What Is Netspend – And How To Use It?

Are you one of those asking what is Netspend and how to use it? Do you intend to know what Netspend card is? If your answer to those questions is Yes, then you are in the right place at the right time. This article is meant to address all you are searching for about Netspend and its uses. 

I guess you have come across Netspend or you might have seen people using or talking about it but you haven’t come to terms with what it is and everything that it is about. Worry no more! I understand that there is always a first time to everything hence I have put this article together to teach and inform you about the A-Z of Netspend. It promises to be very enlightening but before anything else, let’s look at What is Netspend?

What Is Netspend?

 

Netspend is a financial institution that serves as a modern alternative to traditional banking services and allows users to manage their finances without having a regular bank account.

Netspend does this through the provision of prepaid Mastercard and Visa debit cards. It was founded in 1999 by Global Company and has over the years gained popularity and a wide user base.

It currently has over 5 million active accounts. Haven understood what is Netspend and that it is majorly concerned with the issuance of debit cards, let’s now go into the detail Of the card. 

What Is Netspend Card And What Is It Used For?

 

Netspend debit card is just like your regular bank ATM card in shape and function.  It is used to make purchases, receive money, pay bills, and cash checks as well as withdraw money from support ATMs.

When you get a Netspend card, you can manage your card by creating a card account on the Netspend website or mobile application. Note that a Netspend card is not a credit card but a debit card through which you use the pre-loaded funds to make payments for goods and services. 

The Netspend card is reloadable hence when the fund loaded into it is used up or exhausted, you can search for the nearest reload location and get your card reloaded. However, to avoid the risk of totally running out of funds before reloading, you should always check your Netspend balance before embarking on any transaction. Find out the different ways of checking your Netspend balance here. 

Nevertheless, the next thing after knowing what is Netspend and what is Netspend card as well as what it is used for is how to get the netspend card. The next paragraph will teach you how to get your Netspend card. 

How Do I Get A Netspend Card?

 

Now that you understand what is Netspend, I guess you are interested in getting a Netspend card for yourself. Read carefully as I take you through how you can order one and get it delivered to you.

Through email: The first step to getting a Netspend Netspend card is to fill out a request form online. While filling out the form, you will be required to read every piece of information associated with owning a Netspend card such as the privacy policy, cardholder agreement and you will have to select a deposit option. You will also have the option of customizing your card with an image of your choice but at a fee. After doing these, the card will be sent to you via email.

From Retailers: another way to get your netspend card is by purchasing from partner retailers. Netspend has partner retailers all over the US and these retailers also do the work of reloading your Netspend card. So go to any reload locations and buy a Netspend card for yourself. 

How Long Does It Take To Receive My Netspend Card Via Mail?

 

After requesting your Netspend card, you will wait for a short period of between 7 to 10 business days to get your card delivered to your mail. So while waiting, do well to always check your email. 

How Much Does A NetSpend Card Cost?

 

When you fill out a form for a Netspend card online, you would not be required to make any payment but if you want to buy from a retailer, it costs an average of $3.95. Note that you may be required to make some payments in the course of usage like the Netspend reload fee, ATM fee, over-the-counter withdrawal fee, and many more. 

How To Open A Netspend Card Account

 

I earlier noted that you have to open a netspend card account to help you monitor your card usage. However, this must come after you have understood What is Netspend. So let’s see how it is done. 

• Login to www.Netspend.com
• Provide your Name, physical address, email address, and date of birth
• Click on the sign up at the bottom.

How Does Netspend Work – How To Use A Netspend Card?

 

Believe me that it is of no use knowing what is Netspend without asking how it is used. The work of Netspend is quite an easy one. you start by creating an online account as explained above, request a card, get the card activated, and start using it. 

To use your Netspend card, at the ATM or any location for withdrawal or making payments do the following. Insert the card into the machine, input your PIN type in the amount you want to withdraw or pay and the fund will be debited from your card. 

Is Netspend Safe To Use?

 

I know you are now keen on knowing if Netspend is safe. That question is commendable because being aware of what is Netspend is not enough if the safety of your fund is not guaranteed. So to answer that question, I will say YES, Netspend is safe to use.

Netspend cards are insured by the FDIC which guarantees the safety of your funds. However, you have a role to play in keeping your fund secure by not disclosing your PIN to anyone. 

Does Netspend Charge A Monthly Fee?

 

Netspend has various charges such as the Pay-as-you-go plan and the monthly plan. For the former, there is no monthly fee but the charges will be deducted after every transaction. And you will be charged a $1.50 fee for PIN and signature transactions. However, for the latter, you pay a monthly fee of $9.95. But if you receive payroll checks or government benefits of at least $500 monthly, the fees can be reduced to $5 monthly. 

Furthermore, you will be charged for reloading, ATM withdrawal, and a fee of $5.95 if you did not use the card for any transaction for 90 days. 

How To Use Netspend And Receive Payment

 

We established earlier that one of the uses of Netspend is for receiving payment and it is good to get informed about that process after knowing what is Netspend.

So let’s go into the details. There are several ways to receive money on your Netspend. The most common way is through Direct Deposit. However, others include: 

• requesting payment from your family or friends who are Netspend users. They will do this by using your flashpay ID to send you the money. 
• Sending from Bank account
• Receiving from your Paypal account
• Receiving from your Western Union account. 

Any money that is sent to you through these channels will reflect in your Netspend card. 

How Does Netspend Work For Transfer?

 

NetSpend can also be used to transfer money to other channels like your bank account. Although this process is not official.

Currently, it accepts transfers to Paypal and Western Union. So you can make transfers to your Paypal account after linking it to your Netspend and thereafter to your bank account. The same applies to the Western Union. 

Summary

 

So far, this guide has been able to answer the question of What Is Netspend and how is it used? I told you that it is an organization that issues reloadable prepaid debit cards.

I also showed you how to set up a card account and how to get a card. We delved quickly into how it is used for transfer and to receive money. I hope you have learned something new from this elaborate article.