Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card
Prepaid Card
Offered by:
American Express
Info about the Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards.
The financial institution did not provide the details.
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card's Key Fees
| ACTIVATION FEE |
None |
|---|---|
| MONTHLY FEE |
None |
| SIGNATURE TRANSACTION FEE |
Free |
| PIN TRANSACTION FEE |
Free |
| IN-NETWORK ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
$0 |
| ATM NETWORK SIZE |
30000 ATMs |
| OUT-OF-NETWORK ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
$2.5 |
| FOREIGN ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
None |
| ACTIVATION FEE |
|---|
| None |
| MONTHLY FEE |
| None |
| SIGNATURE TRANSACTION FEE |
| Free |
| PIN TRANSACTION FEE |
| Free |
| IN-NETWORK ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
| $0 |
| ATM NETWORK SIZE |
| 30000 ATMs |
| OUT-OF-NETWORK ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
| $2.5 |
| FOREIGN ATM TRANSACTION FEE |
| None |
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card's Highlights
| Get free ATM access at over 30,000 MoneyPass® ATM locations |
| You can also pick up cash at over 4,500 Walmart® stores with Cash Pickup Powered by Ria® |
| Send money to anyone with Bluebird2Walmart Money Transfer Powered by Ria®. You can send money for free between Bluebird Accounts |
| Members can make Direct Deposits, pay bills online, add checks with the Bluebird Mobile App, and set up Sub-Accounts — a great new way to manage family spending |
| Purchase Protection can provide coverage against accidental damage or theft of eligible items for 90 days from date of purchase, up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card member account per calendar year |
| 24 hours a day, 7 days a week world-class American Express Customer Service |
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card's Additional Info
| LIVE CUSTOMER SUPPORT |
|---|
| Free |
| AUTOMATED CUSTOMER SUPPORT |
| Free |
| RELOAD OPTIONS |
| Direct Deposit, Cash Reload, Bank Transfer, Check Reload |
| CANCELLATION FEE |
|---|
| Free |
| INACTIVITY FEE |
| None |
| Last updated on 12/4/2020 |
Customer Questions and Answers
Don't see what you're looking for? Submit your question about Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card to our community.
I got married and can't figure out where to go to change it on my card. Can you help? Reply 199
19
Upvotes
We bought a new card and it wont allow anything to go through. It shows "processing". What is wrong? Reply 199
19
Upvotes
Can I transfer money from my Bluebird card to my checking account? Reply 1612
Jessica Rose
@whuser66611468
Go to the website bluebird.com with your browser and log in. Go to the Pay & Transfer tab. Then select Withdraw Funds from the drop down menu. Choose the option that says Transfer to Bank and follow the instructions by imputting your bank accounts number and routing info.
Blue Bird will send two under a dollar deposits to that account within the next couple days.
When you see those deposits, go back to your Blue Bird account on the browser and look for the verification button for your bank account by entering the two small amounts of money deposited.
16
Upvotes
Can you use a credit card to load Bluebird? Reply 153
Thom Fotenberg
@thom.f
Nope. You have to link your debit card to your Bluebird to make it work.
15
Upvotes
Can I transfer money from my Bluebird card to my bank account? Reply 111
Syd Jones
@syd.jones
Sure thing! Easy-peasy. Log in to your account, go to Funding & Transfers, then Withdraw Funds, then go to Transfer to Bank, and then you will have to enter a bunch of info (amount and account and stuff) and then the money will be transferred in 5 days or something like that.
11
Upvotes
How much money can I put on my card at one time? Reply 1112
WalletHub
@WalletHub
That depends on the type of the deposit. Please find the card’s limits here: https://www.bluebird.com/faqs/#fees-and-limits.
11
Upvotes
Can I use my Bluebird card overseas? Reply 10
Thomas Friedman
@ultralight11
Yes, you can use it everywhere AmEx is accepted, even at ATMs. Happy travels!
10
Upvotes
Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card Reviews
Share your insights and review the Bluebird® American Express® Prepaid Card.
May 23, 2017
Don't link your checking account or any account to bluebird. Someone got into my bluebird account, changed my profile and transferred 400 dollars to bluebird and then transferred 478 out of bluebird to some lady named Rebecca fransway. Your only allowed 200 per day to load money on your bluebird but unlimited money going out. This happened at 11:58 pm and another at 12:01 am.
Called the fraud department and they had to send me a voice mail to my phone with a fraud case number. They would not talk to me until I got that case number and called back. I then got the number and called back. They are idiots, the guy gave me the wrong case number. I rechecked the number again and called back, they kept saying it's the wrong number. She called the guy and got the right number. Meanwhile someone is in my account and stealing money and I'm arguing of a number. Go figure they are in Asia. They took the info right and said don't worry you will get your money back. After 8 days The people in Salt Lake City sent me a email saying they declined my 1278 dollar claim because it was authorized. Case closed !! The lady can't add, I never said 1278 so she submitted it wrong. She even read back to me the amount, it was right. But submitted it wrong to salt lake. I called tha same number (fraud dept) and they said there is nothing they can do that I have to right a letter. I wrote a letter, sent certified mail with all my bank account statements proving my case and I have heard nothing from them. That was on 5-7-17 and now it is 5-23-17. I got screwed. For someone to now my personal info and to change my profile had to be an inside job. There is no number to call Salt Lake City Utah. I expected a lot more out of American Express. They went on what the lady put in 1278 and it didn't add up. No wonder they declined the claim. Almost done intentionally so they won't investigate it. Even though they say " this conversation is being recorded ".
Listen to the recording!!!! They suck!!!… show more
Called the fraud department and they had to send me a voice mail to my phone with a fraud case number. They would not talk to me until I got that case number and called back. I then got the number and called back. They are idiots, the guy gave me the wrong case number. I rechecked the number again and called back, they kept saying it's the wrong number. She called the guy and got the right number. Meanwhile someone is in my account and stealing money and I'm arguing of a number. Go figure they are in Asia. They took the info right and said don't worry you will get your money back. After 8 days The people in Salt Lake City sent me a email saying they declined my 1278 dollar claim because it was authorized. Case closed !! The lady can't add, I never said 1278 so she submitted it wrong. She even read back to me the amount, it was right. But submitted it wrong to salt lake. I called tha same number (fraud dept) and they said there is nothing they can do that I have to right a letter. I wrote a letter, sent certified mail with all my bank account statements proving my case and I have heard nothing from them. That was on 5-7-17 and now it is 5-23-17. I got screwed. For someone to now my personal info and to change my profile had to be an inside job. There is no number to call Salt Lake City Utah. I expected a lot more out of American Express. They went on what the lady put in 1278 and it didn't add up. No wonder they declined the claim. Almost done intentionally so they won't investigate it. Even though they say " this conversation is being recorded ".
Listen to the recording!!!! They suck!!!… show more
2 Comments
May 11, 2017
AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL customer service. I had no issues with this card until I used it at a local money pass atm to withdraw $300 from my account. The money was deducted from my account but was not dispensed from the atm. I went inside the bank immediately to let them know and contacted Bluebird from their parking lot to file a dispute claim (at the suggestion of the bank's atm manager). The bank counted their atm that night and acknowledged that it was, in fact, over in the amount of $300. They immediately sent the credit back to AMEX to be put back on my card. Bluebird denied my first dispute claim stating the merchant had provided documentation that shows the money was dispensed. They don't seem to understand that it was dispensed to THEM to be put back in my account and they HAVE NOT DONE THAT, so they are sitting on my money. I opened a second dispute claim and now it has been almost a month since this all started and Bluebird claims there has never been any credit issued back to them for my account and that they are still investigating my claim. On the last set of documents I faxed over yesterday (because they claim they never received the documents I faxed over last week) I let them know that I am fully prepared to file a complaint with the BBB and contact media sources to investigate this issue that appears to be a common one with AMEX, and *gasp* I woke up to a $300 provisional credit to my account, which they stated can be withdrawn if they deem my dispute invalid again. HOW DOES ANY OF THIS MAKE ANY KIND OF SENSE?!? I am beyond frustrated and will never touch a Bluebird card again, nor will I EVER recommend it to ANYONE. The day this all happened I went and opened a TD Bank account. Lesson learned. DO NOT USE BLUEBIRD!!!!!!!!!… show more
01/23/18
Omg !! Unbelievable! I’m so sorry I ever used them. I’m reading these complaints and I truly believe they are sitting on our money and collecting interest on it! I think we should all get together and file something with the BBB and contact the proper authorities
Apr 22, 2017
I don't like like it's optional to register a temporary card but if you don't and you lose the card whoops the money is gone for good. They should put that damn warning on the freaking packets so now I'm out of my hard earned money so therefore I'm just gonna Walmart prepaid cards then at least I know with them I know my money won't just "vanish"
Apr 13, 2017
I unfortunately opened a Bluebird account for travel expenses for work. I get my reimbursement checks paid to this account. On my last business trip, I lost my ATM card and was told it would take another 7 - 10 business days to receive a new one. Well.......how do you get money out of your account when you don't have an ATM card? The website proposes a service called RIA, or something, to have money waiting for you at WalMart. However, you need to have your pin number and security code from the back of your card. Since the card has been cancelled, this doesn't work.
I called Bluebird customer service and they said I should write a check to myself for cash and take it to WalMart (who underwrites this nonsense). The only way you can write a Bluebird check is to have it 'pre-authorized' for the total amount - meaning it automatically deducts that amount from your account and gives you a verification number to put on the check to ensure that it is going to go through. I did all that. I took it to Walmart and they looked at me like I had two heads. They said, 'we don't cash personal checks here, you need to take this to your bank.' I assured them I JUST spoke with Bluebird customer service and they said Walmart could do it since they're the ones who issue this account. No one there had ever seen a Bluebird check before and they wouldn't take it.
Next step, I took it to MY real bank. They said they'd cashi it but it would have to be on hold for a few business days. I didn't like that solution either as it's my money and I need it right now. I called Bluebird Customer service again and they said try a Wells Fargo bank since that's who underwrites our checks. Tried that too and they wouldn't touch it.
Bottom line is that Customer Service has no idea what they're talking about and you're totally screwed if you lose your ATM card, as there's no way to get at your own money. The Customer Service Rep kept repeating, 'well sir, if you know someone else who has a BlueBird Account, just transfer money to them.' Hell no! I don't know anyone else with this crappy bank and I certainly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
To hell with this banking nonsense and stick with the big players.… show more
I called Bluebird customer service and they said I should write a check to myself for cash and take it to WalMart (who underwrites this nonsense). The only way you can write a Bluebird check is to have it 'pre-authorized' for the total amount - meaning it automatically deducts that amount from your account and gives you a verification number to put on the check to ensure that it is going to go through. I did all that. I took it to Walmart and they looked at me like I had two heads. They said, 'we don't cash personal checks here, you need to take this to your bank.' I assured them I JUST spoke with Bluebird customer service and they said Walmart could do it since they're the ones who issue this account. No one there had ever seen a Bluebird check before and they wouldn't take it.
Next step, I took it to MY real bank. They said they'd cashi it but it would have to be on hold for a few business days. I didn't like that solution either as it's my money and I need it right now. I called Bluebird Customer service again and they said try a Wells Fargo bank since that's who underwrites our checks. Tried that too and they wouldn't touch it.
Bottom line is that Customer Service has no idea what they're talking about and you're totally screwed if you lose your ATM card, as there's no way to get at your own money. The Customer Service Rep kept repeating, 'well sir, if you know someone else who has a BlueBird Account, just transfer money to them.' Hell no! I don't know anyone else with this crappy bank and I certainly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
To hell with this banking nonsense and stick with the big players.… show more
Mar 30, 2017
Closed my account because I opened a claim about a purchase I didn't make for $117. Closed my account and sent my remaining balance of my tax refund in a check, which my credit union had problems verifying. I'm still working on solving my dispute!
Mar 07, 2017
My daughter's card was stolen and it took them 8 (eight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) weeks to credit our account. The customer service team 1). hung up on me, 2.) would not let me speak to supervisor, 3.) lied about receiving our fraud claim documents we uploaded, and 4.) could not speak English. It was the worst experience ever. Made me HATE AmEX.
Feb 16, 2017
I have had my card over a year and only ever used it for Walmart bucks. However my husband's new job requires direct deposit so I called blue bird about doing this. I was told I would have to add him as a family account holder first. I did so and we took the information to his employer. Pay day comes and no deposit. We call blue bird. After me explaining four times how I am primary on the account, they tell me a family holder can't receive direct deposit. So now no way to get paid. All because they gave me false information from the beginning!… show more
Feb 11, 2017
The "card" is great. C.S., not so much. ALL money was stolen off card and Amex doesn't want to credit me so I have to jump thru hoops until they realize I won't give up. AND they only out source so you can't speak to anyone in the US.
Dec 26, 2016
I used my prepaid card to reserve room at a hotel. The hotel charged a $50.00 fee for incidential. I checked out of the hotel and the hotel assured me the $50.00 would be return to card. After 2 weeks I notice the $50.00 was still on hold. I contacted American Express customer service and was informed they had 30 days to release hold. I contacted the hotel and was informed they cancelled the hold the day i checked out. Really a 30 day hold for a prepaid card. Once I receive money back. I will be cutting up this card… show more
Dec 23, 2016
I've been having BofA for a while now, was always being charged monthly maintenance fees because we couldn't meet the minimum deposit each month, and whey we had a low balance to begin with we would be charged overdraft fees and at some point ended up with 89$ in fees because I didn't realize paypal didn't go through yet my bad. Finally found this prepaid card. It works wonders. I've had a balance of 0.01 cents for a few months now because sometimes I don't add cash to it. But with the bank issues this card is a great life and money saver. Would highly recommend this to anyone who has balance issues. Thank you American Express/Walmart! And might I add free savings set aside account omg :)… show more
Oct 25, 2016
Would not give any stars but you have to.
We bought the start up kit and this is the first time and we have not even tried to use it because the website gives you some processing error. And customer service is a joke I work in customer service and if a card says no credit check to have then why do they do one? It's a flipping prepaid card. You are not getting a credit card. After over an hour and a half talking to customer service. I would not recommend this card to my worse enemy. Now to get the money we put on the card before this crap so we can find an alternative that does not lie about what you can and cannot do with the card. So if you don't agree fine but my experience was terrible I would NEVER recommend to anyone. And any customer service explanations after this incident will not fix my opinion of this false advertising and poor service… show more
We bought the start up kit and this is the first time and we have not even tried to use it because the website gives you some processing error. And customer service is a joke I work in customer service and if a card says no credit check to have then why do they do one? It's a flipping prepaid card. You are not getting a credit card. After over an hour and a half talking to customer service. I would not recommend this card to my worse enemy. Now to get the money we put on the card before this crap so we can find an alternative that does not lie about what you can and cannot do with the card. So if you don't agree fine but my experience was terrible I would NEVER recommend to anyone. And any customer service explanations after this incident will not fix my opinion of this false advertising and poor service… show more
Oct 24, 2016
I choose my Bluebird prepaid card over a bank card Bluebird doesn't give me a lot of problems they have amazing customer service that is available 24 hours I love the features that they have like the set-aside account will have you feeling like you have a savings account because you get to put all of the money that you're going to use at a later date inside of it i love that they offer direct deposit i always get my money on time I like that they give you free checks to use and the only time your card ever gets charges if you withdraw money for ATM machine the only thing I don't like is that American Express is not accepted everywhere so that could be a little frustrating to me when I'm trying to eat at my favorite mall or buy something but other than that they are a really great card company I have been with them i believe it has been 2 years now I feel like I have always had my back… show more
Oct 22, 2016
I personally love my Bluebird card! The only thing I do not like is how Amex isn't accepted in every store like Visa is, but I know that's because Amex charges ZERO fees unlike other card companies. Highly recommend!
Jul 08, 2016
I had a merchant refund almost $300 to my bluebird card and they hold it as long as they possibly can. They will not let me open a dispute to get my money back and tried telling me the merchant didn't issue the refund yet. I have the receipt where it was issued and was pretty much told that the receipt doesn't show anything although they were not interested in looking at it. Sorry very sorry company. They never did let me show the receipt showing the money was refunded. They didn't have any problem taking money out of my bank account to fund my card with but when it came to issuing the refund...BIG PROBLEM.… show more
Jun 13, 2016
If you have no other option for saving money then okay this maybe a way to go, but it seems most places do not like accepting prepaid debit cards, Not Netflix not Boost Mobile, not to many places take AMEX saving your money in a sock would be a better option, half the time you to Walmart and the ATM is out of order or they don't have one to begin with, I don't have the gas to drive all over town looking for ATMs that I don't have to pay a fee on, it's very inconvenient to find ATM's that have no surcharges ie Cash points.… show more
06/29/16
This card sucks! Y the hell walmart partnered with Amex is beyond me. For starters u can't get cash back gotta drive all over to find atm. R end up spend 5.50 + just to get your own money. Then don't let u have to return something u now have to wait 72 hrs b4 u get your $! Well it didn't take them three days to take my $!!!! There's a lot who dnt take amex! Bs card! Idr!!!!!… show more
May 04, 2016
Great card unless someone steals your info fraud dept is a joke they stole 400 from me and closed my acct and mailed me my left over balance. Left me and my kids with no money for over a week!!
May 03, 2016
I've had my card for years. Then, I received an email to provide personal information. No. Then, I got a letter with a check saying my account was closed. They close your account if you haven't "purchased" anything for 6 months. They suck, and this is a scam to get you to buy another card. Don't!
Apr 23, 2016
They are a joke. If you get a refund from a merchant even tho it is an instant refund, bluebird will have you wait 8 days before you see it in your account.
Apr 22, 2016
Customer service is totally the worst. I tried on line and on the phone. I cannot get a person and have spent over an hour trying, That is Ridiculous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr 17, 2016
I really dont think anyone should have a bluebird card there coustomer service is really bad we had a double charge on our card well the merchant has taken there money and bluebird will not put the funds back on my card emidietly like a real american express card would they dont help you on the phone they just say well sorry for the inconvince but there is nothing they can do but there is stuff they can do its just a button and i recomend no one going thru this company again you are also only allowed 2000 a month to take off your card really bad people at this company… show more
Apr 12, 2016
Would give a higher rating , however deposits extremely long! 10 days on some deposits is too long! With the tech we have today, no excuse.
Apr 11, 2016
Love this card! Customer service is great, no monthly fees and they appreciate their clients!
Mar 12, 2016
Signed up for Bluebird on-line. Changed mind about using this type of account as it is kind of a hassle and I've had a traditional checking account for 30+ years. Received card. Never activated the card. Called Bluebird to close account and requested confirmation of closure. Was told it would be emailed immediately. Email was never received. Called a couple days letter and requested confirmation letter again. A week passed and still no email (yes, I checked spam folder). Called Bluebird again. Finally get tech support who sends me a closure letter. Letter states "has been closed because you repeatedly tried to add funds from your linked bank account that was not able to be processed." "•You canceled the transaction through your bank
•There wasn’t enough money in your bank account" "This activity violates the terms of the Bluebird Member Agreement". THIS IS NOT CORRECT. Call tech service back and was informed that they only have boilerplate notices that they can generate. He reads me the list of options he can select. All options contain verbiage that either reflects poorly on the consumer or implies the consumer did something wrong. I ask if they have anything that simply states "This account has been closed at the consumers request." Tech service advised that they do not and since they do not work for American Express and they cannot create a letter. REALLY? I've opened and closed at least 30+ accounts in my lifetime and have never had this problem. SO HAPPY THAT I NEVER USED THIS ACCOUNT! If the American Express Bluebird banking structure is so inept that it cannot produce a simple closure letter (that any other banking card company is capable of producing) then I shudder to think of the problems others are facing with Bluebird. I will not be recommending this card to anyone.… show more
•There wasn’t enough money in your bank account" "This activity violates the terms of the Bluebird Member Agreement". THIS IS NOT CORRECT. Call tech service back and was informed that they only have boilerplate notices that they can generate. He reads me the list of options he can select. All options contain verbiage that either reflects poorly on the consumer or implies the consumer did something wrong. I ask if they have anything that simply states "This account has been closed at the consumers request." Tech service advised that they do not and since they do not work for American Express and they cannot create a letter. REALLY? I've opened and closed at least 30+ accounts in my lifetime and have never had this problem. SO HAPPY THAT I NEVER USED THIS ACCOUNT! If the American Express Bluebird banking structure is so inept that it cannot produce a simple closure letter (that any other banking card company is capable of producing) then I shudder to think of the problems others are facing with Bluebird. I will not be recommending this card to anyone.… show more
Mar 08, 2016
i took me forever to figure out how to talk to a human. the automated system is deaf to the the word representative even though it says its an option. when the system prompts for ur account number if u put the wrong number in 3 times it automatically bumps u to a rep. i have never spoken to a rep without a heavy foreign accent and have asked politely for that rep that doesnt exist. as for the card its self.... after using it for almost a yr only about half the stores i shop at actually take it due to higher cost for the shops. u would think if their rates r that high they could afford to higher better reps. in general....find a different card unless u like spending money on atm fee and want crappy customer service.… show more
06/02/16
Ms. Dorresa Jackson, with all due respect Im beginning to think you work for bluebird. Let me explain myself, Ive spent quite a bit of time reading reviews on this card today and on this site it seems that for every negative review you find yourself obligated to comment in a manner which some how discredits everyones negative reviews or bad experiences by discretely suggesting that maybe the customer did something wrong or that maybe they could have done something differently that would have led to a positive experience with this card. Your reviws arent helpful, on the contrary they are the most biased replies to every negative review I have seen on site about this card. And let me remind you, if the company wishes to keep customers they need to do their best to fix their issues not pay someone like yourself to contradict every negative feedback they get.… show more
03/26/16
I have never had a bad experience with their customer service every time i call i always speak with an American agent never a foreigner as i don't like to speak with them either because i can barely understand them and they can barely understand me i am sorry that your experience with their CS was crappy if you have a twitter you can actually tslk to them about that they will answer faster on twitter crazy innit?… show more
Mar 05, 2016
For all those giving low stars system is too hard for the brain inside the head that'd using it. Never had any issues with this card and it's way better then green dot no fees monthly. If you follow directions correctly first time setting up card you will never have issues and a second card can be given to child in collage and you can control how much is on card by transferring money and also keep track of it. So for all the negative responses on this page stick with cash and money orders seems to be best move if following card set up and directions is beyond your conception of understanding. Also have greendot and they are greedy little pigs been using them for years as well and the little fees add up were AMX don't charge for loading at Walmart or do they charge monthly Great card to keep money on.… show more
Mar 04, 2016
Their card activation system is a joke.
First I tried calling. They said they'd send me an e-mail to verify that I was registered. They didn't.
Then I tried registering online. I gave them my social security number and all the information they needed. I tried again and again, but I couldn't get through. They kept saying my information didn't match. I couldn't logon, because they said my username and password didn't match, so I requested a new password. They gave me one. I still couldn't logon, so I requested a new username. To get that, I had to enter my information all over again. They kept saying there was something wrong with my information, but they wouldn't say what.
I went to "contact us." Their page showed only one phone number -- the same one you use to activate. The "contact us" page said they had people to talk to us 24 hours a day -- but there's no option on the phone menu to talk to someone. The only other option is to send them an old-fashioned letter, in the mail. You can't even E-MAIL them.
This is my OWN card -- and I can't activate it, I can't register with them, and I can't contact them. It's going right in the shredder.… show more
First I tried calling. They said they'd send me an e-mail to verify that I was registered. They didn't.
Then I tried registering online. I gave them my social security number and all the information they needed. I tried again and again, but I couldn't get through. They kept saying my information didn't match. I couldn't logon, because they said my username and password didn't match, so I requested a new password. They gave me one. I still couldn't logon, so I requested a new username. To get that, I had to enter my information all over again. They kept saying there was something wrong with my information, but they wouldn't say what.
I went to "contact us." Their page showed only one phone number -- the same one you use to activate. The "contact us" page said they had people to talk to us 24 hours a day -- but there's no option on the phone menu to talk to someone. The only other option is to send them an old-fashioned letter, in the mail. You can't even E-MAIL them.
This is my OWN card -- and I can't activate it, I can't register with them, and I can't contact them. It's going right in the shredder.… show more
03/25/16
I have gone through exactly what you have i already had a card with them and i registered it with no issues but i was sent a different card when i set up my family account and it kept stating that i did not put the numbers in right or incorrect data i was very annoyed and frustrated so i called the number under their contact after verifying who i am i read the number to the agent on the line and she activated the card herself once she verified my account she explained to me that when you create a family account the username and email address is different from the one on your original account i was relieved after that she then told me that she was gonna send an email to verify that i was registered she even stayed on the phone with me (which they probably did for you as well you probably hung up due to frustration and impatience) to make sure the email from them actually went through did you put in the correct email address? Did you check your spam folder? That is where mine ended up being but because i assumed it didn't go through she resent the confirmation email she asked me did i receive the email and when i stated yes she told me to go read it back what it is said then she helped me they do that so that they can verify it is in fact you who the card belongs to so whenever i need help i call that number on their contact and they always answer and help me also you can't reset your username only your password they will only send you a reminder of what your username is, maybe you bought a defective temporary card or maybe they sent you a defected card because your original card gets sent to you, you dont get it from walmart you only get the temporary card so that was my only issue with them and they easily helped me with that your review kinda comes off as hostile and kinda makes it hard to believe that you did not become rude towards them out of anger and frustration all you have to do is tell them they sent you a defected card or make up some excuse about your card being stolen they can actually delete your original account and you can start over instead of going to the extremity of shredding the card.… show more
Mar 02, 2016
Bluebird is by far the best prepaid card on the market. I will qualify that statement by saying I have had issues with them, mainly with the "transaction hold" which feels like a hostage negotiation, but otherwise I challenge folks to find a prepaid card with such low fees. My payroll deposits are always available in a timely fashion, or early, there are free ATMs available and not just at Wal-Mart, you can write checks, and I have started to use the bill paying feature which has been terrific so far. For people like me who can't open a standard checking account at the moment this card has been pretty good. If they could shorten the "hold" time on cancelled transactions I would probably never look to use a bank again.… show more
Feb 28, 2016
I (tried) to use the the mobile ap to deposit a check, which they say takes up to 6 days to apply the funds. I assumed it was to ensure the check cleared. What they don't tell you is that they use a vendor to evaluate whether or not to accept the check. They check I deposited was rejected and even after speaking to a vendor rep I have no idea why. The information is proprietary and they won't tell you why a check was not accepted. They do not provide guidelines of any sort, which means any check can be rejected for any reason. Their excuse is that it is an ap and we shouldn't expect every check to be accepted. The problem is that the Bluebird website and the ap do not give any indication that the check will be put through this arbitrary process. It is time for me to look for another card.… show more
03/26/16
Why didn't you go to a walmart and deposit the check onto the card that way? I didn't know bluebird even had a mobile app tbh i'm glad it did not go through for you bettrr safe than sorry their mobile app sounds kinda weak and a bit sketchy so the last thing I'd want is you to get your information stolen bluebird mobile app does not sound reliable or worth trusting stick with going to an actual store and they should have explained that to you could've saved you so much time and they were rude as heck to you instead of apologizing for their incompetence perhaps you should go to a real bank like wells fargo or regions or compass bbva or bbt… show more
Feb 24, 2016
**DON"T DO DIRECT DEPOSIT FOR FEDERAL TAX RETURN ON THIS!!!**
They tell you, you can get your federal tax return, but FAIL to state. The return needs to list you as primary, if you are the card holder. Meaning its doesnt matter if you file married filing jointly, with your spouse's SS# on the return first. They will still reject it..hold your money. The IRS than will not receive "official" notice of the rejection until 3 weeks later..and a paper check will be mailed to you from there..given a total, quoting the IRS..a total of 8 weeks from your givin refund date to receive a check. I am soo upset with bluebird this doesn't make sense. We called bb and offered to get it sent to my husband's bb acct...they said they only allow 1 attempt for tax returns to be deposited!!! SHAME!! Where is this on their fine print..or anywhere???… show more
They tell you, you can get your federal tax return, but FAIL to state. The return needs to list you as primary, if you are the card holder. Meaning its doesnt matter if you file married filing jointly, with your spouse's SS# on the return first. They will still reject it..hold your money. The IRS than will not receive "official" notice of the rejection until 3 weeks later..and a paper check will be mailed to you from there..given a total, quoting the IRS..a total of 8 weeks from your givin refund date to receive a check. I am soo upset with bluebird this doesn't make sense. We called bb and offered to get it sent to my husband's bb acct...they said they only allow 1 attempt for tax returns to be deposited!!! SHAME!! Where is this on their fine print..or anywhere???… show more
03/26/16
Actually if you need help in regards to that they explain to you how it works and Richard is right that is with any bank NOT just bluebird and Mrs. RuthAnn that is with any bank go to any other bank and they will state the exact same thing the name on the refund has to match the account holder hsd his name gone afterwards they could also have him or you verify yourself and whatnot they can actually deposit the check they are being difficult but they are being cautious you could be committing fraud for all they know so they have to be careful.… show more
03/05/16
My husband received an email from Bluebird in early January that stated that the card holder's name needed to be first on our tax return in order for any refund to be deposited on the card.
Feb 16, 2016
Sent my student refund check drawn on BoA in by mail TWELVE days ago and it still is not showing up. Then apparently i have too wait several more days for it to clear. The post office stated it should have been there in 5 days at most. In the meantime I have no idea when I can access my funds. Customer service is clearly outsourced an AWFUL. Both online and phone reps have very little product knowledge nor do they even know what is on their own website! Stay FAR FAR AWAY for this card. I will be cancelling ASAP.… show more
Feb 11, 2016
If I could give it NO Stars, I'd give it that! :(
I though I'd found a decent card; however, I found out today that they hijack your money for 7 DAYS so they can earn interest on it, I guess.
My story:
I had 4 orders from evine live that I cancelled.
When I placed the orders, my Bluebird funds (almost $300) were put "ON HOLD" on 02/08/11;
Evine contacted Bluebird on 02/09/16 the orders were cancelled & to release the funds to me;
On 02/11/16, my funds were still "ON HOLD";
I contacted Bluebird & was told their policy is to keep the funds "ON HOLD" for 7 days then on the 8th day to either send to merchant or release to member,
I told CS Supervisor my funds were for non-existent orders, so did NOT fall under their policy, she said they still will keep my funds ON HOLD for the 7 days DESPITE merchant telling them to release them to me!?!? :(
Need I say I'm no longer going to use this card once my funds are released?!?!… show more
I though I'd found a decent card; however, I found out today that they hijack your money for 7 DAYS so they can earn interest on it, I guess.
My story:
I had 4 orders from evine live that I cancelled.
When I placed the orders, my Bluebird funds (almost $300) were put "ON HOLD" on 02/08/11;
Evine contacted Bluebird on 02/09/16 the orders were cancelled & to release the funds to me;
On 02/11/16, my funds were still "ON HOLD";
I contacted Bluebird & was told their policy is to keep the funds "ON HOLD" for 7 days then on the 8th day to either send to merchant or release to member,
I told CS Supervisor my funds were for non-existent orders, so did NOT fall under their policy, she said they still will keep my funds ON HOLD for the 7 days DESPITE merchant telling them to release them to me!?!? :(
Need I say I'm no longer going to use this card once my funds are released?!?!… show more
03/26/16
I've never gone through that before maybe it's the store you shopped at something like this happened to me at Max Federal Credit Union, At&t stated they sent the money back to my bank account but my bank kept insisting that they did not turns out At&t was right it was the bank they steal your money then act like someone other than themselves is at fault, i don't think I've ever used bluebird to shop online i swipe my card at walmart but when it comes to making huge transactions nope i withdraw the cash and purchase stuff that way.… show more
Feb 10, 2016
Screw green dot. Pay $5 for the card and have no fees at any Walmart. Reload is free, no paying stupid amounts at the end of the month for not using your card. NO FEES. Except a non Walmart ATM for withdrawls. Have had it for about a year and a half and had no problems. The people complaining did it to themselves. Either buying something on a shady website or blaming amex for taking money when your son or someone else close to you is in fault. I have always received a refund for a mistake purchase within a reasonable amount of time. If you wait a week to report it then you shouldn't own any type of card. Know what you have and know what you spend. A++ for Bluebird.… show more
Feb 06, 2016
I see a lot of people complainging about fees and gas holds. May I just say, you are going to get this with EVERY debit card. Unlike other prepaid debit cards however, you don't pay monthly fees. Another thing, if you don't know by now not to use a debit card at the pump you need to cut up every card you own and just stick with cash. You ALWAYS pay inside with a debit card/prepaid card. As far as your tax refund, that is not Amex fault the government didn't push yours through fast enough. As soon as the funds are posted, they recieve them. I get my pay checks a full day earlier thanks to this card because as soon as payroll posts it, the funds are put into my account. This is an amazing card as far as prepaid cards are concerned.… show more
07/23/20
You're an idiot. I wonder in the comments why does American Express say it's a verified account on the good comments, but don't say a thing on the negative comments
Feb 03, 2016
bluebird is the worst card you can get they will lie about fees and direct deposts they claim you will get your taxes faster but you will not
03/26/16
Greg i think you're exaggerting they actually explain to you how long it takes for you to get your tax refund they don't tell you that you'd get it faster and if you watched the news you'd known that the IRS got hacked and everyone's information got thrown out of their system so they had to do everything over to make sure people did not get their information stolen i filed my taxes on the 30th of January and it was sent to my bluebird card on the 6th of February they don't have control over what the IRS does instead of blaming them for you not getting your refund faster blame the IRS as they are the ones who have to release the funds to you.… show more
Jan 31, 2016
Barely any fees! Way better then any other debit card company. Ex. Green Dot. I Love My card. It works for online use. Never had any problems.
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Last updated on: December 4th, 2020 at 16:31
WalletHub is an independent comparison service.
We work hard to show you up-to-date product terms, however, this information does not originate from us and thus, we do not guarantee its accuracy. When you click "Apply Now" you will be directed to the offering institution's website. In addition, keep in mind that actual rates and other information may vary for a number of reasons including the applicant's' creditworthiness and differences between an individual's situation and the criteria/assumptions used to generate the information displayed. Before submitting an application, always verify all terms and conditions with the offering institution. Please let us know if you notice any differences.
Ad Disclosure: Offers originating from paying advertisers are noted as “Sponsored” at the top of this page. Advertising may impact how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). At WalletHub we try to present a wide array of offers, but our offers do not represent all financial services companies or products.
Irrespective of whether an offering institution is a paid advertiser, the presence of offer information on WalletHub does not constitute a referral or endorsement of the institution by us or vice versa. Furthermore, offers have not been reviewed or approved by the offering institution. Information is displayed first and foremost to help consumers make better decisions.
Editorial Disclaimer: Editorial and user-generated content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer. In addition, it is not issuer’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Offer last updated: Dec 4th, 2020 at 16:31 ET