About ReadyCARD Prepaid Cards

What Is ReadyCARD?

ReadyCARD is a reloadable prepaid debit card designed for people who want the convenience of card payments without a traditional checking account. It is available as both a prepaid Mastercard and a prepaid Visa, so you can spend anywhere those networks are accepted — online, in stores, and everywhere card payments are taken. Because it is prepaid, you can only spend the funds you have loaded, making it a simple tool for budgeting and controlled spending. Checking your prepaid Mastercard balance or prepaid Visa balance takes just a moment using any of the methods on our How to Check Balance guide.

ReadyCARD prepaid cards are issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from the applicable card network. This means eligible funds are FDIC-insured through the issuing bank, subject to the terms of your cardholder agreement.

Key Features

• Two network options: Choose a ReadyCARD prepaid Mastercard or prepaid Visa.
• Reloadable: Add funds by direct deposit, cash reload at participating retailers, or bank transfer.
• Online account access: Check your balance and full prepaid card transaction history from any browser.
• Direct deposit: Have your paycheck or government benefits loaded automatically, often faster than a paper check.
• Wide acceptance: Use it anywhere the Mastercard or Visa network is accepted, in person and online.
• Balance alerts: Stay on top of spending with balance and transaction notifications where available.

Benefits

• No credit check: A prepaid card is not a line of credit, so approval does not depend on your credit history.
• Spending control: You can only spend what you load, which helps with budgeting and avoiding overdraft.
• Safer than cash: If your card is lost or stolen, you can report it and protect your remaining funds.
• FDIC insurance: Funds are held at Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, subject to your cardholder agreement.
• Convenient money management: Do a card balance inquiry anytime online, by phone, or at an ATM.

Fees to Be Aware Of

Like most prepaid cards, ReadyCARD may include certain fees. Always review the fee schedule in your official cardholder agreement, as amounts vary by program. Common fee types include:

• Monthly maintenance fee (sometimes waived with qualifying direct deposit)
• Cash reload fee at participating retailers
• ATM withdrawal or balance inquiry fee (in addition to any operator surcharge)
• Card replacement fee for lost or stolen cards
• Inactivity fee after an extended period of no use

Where to Buy

ReadyCARD prepaid cards are commonly available at major retail locations, grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies, and through the official program website. Look for the ReadyCARD prepaid Mastercard or Visa in the prepaid/gift card section, or order online where offered. Starter cards purchased in-store are typically activated and personalized before ongoing use.

How to Activate Your Card

Activating your ReadyCARD is quick and only needs to be done once:

1. Visit the official activation website or call the activation number printed on your card materials.
2. Enter your 16-digit card number, expiration date, and the security code (CVV).
3. Provide the requested identity details to register the card in your name.
4. Create your online username, password, and a card PIN for ATM and in-store use.
5. Once activated, you can immediately do a readycard balance check and start using your card.

Accepted Locations

Because ReadyCARD runs on the Mastercard or Visa network, you can use it virtually anywhere those cards are accepted:

• In-store purchases at retailers worldwide
• Online and mobile checkout
• Recurring bill payments and subscriptions
• ATM cash withdrawals (fees may apply)

Ready to see your balance? Head to our step-by-step guide on checking your ready card balance, or browse the frequently asked questions.