• NetSpend

NetSpend

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Overview

NetSpend has a rating of 1.4 stars from 433 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about NetSpend most frequently mention customer service, social security, and debit card problems. NetSpend ranks 18th among Debit Card sites.

  • Service
    205
  • Value
    202
  • Quality
    193

This company responds to reviews on average within 2 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 2.9%
Positive
1
Neutral
0
Negative
33
82
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How would you rate NetSpend?
Top Positive Review

“I have used NetSpend for over 10 years and have had 0 problems!”

Laura S.
12/17/19

It is worth paying a $5.00 monthly fee to NetSpend because I get unlimited transactions and I get paid direct deposit money sooner than anyone I work with. NetSpend also gives me free text alerts describing each transaction made so I never have to wonder what my balance is. NetSpend is a trustworthy prepaid card. They will even cover me if I overdraw up to 10 bucks since I have direct deposit. Just read their policies; very simple to understand, choose your plan and you won't be disappointed.

Top Critical Review

“DO NOT USE NETSPEND!”

Stephanie O.
8/6/24

NetSpend is the worst bank I have ever dealt with. Their customer service reps are a complete joke. DO NOT USE NETSPEND. If anyone has any negative social media links, please share with me so I can spread the word.

Reviews (433)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (108) bank account (20) security card (14) security number (15)
Thumbnail of user shadeo2
1 review
6 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 9th, 2021

My money was taken out of account some way some how on 5/18-5/21 and netspend is saying it's no error they found I was at work during the time the with draws was done netspend blocked my card I am heart broken this happen to me I'm single mom trying to but my money back can't let my money knowing it's mines and it stolen of out my account by a scammer that got my information I just want my back they closed my account and make you feel like your the Stealer of your own money not right please help the reps lie to you and treated me wrong in this matter

Tip for consumers:
Don’t leave a lot money in checking account with netspend

Products used:
I didn’t purchase anything or authorize charges to be taken out of my account

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We can look into this. For assistance, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user michellew2869
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 30th, 2024

I received My deposit here for the past 3 yrs.Lots of My cash is gone They lie and Steal.Get your out

Tip for consumers:
Get your money out of here

Products used:
NetSpend All Access

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry to hear that your funds are missing. Please reach out to us at social@netspend.com so we look into this promptly.

Thumbnail of user jovanih4
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 24th, 2022

We loaded our netspend card at 711 store on saturday with $300 dollars and we got a notification but the funds never came in on the app. We have not been able to use the money and lost work and money due to this. Clerks at 711 saying call netspend and of course netspend is saying its 711 we need to check with. My wife went today to speak to 711 manager witht the reciept. If nothing is being done we are filing a lawsuit agains netspend today.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that. Please send us an email to social@netspend.com if you still need assistance.

Thumbnail of user keepitpushingc
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 30th, 2022

A total scam, horrible customer service, no English speaking people, they give you the run around, they automated system sucks, hold times are over an hour, hung up on, In possible to close account, this company is straight up FRAUD and should be held accountable, if I could give negative stars I would

Both Middle fingers up

Tip for consumers:
Stay far away from this company

Products used:
Prepaid card / Direct Deposit

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you haven't been able to activate your card. For assistance, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user jaredf148
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 19th, 2023

I put $300 on a prepaid card...Told I could use it...Said only option I had was that they would refund me in 10 business days...They were very rude and not helpful at all

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear about the difficulty you experienced with the activation process. For assistance, please email us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user jenniferw2754
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
July 23rd, 2022

This company is 100% fraud. NetSpend caters to web identity hackers with their customer support platform. There is no Customer Service. It's all auto generated email response telling you to call a bogus number that sends people on a round robin of tele-prompting for 10 minutes at a time just to get nowhere, with no-one and cut off as your reward for trying! This company needs to be SHUT DOWN BY THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU!

Tip for consumers:
You’ll never be able to resolve this issue with NetSpend. You’ll have to do it through legal levels! I am.

Products used:
I never used anything! I am a victim of identity fraud!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Thank you for your reviews. Our records show that an agent from our Corporate Office has reached you. For additional questions or concerns, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user robertlagnew
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 6th, 2023

Please be aware they are scamming people out of their money i put $140 on this card and they put a block on it for fruad and want me too send my social sercurity card birth certificate and proof of resident why? Bottom line they are scamming!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear about your issue.

Like other financial companies, we are required by our bank, as well as MasterCard and Visa associations, to be compliant with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and BSA (Bank Secrecy Act) laws. Both laws require that all financial institutions verify the identity of each account holder.

This means that we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and your government ID number during the activation process. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying information. Card activation and identity verification are required before you can use the Card Account.

To speak with us, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user billbally15
1 review
5 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2023

Don't get a netspend card. It's the worst company ever. Just don't do it. All liars and snake oil salesman.if 0 stars were available I would of picked it.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry to hear that you aren't happy with your card services. If you need are needing assistance with using it, please send an email to us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user katiew494
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 26th, 2022

Netspend is the worst. It's so difficult setting up the card in the first place and then it didn't work (kept getting rejected online) so we had to keep calling back. Ugh... never again.

Tip for consumers:
Avoid at all cost!

Products used:
Netspend card

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you are having so many issues. We would be happy to assist. Please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user josettecastillo5
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 20th, 2023

I had a netspend account and they closed my account and has not has not sent me my $289.00 that i had in there when they closed it. I keep calling and they keep giving me thr run around. I called to change my address 5x and they never changed it. It has been 4 weeks and still have noit gotten my money from them. I need help to get it back. And there sister company deep blue also has over $300.00 of mine and will not send it to me. They keep telling me that they will send out but have not. By law when they close a acct they have 14 days to send you what u had left in the acct.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that. For assistance, please email us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user ryand959
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 12th, 2023

I have been a Netspend customer for at least 8 years now, with no issues up until July 4. I got a text on that day asking if a certain purchase was one I made, and I said "no", so they instantly blocked my card, and cut off all access to my account. I didn't even have a chance to withdraw any money. I lost $179 out of my account, after getting the new card, to fraudulent charges...so this is twice now. I did get the $179 back, but it took two weeks. Ordered another card, which they charged me for, got that, activated it, same thing. Within minutes of getting paid, I was cyber hacked again, so now that's 3 times. August 2, I get paid, get a few groceries, at the store, and pull a bit of cash out like I usually do, only to find out that minutes after I got paid, $908, which I did not charge, gone out of my account...so, i have basically been broke since payday. The 4th different card since July $ has arrived, and been activated. Meanwhile, I get paid next Wednesday, so we'll see what happens, and I'm still waiting for my $908 to be refunded, if it even will be. Makes me think that one of them is the one dong it, with the frequency that it is happening at...ad the fact that when I call them, they don't want to talk to me, after I give them my name. It certainly makes it seem like someone with Netspend is hacking me.

Thumbnail of user deniset61
Denise T.
2 reviews
8 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 27th, 2018

I see a lot of bad reviews, but honestly, I had one issue with them and they corrected it immediately and I was able to talk to a supervisor. I was upset at the time, but hey, problem solved. Also I have used this card for years. Seriously. So either you're using it wrong or the place where you are buying it is not familiar with what to do. I've often had to school some cashiers on how the card works. Some times it hard to understand some Netspend agents, but it still works out. So kudos to NetSpend. And it not just a card for the irresponsible people, it's allows you have another option when it comes to banking in general. The traditional banks are going away. Their cards also offer a savings account making interest and its very good for business purposes. Goodness they are giving you a bank account with a full routing number. If you ARE down on your luck and the typical banks won't give you the time of day, NetSpend is giving you an instant checking and saving account where you can deposit your paycheck. All you have to do is put $20 bucks on the card. Heck you can even scan your physical paycheck to the checking account from a mobile phone. Think about it. I'm not mad, NetSpend. With all these bad reviews, maybe re-think the marketing plan:) I like it though. Thumbs up from me!

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hi Denise!

Thank you so much for your review! We are happy to hear that you have been using our card for so long. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at social@netspend.com and we will be glad to help.

Regards,

Netspend

Thumbnail of user rickl233
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
May 13th, 2020

My friend suggested i sign up for the NetSpend card using his link we would each receive $20 bonus. Ok why not. They encourage direct deposit, I have no need for that service. The minimum deposit I needed to qualify ing for the bonus was $40. I had a check from a client for $70 I waited the 10 days for the check to clear which I thought was a bit much and two days after that we would each receive the $20 bonus. It's been six days. I've emailed them three times no response I attempted to call last night but after 22 minutes on hold when the girl finally got to me she kept going hello hello hello and then as if to ignore me she switched me back to the automated system and then I got disconnected. Really? I don't need this card. This car does nothing to enrich my life it doesn't offer anything that any other card can't give you especially when they promise you something and they don't deliver. I was only doing a friend a favor. Because he really could use that extra $20. What a waste of time and energy.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear this. To speak with us about the issue, please email social@netspend.com.

Thumbnail of user connief130
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
August 8th, 2020

I put 468$ on this card, thinking i would have no problems if i needed to use it online or even at a atm. Went to activate it and they told me i had to email them a picture of my social security card and ID, SERIOUSLY?! They are overseas and all is sent online, i dont think so! Great way to get ur identity stolen, i have bought gift cards before and never ever had anything like this, when i refused to send them that they said i could activate the card with restrictions, in store only with a pin? Can't take my money back off it, can't pay online bills, nothing! They certainly didnt have a problem taking my money! TOTAL SCAM, DON'T TRUST THEM!

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Netspend offers prepaid debit cards, not gift cards, so the activation process is a little different.

In order to be compliant with federal regulations, we are required to verify the identity of each account holder. This means that when you open a Card Account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and your government ID number. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying information. We assure you that we work hard to ensure all information is safe and secure. We want to make sure that you have access to your funds. Please email social@netspend.com. Thank you.

Thumbnail of user frankg823
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 5th, 2021

Total garbage "gift card". Legally, gift cards are supposed to be good for 5 years. Netspend set their company up to purposefully get around this law. Their company is trash. Their polices are trash. Their cards are trash. They should be tossed into the dustbin of history. THEIR CARDS ARE A SCAM. AVIOD THEM AT ALL COSTS! ZERO STARS.

Tip for consumers:
Avoid at all costs.

Products used:
Their "gift card".

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hello,

We're sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your card purchase. We offer prepaid debit cards, not gift cards.

To speak with us about your concerns, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user alexs1153
1 review
13 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 25th, 2020

Woke up this morning to a notification that my account was locked I've had said account for close to 3 years every dime I had was in that account I have bills due on the first and there is no way of getting to MY money besides waiting "20 business days" for my check in the mail what a joke wish I would of got another bank account sooner please save yourself the headache and do not use them

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry to hear this. To speak with us about your account, please email social@netspend.com.

Thumbnail of user markg3116
1 review
5 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 5th, 2023

People be careful before thinking on NetSpend read all the fine print and there fees twice as much as your bank or any prepaid card and look out for companies that use them if getting a loan my mistake borrowed 2200 it was put on there card I payed fees to borrow then payed fees for NetSpend by time all fees I got less than 2 Grand but paying the 2200 I didn't get it's all a scam my fault but learned a lesson but it's all truth

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you aren't happy with your Netspend card services.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user kellyr1341
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 28th, 2023

My 11 year old received this as a gift with $50 on it for Christmas. We activated it, and he used it once! Over the past 4 months, they STOLE $25 in fees for inactivity. I contacted them, and they said to have my ELEVEN year old contact customer service! They are so stupid and I HIGHLY advise ANYONE to NEVER use these people! They are thrives to ANYONE! And HORRIBLE customer service!

Tip for consumers:
AVOID AT ALL COST!

Products used:
Unable to use the card, as they blocked the card AFTER taking all the money out for inactivity!

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that.

Netspend offers reloadable, prepaid debit cards, not gift cards. This type of product is intended for individuals who are at least 18 who wish to have access to an electronic form of payment, but would like an alternative to a traditional bank account. The original card package which states “This is not a gift card” on the front of the package. However, we understand that all of the packaging might not have been gifted to the recipient.

To speak with us about the card that was received, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user coryb259
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 7th, 2021

I had 10,000$ deposited, made a purchase at Walmart for 36$ and they locked my account for suspicious activity, then after already verifying my identity when I opened the account, I had to send mail, I'd and social security card. I only had a pic of my social and 1 corner was snapped out, they said that wasn't good enuf. Ss office isn't allowing walk-ins since covid. They faxed me proof of my social, I sent it in and that wasn't good enuf, right after I finally found my card and sent it in and then they emailed me that my account was closed and they would mail me a check. This is ridiculous I need my money now. They've had it 3 weeks and now this. Smh

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that. For assistance, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user oliverj142
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 20th, 2023

My mother passed in March and I called to see what to do to take out the money and close her account. They told me what to send in and I complied with everything. Then when I call to get an update they tell me I need to send the same documents in that I have already sent in. Also each time I tesend them in, they say I have twenty days for the legal team to check the account out and proves the check. We started in April and now they telling me in June once again that it's gonna take twenty more days for them to check and process the account! This is RIDICULOUS!

Service
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry for your loss. Please email us at social@netspend.com for assistance with the issue.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user melishaj
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 19th, 2020

I bought my daughter a net spend card to use for itunes back in may, I honestly thought it would be simple to use was I wrong calling them in may during the covid crisis did not help either and now I have a useless card and they took all the money I had on there which wasn't much thank goodness do not ever use this company is useless they will take the remaining balance for their self

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you haven't been able to activate your card. For assistance, please email us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user malachia11
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
September 2nd, 2022

Had my account hacked and it's taken months for my dispute. Clearly a person can see by charges that a red flag is drawn. Also received text stating that account was closed and sent me a new card.

Tip for consumers:
The only incentive is that you get your check and irs deposits early. If you have a dispute it can take months. Yes I said Months!!! It happened to me. My account got hacked several times.

Products used:
Debit card direct deposit

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We do not recommend posting your account information on a public website.

If you have questions about the dispute claims process, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user erinb274
1 review
4 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 22nd, 2020

After 6 months my money was returned to IRS and a check was issued I newer asnumed this would happen i kept asking and calling netspend is no longer my enemy now it is use with caution, not by me, i will avoid all prepay.

Tip for consumers:
dont . i am not the only one. i know 5 other people in my area that have been netted in by this company . how are they not liable. ? class action. lawsuit. needs to happen.

Products used:
netspend prepaid card. and direct deposit.

Thumbnail of user jjc29
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 9th, 2022

Called git the recording, verified SSN, DOB to set the pin. My card is inly $25. That i have it for 6 months i never used. Then speak with the representative. Verified personal
info again! Gave that info, and they want me to send them my drivers license and social security card why?! For $25? I told them i will never give my social. I will never ever get this card and i will never ever refer this to anyone! This is scam!

Products used:
None

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you are having issues with your prepaid debit card. Your personal information and Card Account security are very important to us. For assistance, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user amyl1451
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
August 29th, 2021

I see all these negative reviews with things that have happened I've had my card for almost 6 years I have never had a problem with NetSpend if they've locked my account because they think something's wrong I have always been able to unlock it within 3 minutes I have never had my money held for days I've never had an authorized purchases taken off I think that's net spend is awesome

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hi Amy,

Thank for you taking the time to leave a review. We're glad to hear that you continue to be pleased with your card services. Email us at social@netspend.com if you need assistance.

Have a great day,
Netspend

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From the business

NetSpend is a leading provider of reloadable prepaid cards and related financial services in the United States. We serve the estimated 68 million underbanked consumers who do not have a traditional bank account or who rely on alternative financial services. Our mission is to provide products and services that empower consumers with the convenience, security and freedom to be self-banked.

Since 1999, our products have helped more than 10 million consumers to make purchases, pay bills and manage their money without the need for a checking account or credit history.

Through our nationwide network of more than 70,000 distribution locations and 130,000 reload points, consumers can buy and reload NetSpend Prepaid Cards at neighborhood retailers, check cashers, convenience stores, grocers, pharmacies, insurance providers and tax preparers nationwide. In addition, our direct distribution channel reaches consumers beyond our store-based distributors. NetSpend is also a leading provider of corporate payroll card solutions that help employers offer all employees a direct deposit option and eliminate expenses associated with paper checks for employees and employers alike

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L.
Response Team Supv.
Typically responds within 2 days

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