netSpend - the story of the Visa debit card we did not apply for

That's icky. Thanks for sharing your experience, Xin!

Linsey Knerl

That was fairly common about 15 years ago.

This is shocking to me. I wonder about people who are not financially savy. It would be easy to get a teenager or someone without a lot of experience to start putting money onto a card. And what if a criminal used your good name to order things even if it was their money on the card.

I'd be pretty ticked off too. The worst thing that's happened to me is that a couple of store cards (like the Sears card I got to get a discount on my appliances) have converted into Visa or Mastercard without any notice. If I wanted another Visa, I'd get one, thanks. I refuse to use them, or even activate them.

i got one of these in the mail last week and sent it promptly through the shredder. i didn't even read it, because i knew i didn't apply for a card. but particularly concerning, aside from it not even being a temporary card, was that it had my name printed on it, and i know that many times, a credit card can be used as a 2nd form of ID.

I've actually gotten a couple of these in the mail in the last year.

...the shredder makes this lovely noise when it grinds unsolicited cards up...

I thought it might be interesting to offer a different perspective on this.
I've used a netspend card for a few years now. As one of the "working poor" with no bank account and a fall from financial grace it was a decent option to keeping and carrying large sums of cash around after payday.It is a "prepaid" card, like a "prepaid" phone, they've been decent about putting money back on it when an atm machine ran out of cash but still clamped a hold on a sum. My financial situation has improved a great deal, I'm actually somewhat secure but I refuse to get a bank account as I'm pretty disgusted with the whole banking issue. I have friends and relatives who watch large chunks of their paychecks go for overdraft "fees" etc. I'm careful with my money and this card makes me think before I use it. I don't know why they sent you a free one as they usually charge for these things unless you have had one for a while. I'm guessing it was a promotion, and I think you may have been too quick to assume they had your personal info., but I can understand your irritation.
At any rate that's my experience.

I thought it was illegal to send an actual credit card... they used to do it, and then some sort of law was passed to restrict it. You might consider an FTC complaint.

Like the poster above, I also use a prepaid debit card(not a netspend card).

I like the fact that it pulls from an account that is tied to it, as opposed to being a true "credit" card or being tied to my bank account. I'm not convinced the same FTC regulations that apply to credit cards would apply here.

With that said, it is a little shady that a name-imprinted card would be mailed out unrequested. Although it doesn't tie into any bank or credit cards, it could make identity theft a little easier.

Until 1975, when the Fair Credit Billing Act banned the practice, it was quite common for banks to send unsolicited credit cards. They did huge mass-mailings to people who weren't even customers, just buying mailing lists and sending cards to everybody. It was a big hassle for people with good credit, who had to cut up each card and send it back with a letter canceling it. Other people just threw them in the trash (and then claimed never to have received it when some thief used the card to run up big charges).

Probably a stored-value card (or debit card that isn't linked to any account) doesn't meet the definition in the act, so it's legal to send. (Stupid, though.)

I'm so glad I just read that the rest of you guys received an unsolicited card from netspend too. I just got one today and freaked out because like others stated, it looks and is a real 'credit' card. I called them and they confirmed it was like a pre-approval/offer of the use of their card and not their real one. I also asked them to permanently delete my name and the pre-approved account number from their database, and also not to share my name/address with any of their subs or affiliates. This is a horrible marketing practice, and I will never in my life use them.

I also received a fraudulent card from Netspend, and was so upset that I filed an official complaint with the Federal Reserve Consumer agency. This agency oversees complaints against financial institutions such as Netspend.

I would urge everyone who received such an unsolicited Visa card from Netspend to file a complaint against them in order to stop this type of marketing practice, which can lead to and encourage identity theft.

Complaints can be filed online or via phone at:

http://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/FormComplaint.cfm

1-888-851-1920

I also received a fraudulent card from Netspend, and was so upset that I filed an official complaint with the Federal Reserve Consumer agency. This agency oversees complaints against financial institutions such as Netspend.

I would urge everyone who received such an unsolicited Visa card from Netspend to file a complaint against them in order to stop this type of marketing practice, which can lead to and encourage identity theft.

Complaints can be filed online or via phone at:

http://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/FormComplaint.cfm

1-888-851-1920

Hello,

We also received the unsolicited NetSpend credit card today (5/30). Thank you for sharing about your experience. We have already shredded the card and have thrown the papers away!

Unbelievable! It is the wild west out there- anything goes apparently!

I've received those "pre-approved" credit cards in the past. Usually I cut them up, shred the documents, and throw it away. However, one of these cards was once sent to a previous address of mine, and the new tenants of that apartment activated the card in my name and used it. Luckily, the company tracked down my new phone number and called me to confirm my activation.

These things are a bad idea. I haven't received any in a few years.

They used to send unsolicited credits cards to consumers all the time. It's nothing new.

I had one of these come in the mail last week but not for me but for someone who hadn't lived at this address in over 3 years! I promptly sent through the shredder.

My sister just received a credit card like that yesterday. She was puzzled because she didn't apply for the credit card. The attached letter said that it has 0%APR and 5% Cash Back. After showing me she shredded it right away. It seemed too good to be true.

Although it does seem strange when you think about it from a business pov it makes logical sense to attempt to get new customers by that extra push. People love to spend and when you offer them something like a debit card many people will deem it as free money or at least a new convenience to deposit into. Its a cheap ploy but it does work. For me i hate this tactic (it happened to me with a LOC credit card that i did not order).

Kelly
Stock Coupons - (incl. Questrade Coupons, Promotional Codes, Offers, Reviews)

I believe if you opt out of credit offers via the Federal Trade Commission (full info on their site) you will not receive such offers.

Also, sending CREDIT cards is illegal according to the federal Truth in Lending Act, but for some reason debit cards and "advanced fee" cards are OK. I did find this article from 2007 with some explanation. It still doesn't seem right!

I received a netspend card in the mail and was cusious so I started using it. I LOVE it. I switched my bank account over completely and I use it for everything. I signed up for the flat fee and never have to think about it.

If you don't want it, throw it away. BIG DEAL! people need to stop complaining about stuff that doesn't matter.

a card just came in the mail for me today and i just opened it.i was a little suspicious and wanted to know where it came from because there was no name on the envelope. i was looking at prepaid cards before so i might have stumbled across the site before but i didn't fill anything out because you never know who might scam you, but anyway i was about to active it not thinking, then the thought popped up in my head to search the internet and see if anybody else got this card and to see if it was a scam too. i guess it is so i'm going to trash this card and post it up on myspace and tell people not to use it. im so glad i didn't active it lol.

I received one of these cards today, and have tried to cancel the card over the phone. However, when I call the number, there is no option to speak to a live person, and I can't go through the activation process (assumedly to cancel it) without typing in the card number, which I am afraid with automatically activate it. Those who have canceled the card - how did you speak with a live person?

This isn't as bad as sending people (esp. the elders) a $10 check with the tiny fine print that reads: by cashing the check, you are enrolled to x program that costs ONLY $6.99 a monthly fee.

I just filed the following complaint to the fed:

I received a Visa debit card in the mail. Since I recently opened a new bank account. I thought it was from my bank.

I called the number on the card for activation. The voice response system started to ask me more and more personal information such as DoB and SSN. I became suspicious and requested a service rep. I asked what this card was for, he told me that this was sent to me at the request of one of their "partners." But he could not identify the partner by name.

I strong feel that the practice is deceiving and consumers are coerced to provide sensitive information under a false pretense. It is a dishonest marketing tactic, and can easily be used as a fraud for identity theft.

I hereby request you to stop this company (Netspend) from continuing this practice and make it illegal to send a unsolicited debit or credit card to consumers.

when the VRU asks you about SSN, put in a random number or just select no SSN.

I got to a live person by selecting "billing issues" on their automated system. Then I talked to the person. They did ask for the card number, though.

I received the unsolicited netSpend pre-paid debit card today as well. While pre-paid debit cards do have a place in today's economy, the netSpend card rates very poorly when it comes to the fees and the cost of loading this card. To load money onto this card (at least in my area) requires using either the MoneyGram Service, or Western Union service. The fee for loading up to $200 using the MoneyGram service is $12. Their fee schedule didn't go any higher so they couldn't tell me the fee to load, for example, $500 on to the card.

I prefer to use the pre-paid debit cards for my online bill payments and online shopping. By loading only the amount needed to cover payments or purchases, I can easily limit my liability from excess charges, and shady online retailers who may try to tack-on membership fees, etc. More importantly, I can mitigate any loss from the theft of my card number, and I protect my bank and credit card accounts by not using them online.

Walmart offers a "load-as-you-go" pre-paid debit card, and the loading fees are far less than the netSpend card. And, many of the retail chain pharmacies sell the "GreenDot" reload cards at a flat rate, regardless of the amount you want to load onto your card. When you purchase a GreenDot or Walmart reload card, your money is instantly loaded onto your card at the time of purchase. No delays, no waiting!

The netSpend card is free to receive, but the exscessive load fees make it a poor choice for the consumer. If you need (or want) to use pre-paid, Walmart or GreenDot are the best value by far!

I hope this helps explain the Pre-Paid consumer market!

i received a netspend card today, but the weird thing it is in my pets name not mine. i do not know where netspend could have found my pets name to begin with, apparently my pet his ID stolen. LOL

anyway, before calling the number on the card to find out about it and to cancel it i did a search to find more info and this forum.

i guess i will shred the card. i have no use for a pre-paid card.

cheers

NetSpend is a prepaid card, not a credit card. There's no credit involved, and it works pretty much like the Visa gift cards you can buy at the store but has your name on it and is reusable so you can give the number to your cellphone company, etc. Yes there are fees, but it's impossible to overdraft so is appropriate for people that live paycheck to paycheck. I have one that I use occasionally, and there's only fees when I use it. How many of you can say that your "free" checking account is really free? If you don't want the card, throw it in the trash. It's worthless unless you load money onto it.

Xin Lu, if your goal is to give objective helpful advice to people that need it, leave out the vitriol. Also consider the fact that your blog is ad supported, and that many of the ads are credit related.

Austin

Hello all,

I, too, received an unsolicited netSpend debit card in the mail today, with my name already on it, an exp. date and everything. It made me totally furious! How in the world did they get my information??? So, I did a Google search on this company and came across numerous consumer complaints (too many to count) from their customers, and numerous complaints from people like us, who have received a very sneaky unsolicited card. In my research, I have found out who sold our information to this "netSpend" company.

Ready?

CAPITAL ONE!!!! While doing research, I found that Capital One bought netSpend. Since the only major credit card I currently have is through Capital One, and I use the very secure PayPal when I buy things online, I put two and two together. Hmmmmmm...coincidence??? I think not.

So, if any of you have previously applied for a Capital One card, previously had a Capital One credit card, or currently have a Capital One credit card, I suggest for you to research Capital One's connection to this netSpend company. And then, perhaps, let Capital One know you are on to them and aren't playing into their scam.

I just received the netspend card pre-paid and after reading all the complaints I put it through the shredder, and you are right, it does make a funny noise when it goes through.LOL But I will keep my greendot card.

Just "randomly" sending you a card is not cool. Someone somewhere got a huge mailing list, sounds like.

As for Netspend itself, I've had a Mastercard branded Netspend card (issued via Inter National Bank in McAllen Tx, one of Netspend's two bank partners) for almost 7 years now and I absolutely love it. I pay the 10 bucks a month for unlimited use. Worth it to me. It's even cheaper if you pay by the year. Used to have an (UGH) BofA account and I spent more than that alone on a basic checking account.. and don't get me started on their overdraft fees. No thank you. It's actually cheaper for me now. You can't get overdrawn since it's a debit card. Loading the card at the local check cashing place costs $2 per $100 loaded.. which I rarely have to do, since direct deposit is free. A lot of the local convenience stores offer Netspend loading too, for the same price. Transfers between cardholders are also free, as is checking your balance when done thru their web page. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Netspend's optional free text and email notifications. I have unlimited msgs on my cell plan and every time I use my card somewhere, I get a text message on my cell phone literally within seconds telling me how much money I spent, where it was spent, and how much money I have left. That feature alone is priceless.

Considering I refuse to pay outrageous fees and interest to the big banks and credit card companies, Netspend is a perfect solution for me. YMMV. No, I don't work for them.

I also received a netSpend Visa Debit Card in the mail and had never applied for it. Hesitant of such mailings and knowing that years have gone by since credit card companies were allowed to mail unsolicated cards to consumers, I did read through the information to figure out why this had been sent to me. I feel that this type of marketing is going against the nature of the consumer protection and advertising laws but usually they are just skirting around a legal point.

To Guest #31.

If you read my post then you will see that I did say that it is a Visa debit card, and even the post title says so. I said that you had to load money onto it. I just did not like the fact that it was sent to us unsolicited as if we applied for the account. So I don't see how this is misinformation. If you read the comments it seems that a lot of other people experienced this, too.

My husband just received this card in the mail today. This kind of thing makes me upset. I hope they didn't run our credit or anything. We are trying to buy a house right now and the last thing we need is any negative credit in a time when it is hard enough to keep our credit in good standing.

Hi Angry Mom,

I think your suspicions about Capital One is correct. My husband had a Capital One card that he hasn't used for years, and then they automatically closed the account. Shortly afterwards he received this netSpend card. It is possible that Capital One still wants to milk some money out of him. That is the only credit card we did not share. We both have cards from Citi and Chase and I did not receive a netSpend card.

I got one of this card today .I have never heard of this place.And I don't trust any body that will send you a card with you asking for it.

I would kill to know how I was placed on their mailing list...I participate in a lot of rebates and prepaid cards are becoming the norm for that game, so when I received it I assumed it was for a rebate I had filed for...I called the toll free number but as with most scams, there is really no option to talk to a real person (unless disputing charges etc.); now why do you think that is?...Perhaps they feel they would receive many calls from irate people who did not request this card?...I'm glad there are people who find this useful, and I have no problem with those that request it......but for those of us that DID NOT request or want to be included in this junk mail, I hate wasting the energy to put this card through a shredder

I agree that it could make identity theft a little easier, and how the hell wants to do that?! They also wanted my S.S. number!!!!!!! That makes identity theft A LOT MORE EASIER!!!! Itold the rep., thanbks but no thanks, and the rep., wouldn't give me her S.S.? I would why? LMAO

I also received one of these cards unsolicited in the mail. I did not apply for this card; but I did apply for and use a Western Union debit card. I needed a card that would be safe to travel outside of the country; but still have access at any ATM. As long as you use these cards sensibly, they seem to do the job they are intended for. You can't load thousands of dollars onto them, so you don't have to worry about over-spending or loosing a ton of money if they are mis-placed. BTW, the fees charged are well below any interest rate charged for using a credit card! I don't defend the fact that the cards are sent out unsolicited; but I do defend the need to utilize their services, which are sensible and reasonable.

I received a card from Netspend. It was sent to an old address, which fortunately, happened to be my parents house. Although, I haven't lived there for 8 years.

I was appalled and upset, especially considering it's a company I have no relationship with. Not that it would be better if it was my bank or a credit card company I'm with, but at least I could understand that.

I received one of these cards in the mail today and my mouth dropped! I knew I didn't apply for anything because I already know about the fees these so called "pre-paid debit cards" are charging people. Some one really needs to do something about this company! How dare you put my name on this crap and I didn't ask for it. The funny thing about this is the card looks so legit! Its a real VISA debit card. These people should be shot!!!

Are you guys kidding? This kind of thing happens all the time, especially to college students. It is not at all uncommon and, as is the case with all cards sent unsolicited through the mail, nothing happens with them until they are activated. I do not think this is some huge deal that actually calls for comments like "In conclusion, this is probably the most distasteful customer acquisition tactic I have ever seen because it really made us feel a bit violated." Violated? Seriously, my boss at work touching me inappropriately would "violate" me. You people throw around such words as if they have no strong meaning attached to them. Sure this is annoying and it makes you get up and find a pair of scissors to cut up a card (oh my god - getting off my American lazy ass? Oh no!)...but you people are ridiculous.

I have also had for a Netspend account for years and have no complaints. In fact, I will never go back to regular banks. My direct deposit gets posted to my account earlier than it did with my "regular" bank. There have been no overdraft fees that cost me so much money with my old bank. Netspend may not be for everyone, but I love it.

I have had Netspend for years now, they have always been wonderful to deal with. We could have a "regular" bank account, but why....I hate banks! Netspend also has amazing savings account interest, better than any bank out there! We have never had ANY trouble...I think the original post was a little bit over the edge.....calm down and enjoy life! They are actually the best prepaid service we've ever seen. Well...that's all.

You guys are so ridiculous. NetSpend is the best option for those "underbanked" people like me! and it's great!
They don't even do a credit check because they know that poor people like me is having a hard time getting a bank account! so you people shut up!

(fyi)card waiting for activation and stolen card are two diiferent things.

A NetSpend debit card was mailed to our home the other day. But it was addressed to my 14 year old daughter!!! Luckily she showed it to me before she could activate it. Is it legal for debit and/or credit cards to be sent to minors? On Monday I plan on calling the CEO of the company (Dan Henry) and giving him a piece of my mind. I also plan on filing a complaint with the Federal Reserve Consumer Agency.

My 12-year old "niece" was playing a game at stardoll.com today and ended up being signed-up for a NetSpend Visa Prepaid Debit Card. She *now* knows not to give ANYONE any personal information but no attempt was made to ascertain her age during her session. Her mother is filing a complaint.

I am annoyed that such solicitations could stem from children's amusements. Having read all these earlier comments, I find we are dealing with parasites despite the occasional positive report. They should be limited to ethical business practices, as should all banks as well!

ugg! thanks for the post, i was wondering if i was getting alzheimers or if there was something fishy. i got one of these cards today too, and my wife was upset with me over it! netspend will definitely not get our business. how cheap

I am not surprised at all, knowing where America's moral is these days, especially the financial sector.

Most of us here are not exactly the target of NetSpend. They just cannot sort us out of a bunch of financial morons & delinquents out there.

My guess is this company would be around for a while bugging us and causing all kinds of hassles to innocent people and eventually disappear just like any other financial diseases.

This is just a promotional card. I came across this board because an as-of-recently-no-longer-homeless guy told me that he had them for many years, and they offer 5% on savings, and I wanted to research it further. NetSpend is good for some people but not all. If I had gotten this card, it would be shredded. I get airline cards with my name on it and trash them. They are simply promotional items trying to entice you to activate the card.

It got your attention. It must be working. Now get over it!

Thank you Kelly for you useable advise on prepaid cards. I just received an unsolicited netSpend card in mail. The bank fees are unreasonable and so are the netSpend fees. I do online shopping and I send money to "young" relatives in other states via prepaid cards but stopped because of the fees...I will check out the WalMart and the GreenDot prepaid cards you mentioned.
Thank you again for useable information.
:-D

Wow, this has to be one of the most pointless articles I have ever read.

What exactly is the point behind this article?

First off, many cards and notices about accounts we don't want are sent out to people every single day. Blame it on a society where getting an email address or a street address is as easy as hitting a phone book or looking into records.

You do not have to ask for something in our society to have it shoved at you.

Is it distasteful? maybe, but the majority of ppl who also didn't want this card, probably didn't activate it, cut it up, and moved on with their life.

I doubt they wrote articles about how "distasteful" and "offended" they are.

I applaud your sense of social justice but get real, what century are you living in?

Anyone who joins a program now in days without reading the fine print, deserves wha they get.

The greendo cards? Are you kidding me? The fees are more outlandish.

You do need to understand your fees and what is going to make sense for you. For example, if I reload at the walmart gas station near me? 2.00, speedway down the street? 5.00? See the difference?

Honestly, the fact that ppl are on here actually freaking out about "unsocilited" cards and "outlandish" fees, ebcause they were too stupid to read the fine print or to live realastically?

How about this lesson, be smart enough to know how to hold your own, if you aren't a lawyer, start thinking like one, and good luck with those green dot cards, they're pieces of trash and will cost you more to load each time than my netspend card will cost me.

Although I appreciate that some people will seize any opportunity to write that lazy Americans should get-off-their-asses and cut up the unsolicited cards, they miss the point. I am tired of being sent stuff I didn't request and having to take time to deal with the issues.

I received a card yesterday with someone else's name on it. Knowing NOTHING about this company, I spent some time trying to decide if 1) I needed to return the card to its rightful owner, 2) run a credit check on every member of my family to see if our identities had been stolen and/or 3) make up the guest bedroom for the stranger who is apparently preparing to move in with us.

Fortunately, I found this site and now know that I can shred the card since it was just another meaningless piece of junk sent by a financial "services" company, with no product to sell and lots of greedy little piggy-people feeding at its trough. Maybe, if it cost more to send this junk out, netSpend would target their potential market more thoughtfully.

I, like many others, received an unrequested NetSpend Visa in today's mail. I called to inquire about why I received this card without my consent and spent 15 minutes going back-and-forth in their automated call center hell.
My hope is that they'll be out of business relatively soon.

The point of this article is to inform others since it seems like a lot of other people were confused and upset that they received an unrequested REAL debit card. I get fake credit cards from companies all the time, but they are obviously fake and it is not a big deal. This card had an unique number and is almost ready for use. So I would say that there is a difference between this "promotion" and other spam.

when they give you options on the phone, just push any button or do the "stay on the line and someone will assist you" option.
even if its the wrong dept. they can transfer you.

Net Spend is just another snail mail spammer. Any company useing this marketing stratagy creates a negative impact. They get my Deceptycon award for the month. Net Spend will not be using this mail advertisement practice in the near future.

This was the best post, because it instructed people on how to fight back (i.e. notify the Federal Reserve Consumer of Netspends hoax via http://www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/FormComplaint.cfm)...thanks.

HI
I am considering direct deposit for our netspend card, beginning next payday. So, you haven't had any problems? I have loved my netspend card so far, which has been about 3 months now----
How long did it take for your direct deposit to get started and how much sooner is your paycheck on there than other employees? Thanks!

Today we received a "Netspend" card, and in fact it has our address on it and another persons name. I'd stay away from this comapny as thier data looks pretty unsecure to me by this action. Oh, and I tried calling to cancel it....no option on the automated system. It sends you to the web page, where again, there is not option to cancel without activating it first. I'm suprised VISA is supporting this type of mischief......

Dan in Phx

I received a NetSpend credit/debit card in the mail. It has the correct address but the wrong name. since I only have 3 neighbors I knew it was not a card they applied for and had a simple typo on the street number. I called NetSpend and after 2 1/2 hrs and several disconnects got nowhere. I called the FTC to report them, they now have the information. They suggested that I call the credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on my account, which I did. They also suggested that I call my banks to alert them, which I did. I have now wasted over 1/2 day just to hopefully make sure that my credit is not destroyed and my bank accounts cleaned out.
I highly recommend that others report this company as well to protect your credit and maybe close this unscrupulous company down!!

The Netspend card is a financial tool, like a checking, or savings account. If someone has had financial difficulty in the past, tools like Netspend or any sort of Debit-Transaction Card is a good choice. Many persons coming through bankruptcy are now finding this a significant alternative. My wife and I both have these types of cards that we use as alternatives to writing checks, or putting something on a credit card where the interest will start accumulating quickly. It has helped to discipline the "buy it now pay it later" American brainwashing to a more "is this really necessary or can we save up for it". Besides that, Netspend is the processor for private branded cards from others such as Capital One so.....

I believe these cards being sent out to people is a good thing because you can't use it unless you activate it and add funds, and you can't spend over what you have deposited! So whats the problem? Why would they activate your card to get they're own money out? Basically they overcharge on a few minor things, like the 50 cent phone call to check your account but still not a bad deal for someone with credit problems and who likes to buy things online! I say good for them!

i've recievd one yesterday..im in HS thus my mom yelled at me saying i dnt even work how come i applied for this which i never did!! i was stunnd...i still have the card but im not gonna activate it...thanks for ur xperience tho it helpd me cuz i ddnt kno wut to do at first w/ the card!

I just got out of the hospital Saturday for major surgery, and a Net Spend VISA debit card with my name on it was one of the pieces of mail waiting for me. It was puzzling and disturbing. I thought that my boss had signed up the company for this - faster way to get our paychecks to us. But why? So I Googled "NetSpend", and found Xin Lu's informative story about the unsolicited card her spouse received. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am shredding the information, and the card.

just want to jump in here and say that i totally agree with this letter due to the econmy we cannot get a bank account and am watching my family deal with large over draft charges etc. i have never had a problem with netspend and hope never to we have been with the company for many years

I received a Netspend card today and after 37 minutes on the phone, their best answer was that they don't know who gave them my information, let alone the fact that they had my maiden name... So much for the FTC opt out procedures... If they don't reply to my email inquiry requesting to know who provided them with my information, I will be filing an FTC complaint - this is a horrible marketing practice!

LOL I would keep it and brag that your credit is so good they send your pets credit and debit cards.

I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. It's a pre-pay debit card. If you doint want it don't use it. They most likely got your address from one of thoes marketing things. Since you are filling complants are you sending them in on all the "pre approved" credit you recive. Please give me a break you have too much time on your hands.

Love it and have one too!!!!!!!!!

Allow me to say that this company needs to be stopped! We loaded $1,113 dollars on our card so we could purchase airline ticket for my son in law who was in Germany to urgently fly back to state as his new wife my daughter had been attacked stabbed 8 times and in critical condition and this company blocked the card so we could not access our money or get access online as we got message contact customer service which cost us 50 cents each call only to be placed on hold then transferred back to automated system and charge again 50 cents. I was outraged as my daughter lay dying this company was trying to steal our money and what I found so strange was that we could not purchase anything with card yet NETSPEND COULD GET THEIR CHARGES FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!! AFTER ALL NIGHT OF fighting to speak with a manager we finally got to speak with one who lied and told us hold was being lifted but it was not.The next morning I began to call them until I got a hold of another manager who did get hold lifted BUT BEFORE WE COULD FINISH BOOKING FLIGHT THE BLOCK WAS BACK ON! EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS COMPANY NO MATTER HOW SMALL CONTACT BETTER BUISNESS AND FILE COMPLAINTS. ANS AS OF RIGHT NOW WE STILL CANT USE THIS CARD OR GET OUR MONEY BACK AND AS IF ALL MY FAMILY HAS BEEN THREW IN THE LAST 48HRS WE STILL HAVE NOT GOT MY DAUGHTERS HUSBAND HERE TO WE PRAY THAT WE GET HIM HERE IN TIME

Well, its obviously not a hoax... the cards are real and the company provides a real debit card service. I have to agree with the majority here, that their method of expanding the customer base is tactless and somewhat unscrupulous. Probably the most notable fact in this thread is that with the exception of this last post from Guest 76, all of the actual netspend customers who posted seem content with the service, despite the fact that they are undoubtedly paying higher fees than those charged by some of the other prepaid debit providers. Many people can benefit from this type of service, but it is certainly wise to check out the other options before deciding to sign up.

OMG, I'm so sorry for what you are going through Guest 76. First I really hope that your daughter will be okay and I hope you get your money soon and find a better financial company.

I want to thank the "guest" for replying positively for NetSpend accounts. And I do see the concern for private information getting into the wrong hands. It happens all the time when Bank and Mortgage Companies wanting to refinance your loans contact you without solicitation. That information is easily uncovered by public record.
My solution to that is easy, get on the "Opt-Out" list and the "Do Not Call" list provided by the Credit Bureaus. It protects your personal information from being sold and stops unsolicited mail.

There are hundreds of companies offering these prepaid cards and we use one as well. Most Banks won't open an account if you've had problems in the past. Not being "financially savvy" I think a 'cash card' with no overdraft ability nor charges for such is an excellent idea for those of us who now live paycheck to paycheck and closely monitoring our money. They send us an email EACH TIME a draft is made on the same day it drafted, Not a monthly list to reconcile. I am disgusted with the current banking industry and predatory mortgage lending as well. NetSpend is not a free service, but saves us money in the long run.

The NetSpend account offers those of us who fell from "financial grace" a way to now pay our bills immediately and promptly online even using automatic draft rebuilding our credit. We can also obtain money orders and make utility payments at the "branch" where we bought our card. We currently have no credit cards, no car payments, and plan to keep it that way, but we do have major debt from an 8 month job loss last year.Which we are paying off as we can.

NetSpend offers no waiting for a check to clear, minimal additional fees compared to $30 an overdraft or $10 to cover a deposit from another account at the bank. These things happen to good people,especially nowadays.

NetSpend has been a blessing for us and is helping us get back on our feet without "borrowing from Peter to pay Paul." We love the service so far.

I am so sorry for your horrible situation and hope that you are able to resolve it immediately. The I'd think about not only reporting them but possibly contacting an attorney who may help you.

I am wondering at the possibility some of these unsolicited cards are actually coming from another scammer or business using the same name. I have never had customer service charge for a phone call, and only had a hold from a hotel not removed immediately, but it was removed after contacting the hotel who had placed the hold in the first place as a mistake on their part. After your crises has improved, I would take a look through any paperwork you may have on your card, and if nothing was sent to you I would definately call an attorney or even just the police?

Prayers for your daughter to be well.
Sincerely, Susan

This may seem ok to you but some things need to be taken into consideration:

1. If this company requires so much information (Government ID, SSN) to apply for the card yourself, how did this company know this information about you without your applying?

2. If, as they allege, they received the information from other "partners and financial institutions," which of them SOLD your information?

Yes, it sounds fabulous, but no one should ever accept an unsolicited offer to gather their personal information. In the end, when your identity is stolen and your money starts to disappear, the company will tell the FTC that they did not steal your information. You offered it to them voluntarily.

I called the customer service number on this card. The reps were clearly not American. I am not being racist, but understand this: if the company is not based in America, then American laws do not apply. What stops this company from "free-fall fee application?" In short, what laws protect you abroad from their own rules? NONE. None. Plainly put: no FDIC protection means no protection at all. Not a good idea if you have your paycheck direct deposited to a card that may just cease to exist one day. Protect yourself. Only invest your capital when you wish to, not when someone else who purchased your information randomly offers to.

I just got this card in the mail and came right to the web to do research, figuring it was a scam (which it is). Strangely though, about 2 weeks ago, someone (online) also gained access to one of my legitimate credit cards and charged around $350.00 on it (which my credit card company did NOT make me pay). I wonder if the two are connected...In any case, thanks for your information about this card...it helped me to figure out what I was dealing with...

I've read the comments by some other people on here and would like to respond.

#1- You are lucky to be in a position to have the financial freedom to turn something like this down.

#2- We are also the "working poor" and have had an account with this company for 5+ years. Never once have we had any problems. They have EXCELLENT customer service and we are so happy with our experience.

We could go out and get a regular bank account but they charge OUTRAGEOUS fees for everything. That "free" checking account you have isn't actually free. Whenever (if ever) you overdraft you get charged a $37.00 fee for each transaction or everyday your account is overdrawn. When I overdraft (if I ever do) I get charged NOTHING! If the money isn't there, it isn't there. Your bank allows charges to go through even if there is no money in your account to cover it. My "bank" (yes, it is a real bank) doesn't allow that.

I may be part of what you feel is a lower class, but my grasp on money and how to manage it has evolved greatly since we were given a chance by this company.

It's understandable that you would be upset by an unsolicited card, but you shouldn't go around blasting a company that is doing great things for others.

And yes, your information was sold to that company. That's the only way they could have gotten it. Don't be mad at them....get mad at the people who sold the info.

I just got a card in the mail. Thanks for sharing your story, I went online to find out what this Visa is all about.

I don't understand why you were sent this card without applying but there would be no threat of your money being taken. This is a pre-paid card and you would first have to load it with your own funds. I have one of these cards and it has been the BEST thing that has come out. It gives me the convenience of using a debit card without the risk of going in debt. Also it frees me from having to use a bank. I do not trust the practices of banks and I feel they set people up for overdrafts in order to hit them with penalties.

Capital One never acquired NetSpend. There seems to be an awful lot of misinformation with regard to this, so here's a link to an Austin Business Journal article on the subject:

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2007/11/19/daily9.html

For what it's worth, there's no harm in being cautious upon receiving any unsolicited offers in the mail. But you might want to stop short of hysteria in the future.

NetSpend sent my 15 year old an "un-solicitated" credit card. The only thing required was to activate it. It only takes one crook to steal your idenditity, and at 15 years old that can stick with you for a very long time. I think this company is a SCAM! Don't do it.

Margot B, the link you posted said Capital One acquired a minor interest in the company and they are on NetSpend's board of directors. It's not a full purchase but obviously the two companies have ties. A minor interest in acquisitions could mean up to 49% of the company.

One came in the mail this week for my daughter who is not even 18 yet!

I too have had a netspend visa and mastercard for many years. I had a visa/debit card with Bank of America for a very long time; I continously experienced over draft fees by bank error; so the fees were always refunded but I stayed on the phone a lot with the bank. The netspend I pay a fee every month for having the account. Direct Deposit is free and I check my balance from the internet for free. They also have a text balance check for free. I used my cards for online purchases and should I have a problem withmy purchase they have always backed me up with immediate refunds and representing my interest to the opposing company. They do have their moments but when you bring it to their attention they will correct it.

Just got a netspend debut card today and I reacted as you did, and I will not be activating it, it bothered me that my name was on the card. I am reporting them.

I think you are over reacting. Look, its a PRE-PAID a plastic card. It has NOTHING to do with your credit or stealing money from you. It cant. The only way to use this card is to call and put money on it. Its a great Idea. People gives these out as gift cards for Christmas gifts all the time. If you dont want it throw it away or give it to someone who has bad credit ans can get a card. Now days you have to have a card for reservations, tow trucks ect. It gives the credit unfortunate the same possibilities as everyone else. It was merly an advertisement that was sent to you.

Ive had a netspend card for 3 years, its fine. Its pre-paid, each time you spend it or add money, it builds up credit for you. You have to read more about it and talk to the people at Netspend. Its been fantastic for me.

Ive had to use a netspend card for about a year now. I can't get a checking account right yet because I am going through a divorce and my husband ran up rubber checks and before i knew it the account was closed and sent off to collections. But anyways, I haven't had that much of a problem with netspend. The only issues that i don't agree with and wish would be changed (but i know they won't because it's all about the money) is they charge you a fee to put money on your card. I don't agree with that. It's your card and your money why should you be charged to add money to it. Then you get charged a fee each month. As soon as my situtation gets better I will be going through a regular bank and will close out my netspend.

IVE BEEN WITH NETSPEND FOR OVER 3 YRS, I OPENED IT TO USE FOR ONLINE PURCHASES. I RUINED MY CREDIT DUE TO A VERY BAD DIVORCE CASE. IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE, 2-5 DOLLARS TO RELOAD, 1 TO USE, OUCH!!! BUT MY DAUGHTER LIVES 200 MILES FROM ME AND IM A TRUCK DRIVER (48 STATES) AND I GOT HER ONE AND SO I CAN TRANSFER $ ONTO HER CARD, AT NO COST, BUT THEN SHE GETS HIT WITH 1 CHARGES FOR HER PURCHASES. WALMART HAS COME OUT WITH THE SAME SCAM. BUT PEOPLE WITH BAD CREDIT, ( AND THE LIST IS GROWING HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE ) THE GOOD THING IS YOU CANT OVER-DRAFT AND CANT BE HIT WITH BANKS O-D FEES (35-39 A POP) AND THE IDENITY THEFT ISSUE DOES NOT EFFECT ME BECAUSE I LOAD MONEY AND THEN USE IT ALMOST IMEDIATLY

If you want to stop getting things like these then you need to stop surfing the internet! Or change your ways... I know exactly where mine came from because I use my nickname when I surf the internet instead of using my birth given name and guess what name this "Unsolicited" card came in.... no go ahead take a guess; yes my nick name. Which probably explains the person who's dog got one. She probably signed up for some free coupons for pet products and gave the dogs name. If you wanna figure out what's junk comming from the internet surfing most computer using Americans do, try using a different first name or last name and when the junk mail in that name arrives in your post box, you'll know... TRASH IT. Additionally watch out for those "ONLINE SURVEY's" they'll get ya every time. Those are mailing list builders from beginning to end.

PS Sorry for the poor english.. country girl is my first language, english is my second.

i actually work for a company that sells netspend cards and they're not half bad. i get them for free, since we sell them, but i have purchased them for other people. netspend cards are the alternative to individuals who hate banks and have less than perfect credit. they offer free direct deposit and free withdrawals when you have direct deposit and they also offer a savings account with a 5% interest rate, thats better than any bank out there. there are no overdraft fees and if you plan on using the card alot, you can sign up for a 9.95 a month plan to swipe as many times as you want. you can load up to $10,000 on a card and they can be used internationally. the only bad thing about them is their customer service line. it is virtually impossible for customers to speak to a live representative, but if you visit an authorized netspend location the associates there have a different number and can get you connected.

and for everyone who has received a netspend card and doesn't want it, just shred it. don't activate it and get on with your lives. these cards are not credit cards, there is no credit check, and they will not help or ruin your credit. they ask for your personal information when you activate it, to make sure its a match. if your ssn and your dl number dont match, they wont allow you to use it. oh and also, minors can't get cards. the people who received these cards were probably just on a mailing list and you received the card just like you would receive any other type of junk mail so get over it.

i practically wrote a book here, but i just had to respond to the many misconceptions about netspend cards. i think the author of the post should have done more investigating with actual netspend retailers instead of just going by what was read online.

hi i realize that your post is almost a month old, but i wanted to answer you just in case you hadn't signed up for direct deposit yet. the direct deposit takes about 2 payperiods to go into effect and once you have direct deposit you will receive your check 2 to 3 days earlier. If you signed up for the wireless alerts, you will receive a notification when your direct deposit has posted to your account. i hope this helps.

i was applying for a car loan a few months back online i i think ive been scammed. now ive recieved this netspend card with my name on it and i am really nervous. i am ony 18 and i am fearing to be a victim of identity theft. ive recieved the card about two months ago. today i tried to make a purchase online but my bank account of 600 is gone. i am going to get my statement and check in with the credit bereau. if i am a victim, i will request for a new ssn. i feel violated and this netspend company aggitated me soooo bad. any advice on furth action? -wes thanks

This card has nothing to do with your credit. How hard is it to realize that? They don't check your credit and since you can't be late with any payments it doesn't effect your credit score. You can not use this card without putting any money on it. Also no matter if they do send it and someone else happens to receive it, they will get a rude awakening because they will be asked to send in proper ID before the card can be used.
All you have to do it go to their homepage and READ. It's pretty simple to understand. Want a low cost solution to pay bills/shop online, pay bills or even just not spend what you don't have. (the reason this country is so far into debt) then this is the solution.
Our family has been part of the netspend family for years. We get our tax refunds online, direct deposit our paychecks, pay bills online and off. We've never had an iota of a problem.
Customer service can be shaky but where isn't it these days. AT&T had barely speaking english reps answering their phones should I call them scammers? They also hassle me for different services every time I call. Should I blow that off just because they were doing it over the phone? Should I be reporting them to the feds? Nope because they didn't do anything wrong. It's not a legal card until you activate it and you can't activate it without proper ID and Proper funds.
I may be poor but I am not stupid. While everyone else is paying the bank checking fees and credit cards are charging everyone interest and bloated rates, mine never change and I only spend what I put into it. I can't go into debt because it's my choice not to.
To the woman with the daughter in the hospital. I'm sorry your daughter is in the hospital but this isn't the place. Take it to them and solve it. They charge .50 per balance request. (which is cheaper than inquiring at the local atm. They do not charge for customer service.

NetSpend Prepaid Debit Cards are issued by Inter National Bank or MetaBank, members FDIC. (Please see back of card for your issuing bank.) NetSpend is an authorized Independent Sales Organization ("ISO") of Inter National Bank and MetaBank. Subject to funds availability. Transaction fees, terms and conditions apply. All trademarks, service marks and registered marks are the properties of their respective owners.

All-Access Savings Accounts are issued by Inter National Bank, member FDIC. Interest is calculated on the average daily balance of your All-Access Savings Account and paid quarterly. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of July 16, 2008. No minimum balance is necessary to open the account or obtain the yield. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. This is a promotional rate. Rates are subject to change without notice.

*Approval of accounts are based on the ability of NetSpend to verify personal information provided. The USA PATRIOT Act is a Federal law that requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. You may also be asked to provide documentation and proof of identification. “100% Approved” is contingent upon successfully passing this mandatory identification confirmation.

hey i got one 2 thats so weird lol. im 12.

I, too, received a card in the mail without even having ever heard of Netspend. Of course, when I call them, there is no way to actually speak to a representative without agreeing to their terms. How can I reach a human being at this place without saying yes to terms I don't agree with??

I too have been targeted by this Net Spend company; allow me to explain:

I opened my email account today and noticed two consecutive email messages from this Netspend company, who until just now, had never even heard of.

The first message (which I almost just reported as spam, and probably should have) had something in the title "like 'regarding your new account... etc".

When I opened the email it said that my new Net Spend card that I'd ordered (!?), had been accidentally sent to the wrong address... and would I please phone their toll-free 800 number to verify my correct address!!

The second email from them said.. "no, sorry, it was a mistake and that everything with my new debit card was 'just fine' and said I didn't need to call them after-all, and to please disregard the previous notice".

I thought about the tactic they are trying to use here, and it became very apparent just how unscrupulous these people must be. First, they have me thinking that I've ordered a card that I hadn't, that they've sent said card to the wrong address, with me being responsible for this card that someone would be able to use and I might end up in deep trouble for... etc etc.. Then they write again to assure me that YES, it's ok, the card is being successfully delivered !???

This has got to be one of the most underhanded, low-down SCAMS that any company can possibly "legally" get away with. I, for one, am appalled.

You people are absolute idiots. It's a freaking mailing list with millions of names on it. Those lists aren't perfect, nor will they ever be.

The cards you got are just dead pieces of plastic until you activate it or add funds to it. They don't have any special information about you--nor do they need it to print a card. All they need is your name and address. Printing your name on a dead piece of plastic is no different than printing your name on a piece of paper. Get over yourself!

The reason everyone's freaking out is b/c you're misinformed. Do your research before you start making acquisations and idle threat about "reporting." Listening to some idiot blogger that doesn't know jack about the prepaid industry, laws or regulations or how direct marketing works is ridiculous. Big companies have lawyers and regulators that are required to keep them in compliance with all applicable laws. Ths company is no different.

You're all a bunch of mindless drones with nothing better to do but get your panties in a wad over something that doesn't even matter. Pathetic, really.

NETSPEND HAS JUST RECENTLY STARTED THIS PATHETIC MARKETING PLOY. THEY ARE LOSING CUSTOMER IN DROVES FROM TERRIBLE CUTOMER SERVICE AND TO WALMART WHO RECENTLY CAME OUT WITH SAME TYPE OF CARD. I HAVE BEEN WITH THIS COMPANY FOR 3 YEARS WITHOUT MANY PROBLEMS UNTILL RECENTLY. A COMPANY CHARGED MY ACCT 35.00 AFTER I USED THE CARD WITH THEM 8-9 TIMES CHARGING 1.00, FIRST I CALLED NETSPEND TO DISPUTE THE CHARGE. I WAS TOLD BY A PLEASANT INDIAN GENTLEMAN TO NOT WORRY THE MONEY WOULD BE IN MY ACCT IN 6-7 DAYS. I THOUGHT THIS WAS WONDERFULL, UNTIL I CHECKED AND FOUND OUT THAT I HAD TO DOWNLOAD A DISPUTE FORM AND FAX IT TO NETSPEND. 2 WEEKS LATER I RECEIVED A LETTER ASKING ME TO FAX THE SAME INFO TO NETSPEND. I CALLED AND WAS TOLD IF I WANTED TO ATTEMPT, YES ATTEMPT TO GET A REFUND I HAD TO SEND THEM THE INFO AGIN. I DONT HAVE A FAX AND SPENT 4 DOLLARS ON THE FIRST FAX AND DONT SEE THE VALUE OF PLAYING GAMES WITH NETSPEND. I JUST BOUGHT A WALMART CARD FOR MY ONLINE PURCHASES, AND TO TRANSFER MONEY TO MY DAUGHTER, WHEN SHE NEEDS MONEY IN AN EMERGECY. ps

The person who originally wrote this post is obviously someone with nothing else to write about, and she also cannot read. First of all, this is not a credit card. It is a prepaid debit card. It is a great alternative to a bank account, which can charge you fees that you do not know about until after you receive your statement, which only charges against what you put on the card, which is a great way to track money. Think of it as an American Express card for those of us who cannot get one. The fact that VISA is printed on it does not make it a visa credit card. It is simply a debit card, and to get all upset over something that only deducts from what you actually put on it, is really a waste of time. Prepaid debit cards are a great way to go, you either use or don't, you keep or throw out. Netspend is written up in Wikipedia as a great alternative source of managing your money. On Wikipedia: NetSpend’s stated goal is to provide consumers who lack established credit or banking relationships with the security, flexibility and convenience typically associated with debit and credit cards.
It was launched by two brothers who came to the US from Mexico, and with an initial investment of $750, they created netspend to help people in the subprime market. In other words, for people who usually have to deal with the indignity of subprime fees and costs, this is a fair alternative. I can only assume the person who wrote this article has never been there, but that is no reason to be ignorant about the rest of the population.

also, I suppose the person who wrote this article would rather get a "credit" card, which will charge you an initiation fee, a monthly fee, an over the limit fee, and an annual fee, as opposed to a pure debit card, which can only possibly deduct what you put on there. duh... netspend is a wise alternative to credit

Connie, perhaps you should learn to read. I specifically said it was a debit card even in the title. I have several credit cards, and none of them had an initiation fee or monthly fee. It depends on what type of credit cards you get. Yes, there are overlimit fees, but you can avoid that by not spending over limit.

Almost since the invention of the internet, there have been programs that identify your ip address when you open a website and from that, everything about you can be determined: name, address, phone number, etc. etc. Companies trade such information and it's not illegal since it was gotten by YOU visiting THEM. It is how a majority of former telephone marketting companies now do business.
You don't want unsolicited offers of debit cards, cable TV, life insurance or anything else? The answer is simple.
Get off the computer and stay off and conduct all your financial affairs in cash. Just applying for telephone service and or a bank account opens you up to intrusions from both the business community and the government. (Read the fine print of your contract with the local phone company or bank if you doubt this.) Your personal information is not secure in this day and age unless you live in total isolation.
You got a piece of plastic in the mail that is absolutely worthless unless YOU do something first. The account doesn't exist until YOU make it exist. Did it cost you anything? No.

This company is horrible. My 16 y/o daughter was in Apollo Beach Florida and was sent emergency cash to get home to Fort Walton Beach (450 Miles away). The clerk at the Western Union desk inside Winn Dixie offered the money on the NetSpend card. It never worked, my daughter got stranded with no working cell phone 1/3 of the way home in the middle of nowhere. It almost cost her life. This company needs to be locked up. They are crooks. There is no customer service, only automated machines that don't even address anything. Their toll free number doesn't even work in Florida. The web is loaded with case after case. I've written Winn Dixie and told them point blank I'm a longtime customer but I'll never shop there again untill I know they no longer carry this card. That's how strong I feel about it.

Think about it. The only time anyone ever gets money sent Western Union, It's pretty well an emergency. The last thing anyone should ever do is get a Netspend card instead of cash. This almost turned out tragic for this family.

Gary Workman

I'm now using my NetSpend account as my primary bank. I left E-Trade due to them dinging my account with 2 NSF fees even though I was able to prove I had funds available at the time. They wouldn't back down, so I left them!

I find it incredible that some of you call NetSpend fraudulent just because they sent you an unsolicited prepaid card. If you don't want it, don't activate and then cut it in half. End of subject. You won't have an actual account set up until you actually activate it, so chill out!

What a bunch of frail little flowers we've become if we're getting freaked out over receiving a debit card in the mail.

For the record, I've had ZERO problems with NetSpend but I've had plenty of problems with other banks!

Tim Flowers
Greensboro NC

If you people don't knock it off. I think most of you people are all on drugs, acting way to paranoid. What about the little guy who cant get an account...

I recieved one, deposited money ,activated it, and have been using it without any hidden fees! They even send me free emails from my account if there is a purchase or withdrawels to my cell phone! I can easily put money into my account when I go to Murphies outside of Walmart and they only charge you 1.95 fee for the service! I love it! Gary

They charge you to deposit money? That sounds like a ripoff

I bought into the idea of a pre-paid card for our daughter whom is in college, thinking this would be a cheap way of sending her money. What a joke, when someone got ahold of her information and charged $272.92 at a online Target. NOTE: Net Spend is not like a regular bank, if someone gets ahold of your information and fraudulently uses your card you are screwed. It has been 4 months we have filed the dispute, sent in everything they required, and note they posted funds back to her account but have not sent a new card so she could obtain her money. We have jumped through all their hoops and are still getting a run around.Not a wise option if you like your money.

has anyone transferred from paypal to netspend ? just wondering how long it usually takes, i transferred a few days ago and it says cleared thru paypal but it hasnt cleared netspend. is there usually a certain day/time it clears or just random ?

Firstly, I have no problem with a company trying to put their name out there and trying to succeed in today's economy.

But...

I have never used any cards other than my bank issued debit card and my school's Higher One card for financial aid refunds.
About a month ago, I signed up for my first credit card (yay) which happened to be a Discover card for college students. And then today in the mail I get this NetSpend card. After reading everyone's responses I will most definitely cut up this card and dispose of all evidence, lol.

The point of my story is that I think the problem with NetSpend's tactics is that in a day and age where identity theft is such a huge issue, the company is not being sensitive to people's need for privacy. Undoubtedly Discover sold my information to NetSpend and I think the credit card companies are to blame.

Recieved one of these today and quickly called the company to see why I am recieving this card that I didn't apply for! I get an automated voicmail that has nothing to do with NetSpend! Has this horrible company been shut down? I sure hope so!

Don't go to a moneygram location to load your card, they're a ripoff based on outrageous Western Union fees. Murphy Gas in front of any Walmart will charge you 1.96 for any amount. My direct deposits are in my account 3-4 banking days earlier than my regular bank account, figure that one out. I, too, was fed up over the regular bank's manipulation of my deposits and clearing of transactions so that they could make money off of fees. I was part of a class action lawsuit against a major bank that we won because of their unscupulous practices. I pay a flat 9.99 fee monthly and use it unlimited. I can transfer money to my hubby's acct. when he is on the road for free from a computer or by using my cellphone w/text message. It is hard to figure out how to talk to a real person but it can be done.

I got one in the mail today. A bit perplexed I called them to ask them why I was receiving the card. I had used one in the past maybe 6 years ago but hated spending the money to add money. So I call the only number provided and it's the activation number. I don't enter the card acct # and try to get a live person. "Your hold time is 3 minutes" A guy by the name of "Ron" with an accent answers and asks for the account number. I ask him why I got it in the first place. I don't recall the answer but he continued with: "so anyways the card is inactive..." "But why are you wasting pap..." I was cut off. He threw me back into the main menu. So I called back and this this time the hold is going to be 5 minutes. Eleven minutes later and angry, I hang up. I don't know what else to think about the whole matter. It's all a bit shocking because a lot of weird little things have been happening ever since I signed up with one of those identity protection sites. Maybe I'm just paranoid. Shouldn't I be?

I could not agree more! I also have a NetSpend card, for which I paid $10 when I opened the account five years ago. My husband's check is direct deposited into the account, and our money is safe for shopping, atms, whatever. Of course, there are fees, but not nearly what a bank charges. We no longer use banks, this is our only account. Yes, NetSpend charges 50 cents to call for a balance check, but if you register online, you can access your account anytime for free. If you have a cell phone, they will notify you when the funds have been deposited. We could not live without this card, it has been a Godsend and has saved us hundreds of dollars in bank fees. You don't want it? Throw it away. No one can use it until funds are loaded on it, so what are you complaining about?

Same story here - opened the mail to find a credit card that we didn't apply for. And since we didn't apply for it I wonder if Netspend violated any laws requesting or extending credit, pre-paid or otherwise. There are laws: Business can't run credit reports on you without a legitimate business purpose. And since we didn't request this, no type of contractual agreement - who is unauthorized 3rd party to assume I want anything to do with them, let alone peek at my credit and lower my score?

Bottom line, we thought we were being scammed or worse, identity theft when this card arrived in the mail. I wonder how many people are taken advantage of by this company. One things for sure, I have absolutely NO confidence in their ethics or business practices. We won't be using them for anything other than the shredder once the Atty General gets his copy.

Just received an unsolicited debit card from netspend and immdiately cut it up after reading your experience. That's the best thing to do- cut it up and throw it away... Thanks.

I recieved one of these netspend cards in the mail, while waiting on a walmart money card. At first i thought it was the same card and activated then realized the fees on this card were out of this world. I cant figure how they got my information and not to happy with it either while the moneycard only charges $3.00 a month for use this netspend has a fee everytime you use it. Beware of this evil card.

Im only 15 and received this card today. I was gonna activate it but i did some research on it. So many complaints and thingys so i was like forget it. Throw this card away.

I have had a netspend card for awhile now. yes i sought it out. This is a debit card and not credit card. It is the same as those prepaid visas you can get at a 7-11. It has no value unless you add money. It is not tapped into your bank or credit information. I have yet to have a problem with card yet and I use it all the time to pay for items on ebay. To put money on the card it costs me $2.00. That is less than your average atm fee at atm other than your normal bank. I cannot understand this panic you people are feeling. It seems the mob mentality is kicking in.

Thank u for your story I just received this card in the mail today which I never applied for & was thinking about activating it before I read ur story. So once again AGAIN!!!

I received a netSpend card too and I was wondering why they sent it. I was expecting a debit card from Office Depot for a rebate and I thought maybe this was the card. However, when I called the toll free number to register the card and it got to the point where it asked for my social security number, I screeched to a halt. Was I crazy? What was I doing? I immediately hung up the phone. Who are these people and what do they want? Is this legal what they are doing and why do they need the social? They ask for the birthdate, SSN and they already have the address. What more do they need to steal your ID? To the shredder it goes.

I find it odd that you were sent a card. Did someone sign you up as prank? I wouldn't feel so FIRE ALARM about it though.
For the last 6 months I have been very pleased with my Netspend Prepaid Visa. My friend has a Rush/BabyPhat Prepaid and he loves it. I pay $10 per month and no other fees. His has a cap at $10 per month for fees. The online services with Netspend have improved greatly. Customer service good. Rush/Baby Phat Card reports to Credit Bureaus. I earn 5% APY on Netspend Savings Account. We crashed all credit cards and even closed our bank accounts and are much happier and more self managed with the pp cards. I would actually like to invest in RUSHA which is at $12 a share currently.http://www.google.com/finance?client=ob&q=NASDAQ:RUSHA We think pp cards will be a permanent change for many people like us. We are no longer brainwashed to think we must have a regular bank account. We see no reason to have a bank account. Or investments are elsewhere. We are 54 and 55 yrs old.I have a suggestion for your writing.. I know having ONCE lived on the west coast for a few years the word 'hate' or 'I hate" is part of the vernacular. In fact pele thre seem to define themselves by wha the HATe far more oftn than the positive. How about 'dislike' or "do not prefer' instead?
Also how about doing a report on people/families that make less income than you as a story and see how they are weathering the economic situation these days.
All the Best from Chicago.

outdated and of no relation to Rush Communications which is a PRIVATE not Public Company. Rush Communication/Rush PrePaid Visa Cards. Misinfomation on that. Thank you.

I used Netspend for 2 months now! I had many problems with them but they never gave me an answer!
On August 20, they hold $100 when I loaded $100 into my card. I checked online I saw the balance is $100 but the available balance is $0.00. I called them, they said they're holding for some transaction that I never made. I could do nothing but waited. A week later they released $100 for me so I was very happy. Then on Sept 3, I loaded $200 more and then the receipt showed that I only had $100 available, they held $100 one more time. I dont know why they'd do that because I'll spend everything I load in next 15' ( I deposit to my online poker account ), how could I overdraft if it's a pre-paid card?
From now on, I dont use it anymore. I wait until I get my $100 back then I get rid of it. Please do not put money on to the netspend card.
Thanks for reading!

I have received both netspend and Bank Freedom both prepaid cards While netspend charges fees Bank Freedom does not except for a couple at .50 fees. The best thing is that the money routing number is exactly the same. [the netspend and Bank Freedom]
I have used the Walmart money card and have a lot of trouble and you know that when the manager of store tells you that he would not have anything to do with them that there is something to be desired . I am thinking that in fact I know I am going to transfer all the money to one of the above for the the Banking system is getting way out of hand and if people are complaining about these cards they should really start to look into the Banking procedures for they are the ones that ripping people off. They are the ones that should be put into bankruptcy but they would not be for people are to stupid to really check into their practices that is why more and more people are going into these cards. With these cards you know exactly how much money you have and how to or for what to spend.

I also received this card today. I was upset and worried thinking that someone stole my identity. You have to be able to sign the document in order for them to post the card under your name. But the thing is, I never signed it. Credit card, debit card or prepaid card u have to sign an agreement with your signaure. So they are frauds and scammers. Somehow they found out about my information. I called the police and they said "did u call the number on the back of the card?" And I said yes. the line is dead though. And she says that you have to make a complaint to the police. Either come down your self or have them come to your house. I am so doing that. It's a fraud.

So you were bothered? BFD. Stop whining, they didn't 'violate' you in any way.

I'm so sick of this society where everyone feels they have somehow been violated. Please, get some skin and suck it up.

Geezus.

We are getting ready to file Bankruptcy...we have a few judgements that had garnished our bank accounts (we are both unemployed, our bank accounts are now closed.

We had a Capital One card also...I would bet this card would be another way for the collectors to get to us. Give us the card so we put money on it, so they can take it. I have a feeling it was a collector that set us up with the card..

My brother just received a netspend card. After reading this helpful information he going to shred the card.

I too have a Netspend account, that I didn"t ask for...but LOVE! The bank I previously had my checks direct deposited to, was constantly charging me $35 for an over draft fee, with purchases of less than $10. I called all the time to only hear, "Oh we apologize...but the checks you wrote came in after 12:00, so your deposit didn't cover it!" I'm like...but you didn't pay the damn bill!!I wouldn't be as upset if they had just paid the bill. So now, not only is my bill not paid, now thats a fee from that company, a bank fee, and God forbid it goes back again electronic, oh this is the best, after five days, that's another $39 fee for not putting the money in fast enough. Netspend charges fee's for ATM use, or debit or credit use. I pay a monthly fee, use my card at a store that offer's cash back to avoid the atm fee, and if I go over $2-$50.00, it is deducted from my direct deposit. NO FEE'S. I've spent hundred's of dollars on my bank acct because of simple mistakes that come when more than one person having a debit card linked to the same account. My husband and daughter (in college) both have their own card number linked to the same account, which comes with a checking acct. You can also use this card to pay bills for several companies with bill pay...no fee's. I don't think these companies would participate with a company that was illeagal or trying to scam people. Try it, add up the fee's they charge, and I bet it is still less than a bank. I'm done with banks for now, as long as Netspend stays the same.

Ive had mine for a year almost and they offer more free transfers bill pay and even text messageing control on your account. its awsome i get my paycheck a day before everyone else aswell. i recomend them never done me wrong 10 stars for the netspend pre-paid mastercard

I pay $60 a year for unlimited access, the cost of 2-3 bounced checks. I've been using them for over two years and never had a problem. When I was using a bank there was usually "something" that went wrong once a month. either direct deposit not being posted or being posted late, and then being charged overdrafts on stuff when all the transactions happened in the same day.

NEVER HAD A PROBLEM and its well worth the money. Id rather pay for the service up front instead of dealing with a bank Fuc*ing me around.

Dude your husband is a lier. He applied for that card and just didn't want to tell you. Period. Problem solved. You have to go in and apply for that card they don't just send it to you.

I have a netspend card and it's great. You have to read the fine print for certain transactions especially online stuff they will put a hold on some of your money. That's for your protection

I opened an acct. 2 weeks ago. check city said they checked net spend out and it was a great co. but my password would not work. I could not get a balance. and then they locked me out of my own acct. and the promised 7-10 days to receive the permanent card was not going to happen until I sent a copy of my ss# card and utility bill's proving who I am! I could not believe what I was hearing!! I told check city I stood in front of you and you could look at my drivers license and see who I was. and I dd not need to prove it to some cocky cc company!! so they agreed to refund me all the fees, after they themselves experienced such a hard time on the phone with them. but I still can't close it out until I see a statement which I can't get. so I call the attorney general, because they did not disclose any of this in their brochure.

i also got the card yesterday...unfortunately i activated the card. now i m trying to reach there customer service but i cannot get them because there is no option for customer service but automatic system. can anybody help me with the information how to contact their human customer service.

I too received this card in the mail from netSpend. It happened to be a coincidence that I recently received a letter in the mail from my bank stating that they were issuing all of their customer's a brand new debit card that will have the Visa logo on it instead of the MasterCard logo. Then I received this netSpend card that says: "You're new prepaid debit card has arrived!” with many other things in the letter that seemed so legitimate. But I, being a small-minded 18-year-old, didn't even think of the fact that this new debit card didn't have my current banks logo on it ANYWHERE and that it said "prepaid" on it! So I called and activated it, but when I went to go use it, I got declined. I was distraught. I didn't understand how I could've gotten declined when I had just transferred money from my savings to my checking’s to buy a few essential things. So I called the company, and they told me that there was no record of the 16-digit card number that I supplied them with. I called back several different times and still got the same response. Frantic, I went to my bank, in person, and they told me that this card had nothing to do with them and it must've been a coincidence that they sent this card to me in perfect timing (after they sent their notice out). They also mentioned that netSpend seems legitimate, but that I should definitely cut up the card and cancel my ‘account’. Unfortunately, this company has my information in their systems, and when I went to their website to cancel the account, it states that there is a fee of “$5.95” to cancel this card (which is absurd because I never asked for it in the first place!).

haven't you read any of the other stories?? NO ONE applied for this card; it just came to us in the mail.

Priscilla that's ridiculous that they want to charge you for cancelling the card especially when you didn't even use their services. I would file a complaint with the BBB and tell them to cancel it without a fee. http://www.bbb.org/us/

I filed a complaint with the BBB on this issue and NetSpend actually responded and said that they have removed my husband's information.

I asked my dad what I should do about this whole netSpend situation and he told me about bbb.com; it's a website that checks out companies to see if they're legitamate or not.

I checked it, and this 'netspend' is apparently legit.

I still think they're really sketchy though.

http://www.bbb.org/central-texas/business-reviews/credit-cards-and-plans...

Ok seriously guys...netspend only provides PREPAID cards, why is everyone freaking out?

I just went to my mailbox and got one of these cards - with my name on it. I know good and well I never applied for it...but HAVE had prepaid debit cards in the past (maybe that's where they got my name).

At any rate, it's going into the shredder - immediately...as I'm not working now, I don't even HAVE a paycheck to direct deposit into it! I'm not even going to call them to delete the account (but I WILL write the account number down - in case anything ever comes back to bite me in the butt about this alleged "account").

Lord, the ways people try to rip you off!

I've never had any dealings whatsoever with Capital One (except watching their annoying commercials) - but I got one of these cards anyway.

I to am a victim of the "NetSpend" this company sent a Visa Debit card with my name on it and sent it to my ex husbands wife's house. I never lived in this house her name is on mortgage and she kept her maiden name so not like there could be a connection. I am not sure how they sent mail with my name to her address. I am really upset and can not believe this stupid company randomly sending out Visa Debit cards to people who have never even heard pf there company!!!!!!

Did you see the fees they charge? That's the problem with it. They take advantage of people who are stupid enough to sign up. Haha. Guess they deserve it then. Anyway, there was something similar a few years ago, for kids. You got a debit card for the kids so they didn't have to carry cash. It sounded nice until I looked at the outrageous fees they were charging. Charged for everything,including making a deposit. Imagine, you make a deposit and they charge you a fee. I cancelled that right quick. Just another gimmick to get over on dumb people.

well i have one of these cards and i find it....well not bad not so good...ths days evryone needs a Visa or Mastercard, without one u will have a hard life living in US , its a good thing u can just purchase one at a store or order one online without going to the bank....however they send also cards to minors, especially to my neighbors 1 YEAR OLD SON, which i dont like...

gET A GRIP. cREDIT cARD COMPANIES HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS. iF YOU DON'T WANT THE CREDIT CARD THEN DON'T ACTIVATE IT! sIMPLE!N aS FAR AS NETSPEND GOES, FROM MY EXPERIENCE IT IS A PRE-PAID DEBIT CARD THE THE CONSUMER HAS TO PURCHASE FOR TEN BUCKS. YOU LOAD MONEY ON IT AS YOU USE IT. NO FEES OR INTREST CHARGES ETC. GET YOUR FACTS STRIGHT.

I got netspend account and I love it! Since I hate credict card so i apply for a netspend account so everytime i want to purchase something online I go to a local western union depoist the money and wala i buy my item online! memeber since 4 years

I have a net spend visa and I love it. I am not dumb #152! I use it to pay bills and to purchase items online. My sister has a visa, that is not prepaid, and her son used it to purchase a game. Someone got her numbers online and used her card to buy an airplane ticket that cost over $900.00. If they would have stolen mine- so what? They wouldn't have been able to do this. I only load it as I need to. Plus I have never been charged for loading money onto the card!

It is only illegal to send unsolicited credit cards, not debit card.

What is the big deal anyway? You people are not thinking. The debit cards still need to be activated, meaning you have to put in the right social security card number and birth date. It the criminal you are so afraid of already has this information, than he cxan apply for credit cards in your name already without stealing one of these from your mailbox.

What a bunch of whiny crybabies.

You all must be easily offended or just enjoy being unhappy so much that you look for reasons to be pissed off!

Oh boo hoo! Someone sent you a prepaid credit card that is worthless unless YOU activate it and YOU put money on it. And it is hardly "fraudulent" or a "scam" unless you are a paranoid freak.

They actually told you that unless and until you activate the account it doesn't exist. That's it, period. It..does..not..exist! Just like every other piece of junk mail you get telling you that you are pre approved for a new credit card, or a car loan, or a mortgage, it wont hurt you, it wont steal your identity; you can toss it, shred it, burn it, whatever you want. Nothing will happen.

You have not been "violated" so stop being such a freakin whiner!

I have been useing net spend for a few years and i think its the best pre-paid card out there.

If it were not for netspend and accountnow many people with poor credit would not have a chance. If you didn't place the order for the card then destroy it. It was & is not the end of the world. Just be grateful that you are blessed to have "regular checking" & possibly good or perfect credit. People have had problems that shoot their credit to the negative and by any means leagally necessary you do what you have to do to reestablish yourself. So the next time you get a card you didn't request throw it away. These companies are great and I have done so much better and my credit is getting back on trach thanks to them.

Finally someone who has some sense. You are 110% dead on and thanks. Common sense is all it takes.

I got the card today with the name of someone who has never lived at this address- this home has been owned by only one family- mine-since it was built! So I will cut it up and do nothing more -unless another one comes.

It's actually a pre-paid DEBT card......not a credit card because then your identity most likely could be stolen. And if you don't like "whiners" then leave them alone. What is one's concern just may not be another's. Doesn't mean you have to put your prude opinon in there. These people showed concern......and for that you talk to them as if you were a rabid monkey. Who Peed in your cornflakes?

While it is a debit card, they have your SSN and other private information. Once you put money in it, everything has a fee so if you donothing with the card, they empty your account slowly. Great option for old people. Even better option for my 16 year old who got a card today. Come on people this should be outlawed.

You guys are a bunch of babies.

Why on Earth would you feel "violated" if an unactivated card arrived at your door? It's not like the card is activated, and could pose a risk to the safety of your identity.

This company works through Visa.

I cannot believe someone made an article ranting about a freaking debit card, that, to top it off, has no money on it and is not activated.

you guys are nuts. i had to pay for my netspend card. i think it's great. never had a problem with it and it's way cheaper than banks. instead of being insulted or "outraged" give it a thought. thoughts costs nothing. and to report it is just nuts. it's not a fraud. if you don't want it toss it. don't even have to shred it cause if you don't load money on it it's worthless. what a bunch of young-ass cry-babies most of you are. grow up.

I just got this card in the mail today. At the same time I got a notice saying my ex finally paid his first child support payment. I had signed up to be sent a Prepaid debit card with the payment on it whenever he decided to pay, so I assumed that this was what came at the same time! I was just extremely happy to finally have his first payment in 2 years and was then extremely disappointed when I activated it and there was no money on it. I tried to call the customer service line to find out if this was the correct card or if I needed to just cancel it but spent 10 minutes trying to get through the menu to talk to an actual person and just could not find an option to talk to somebody! Will try again tomorrow now that I know it's not the right card. (Then I will have to call the child support office too to find out WHERE the right card is..... But that will be fine once I get it!)
Looks like a day filled with phone calls!!! THANKS NETSPEND!!! But really I cant really get upset with netspend over this they didn't know I was actually expecting a card on that same day.

After reading numerous postings here, I don't see where Netspend is printing anything more on those cards than is on every other piece of junk mail in your mailbox, or any reason to see them as fradulent and worthy of legal complaints!They're doing nothing more than sending you an offer you can use or not use. Of COURSE they are going to have charges! DUH! That's how they stay in business! Who doesn't have them??? I'd like to thank you all for your postings and this article. After reading it, I've finally figured out a simple way to order things online without giving anyone numbers to accounts that make it difficult or impossible for ME to limit the damage that can be done in the wrong hands to an amount I decide I can deal with, and which keeps me from spending more than I have.
And by the way...I can't help but wonder how many of you went ahead and gave strangers your name and email address, and maybe home page address too, just to post your emotions publicly, right here at this site, without stopping to read and notice that they ask for it...but it isn't required.
Morons. They're everywhere. But the ones who file legal complains are as scary as anyone else out there.

I don't get what the problem is? Just don't activate it and throw it away. Case closed.

oh god,, thank you so much for ur Big information.. i just got it today.. and i check on the internet if there is anyone who have been trapped with this plastic fraud..n i saw ur article. so what should we do just to not activate the account right??
do u know where r they getting our information? if we do not activate the account we wont have pay anything in the end of the month , arent we? im afraid the company still ask from the fee or smtg..
thank you so much, i appreciate it.

hey everyone!!..dont over react about something thats worthless...besides there a thousands of uncle sam in the US..the wont be able to steal ur identity if they dont ur social and dob..they're just kind...a card could cost $10, so are u gonna shred ur $10???..duh

well apparently you failed to read and understand it's a PRE_PAID not a credit card and its no different than the mail delivery ads for stores, anyways you cannot do anything with it , unless you load your own money on it!! DUH!! How is that illegal? And whats the big scare when its nothing against your credit, since its not a Credit Card--

My daughter recieved a visa card from netspend in the mail. I was shocked to see this card, because my daughter is in the military. When I spoke to her about the card, she said she didn't apply for a card. I am reporting the company to the Better Business Bureau.

Hi there - I just read your post about Netspend. I have to say - I've been dealing with Netspend for over 3 years - and other than the fact that they do charge fees - and they are a PREPAID Card, they have been WONDERFUL!

I asked for them - so it was NOT a card that was sent to me out of the blue.

They have been monumental in the fight for freedom against Congress telling people how to spend their own money - if you would like more info - please contact me on that.

I'm sorry if you felt your experience with them was negative - however, I have only had positive experiences with Netspend.

Good luck with ya!

WW

If you guys that are complaining about the Netspend cards that are being sent to you, you do need to get off your lazy asses and acutally do some research. Netspend does not send REAL cards in those letters. Those are temp. cards. IF you activate the card, and YES they do check to see if you are who you say you are, THEN they will send you your actual card. My wife and I have had a Netspend card for a little over two years now, and yes i agree some of the fees are a little out there, but for those of us that do not have much money and are living paycheck to paycheck cannot afford the fees that a regular bank wants to charge for overdraft protection, annual fees, buying checks, paying upwards of $10.00 for a replacement debit card, not to mention all of the other random fees that a bank wants to charge, don't really have a choice. I speak from experience. We had an account at Wachovia. They are a good bank, but as we almost always have, we live paycheck to paycheck. We would sometimes overdraw by somewhere between $1.00 to around $20.00. The fees that they charged us were completely uncalled for. We closed the account after they told me that because i had overdrawn by $22.00 that i had to pay them an additional $50.00. Since we started using Netspend, I have yet to had to pay an overdraft fee. And again, some of their fees are a little high, but when you are on the poor side of the street, you really dont have many choices. So, I would suggest that BEFORE you start trying to files complaints about unsolicited cards being sent to you, get off of your ass and actually do a little research.www.netspend.com

people it is a real perm card that they send you yes but look at it this way even if i have your card i cant activated it i would have to know you dob and ssn with out that i would have to fax in proof that i am you to there company and the info that i would send to them is social, drivers license or state issued ID, and a utility bill with name and address. i know this because i work there and take these kinds of calls all the time it happens yes you might get a card with someone elses name or they might get yours but nothing that you can do because they run id checks on you no credit checks on id checks. ALL OF YOU PARENTS WITH YOUR KIDS UNDER 18 GETTING A CARD THEY WENT ONLINE FILLED OUT A SURVEY OR WENT TO THE SITE AND ORDERED ONE SO DONT BLAME US THAT OUR DAMN LITTLE ANGELS GOT A CARD THEY DID SOMETHING TO GET IT AND YOU NEED TO WATCH WHAT THEY HELL THEY ARE DOING ON THE DAMN INTERNET AND IF YOU CALL IN AND GET ME I WILL TELL YOU THE SAME THING IM TIRED OF HEARING IT THEY DONT DO THAT THEY ARE GOOD BULL THEY SCREW AROUND ON THE NET AND GET INTO TROUBLE SO GET OVER THE CARD DONT WANT IT SHRED IT CALL US AND WE WILL TAKE YOU OFF THE MARKETING LIST. I WORK THERE AND DAMN PROUD ABOUT IT.

My spouse got this offer and I have been thinking about getting one of these cards myself. I have very good credit and am working to pay off my credit cards. I like this because I can put myself on a budget. Let's say I want to spend $500.00 a month. I load the card with $500.00 and I keep a running total of my expenses, if I run out of money on my card, that's it...I can't spend any more money. I am assuming that if I try to buy anything I can't because I have no more money in my account. Unlike a check, that I can bounce (and fees apply), this will probably decline because of lack of funds. Can someone tell me if there are fees that apply if I try to buy something and my card declines?
Anyway, these type of debit cards seem like a good thing....

I just received one of these stupid cards on Friday. I was at first confused because I happen to have a VISA debit card connected to my credit union checking account. But I now know that this is some sort of scam. I don't care how much you people who use this thing like it. I have a perfectly good checking account with a debit card I can use, and I get NO fees or charges unless I have a real problem which I make sure doesn't happen.

I can't help but wonder whether you folks who rave about this company are employees or paid shills.

Xin Lu firstly I am a fan of your frugal approaches and as one of your guy readers it seems you got another winning post!

But, forgive this, its overkill. Shred the damned thing and throw it away.

I have used NetSpend to get in on some "trading action" with the Obama/McCain runoff (I know it's against all that Wise Bread stands for but...) on a prediction network I wont name and have had no issues. Far from a fanboy I also have active banking accounts with two banks one for tax purposes and another for private reasons.

Mark Root makes a very valid albeit aggressive point, however. If you're browsing the web for "Deals and Coupons" via surveys and such be careful what you're signing for. Once you receive the unwanted crap throw em away as you would any other trash mail. Just wish it was as easy as deleting spam though...

I'm very angry with this company. They definitely do not check information before sending out their cards. While going through our mail yesterday, I noticed a letter for my son. I asked if he knew what netspend was and he told me no. He never heard of it. We opened it and it was this prepaid card. This made me beyond angry. This is due to the fact that my son is a minor. He's not even a teenager yet. When I called the 866 number all I could get was an automated system. I will be trying again.
As for the comment about debit cards and fees. I belong to a credit union and don't get charged any fees for using my debit card. Also, if some of the fees are higher than a bank then why would want this card over a bank card.
As for the post "come on" posted by Mark Root. If your company does a check, they should know if the applicant is a minor or not. I am not saying that my child is an angel. No child is. But for you to say that your company does checks is absurd. If your post is any indication on how your company runs, I and my family definitely don't want anything to do with it. Next time before you post you should do a spell and grammar check.

I agree wholeheartedly with you. I also use NetSpend and have had far less problems with it than let's say, Bank of America, who charges for every little thing you do with your account. I even had a couple friends convert to NetSpend, because rather than their whole weekly paychecks going to B of A's "overdraft" fees, they would rather pay Netspend's monthly membership charge of $9.95 and be done with it. If the money isn't on the card, guess what? You can't spend what's not there. I also have some iffy credit history that started about 15 years ago when companies were sending out pre-approved credit cards and loan checks, and yes, I fell for the bait. I charged those credit cards and cashed those loan checks that were randomly sent to my mailbox. But in this day and age, online shopping, for instance, one needs to possess a credit card. So, NetSpend is my answer for over 2 years now. If you get one in the mail, don't trip. If you choose not to activate it, the card means nothing, and has no $$ value. You have to put money on it to have any cash value.

I have been using netspend when I traveled and used it when I decided to cut up my credit cards. I do not use it at an ATM, why should I, I just get cash when I make a debit transaction and incur no fees. And I only pay $10 a month and never have per transaction fees. Also, I have actually been able to save money, using their savings account plan. And all you have to do is have direct deposit and some transaction fees are waived.

Have you seen check cashing fees lately? $8 on $400 at 7/11.

I don't think it is right that they sent it to you unsolicited, but did they? You can get a netspend card if you have certain transactions, over the web, that you do not pay attention to the check boxes, like doing your taxes on TaxAct.

Folks,
I have sat here and read all these ideas from various folks. People calm down!!! This has been blown way out of control!!! I am a Director of Operations for a Finance Company. Speaking from experence, Netspend is a prepaid card and doesnt report to Equifax Good or Bad... I have Great Credit, 2 Bank Accounts although I have 4 Netspend Cards. I do alot online and I would much rather use Netspend and only put on the card what I want to spend or feel secure with. The word ONLINE, people dont think about is you cant see or verify who you are chating with. Do you want to give personal information across possiblly the World without ever seeing a live person??? Keep your Big Money on a Creatable Bank Card and use on a day to day when dealing with a live person, use the Netspend card for people or Companies you CANT see. No CBI reporting - No worries!!! Little money on the Netspend Card - When gone No Worries!!! Think about it!!! Simple but soild advise.

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