't have more than $10,000 stored on your card. If you lose your card, you may still have access to your money, but you'll have to pay a $10 replacement fee to get another READYdebit® Card in your hands.
Is the READYdebit® Card the Prepaid Debit Card for You?
The READYdebit® Card is primarily designed to help you avoid overspending. If you deposit the amount that you'll need, there's very little chance that you'll go over the limit that you set. Although there are fees associated with both the basic and select plans, any signed transactions that ring up as credit at check-out won't only be fee-free, but will also be covered by Visa's Zero Liability™ Policy, so you'll be protected against fraudulent use of your READYdebit® Card.
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| Updated: June-12-09 |
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| Most Attractive Feature(s): Direct deposit, online bill pay service |
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| Least Attractive Feature(s): Fees to withdraw funds, monthly service fees. |
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| See website for additional benefits. |
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| Note: The review of this card was updated on June-12-09. The review is believed
to be accurate during the update, however, information posted may have changed since the update. We strongly suggest that you carefully
read the Terms and Conditions statement that accompanies the credit card application. |
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