Okay, so it’s not exactly new, but it hasn’t been around for a very long time. I got one of these when they first came out, mainly for making online purchases, since I didn’t want to use my regular debit or credit cards. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how cheap and easy it was to use.
The AMEX Bluebird card is a “checking and debit alternative”, which basically means it’s a prepaid debit card. Unlike a lot of other prepaid debit cards, though, these cards don’t have any monthly fees and you can load cash on them for free. Just go to any Walmart cash register to load money! You can also load checks made out to you with the Bluebird mobile app.
You can also have money direct deposited into your AMEX Bluebird card, and you can also get free checks with it as well. To use the checks, though, you’ll first have to register the check online and enter a registration number on the check.
If you have teenagers, you can also create sub-accounts with separate cards. This allows you to set limits and help manage their spending. Great for handing out allowances and money for chores!
There’s also now an option to start a “SetAside” account, which wasn’t available when I first got the card. This addition allows you to set aside money easily with one time or recurring transfers from your AMEX Bluebird account directly into your SetAside account. This is a great way to put away money for a rainy day or start adding to your emergency fund. You can’t you can’t spend directly from your SetAside Account, so you’re more likely to save the money for a longer period of time.
I really recommend these cards, especially if you do a lot of online shopping or have to manage your teenagers’ allowances! You don’t have to go through a credit check and it’s also completely free to use! To get started, you can buy a card at your local Walmart for $5, or you can register for a card for FREE online.
Not surprisingly, I’m recommending the free route. It really doesn’t take very long to get your card in the mail either.
