• 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)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (108) bank account (20) security card (14) security number (15)
Thumbnail of user jotashial
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 11th, 2021

Its absolutely ridiculous, my son bought this prepaid card to buy some things off his game. Well he attempts to activate the card and can't because they want his social security number, his Birthday, and other things I don't think they should be asking for since its PREPAID! Its his money so why are they taking him through so much to spend his money that he is paying you'll to spend. So I call customer service and inform them that he is a minor and just wanted the card to buy some things off his game. I am told that since he is a minor they have to restrict his card, ARE U F****** kidding me. So now I am so frustrated. This company is a JOKE! REFUND PLEASE! The only reason I gave that 1 star is because I had to.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that.

Like other financial companies that offer debit cards, 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 require users to be at least 18 in order to activate their cards. During the activation process we will ask for a name, address, date of birth, and government ID number.

For assistance with the Limited Use option, or if you have additional questions, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user gedis
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 16th, 2023

My card was stolen and they refused to help lost over $1000.00 They shoud cease to exist as thugs can use your card and will not help get your money. They dismiss you when you call, just call back 14 days later.

Products used:
stolen card

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user reginaldb123
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 16th, 2022

Yes there idiots if you have an unauthorized charge that will cancel your card send you a new one so you will have to call all your auto pay and give them a new number and then that will pay the unauthorized charge any way even after talking to you on phone even if it is in the pending status when you vall

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Unfortunately, we don't have the option to cancel or stop transactions. We can assist with disputing unauthorized transactions once they post, and making sure that a replacement card is ordered.

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

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user devind30
1 review
3 helpful votes
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December 21st, 2019

This is a workplace debit card, yet they seem completely opposed to offering options to transfer funds to an actual checking account that one would have with an actual bank. They talk about transferring funds from, again, ACTUAL BANK ACCOUNTS, to their own account, but make no attempt to do the opposite. It's pathetic, and Netspend is a begrudging necessity to my current job. Satisfy your patrons. Stop trying to make yourself the main dog, because part of being a proper bank account means making the transfer of funds easy and accessible. This is ridiculous.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hello,

We're sorry to hear that you are unhappy. We would like to speak with you about your concerns. Please email social@netspend.com with your contact information so that we can reach out directly to you.

Thank you for your feedback,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user melc170
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 30th, 2022

I was given a Netspend gift card for my birthday. I couldn't even use it until I setup an account with them. I tried to reach customer support several times and couldn't reach anyone. After I registered it and used my card they charged me $1.50 for each charge. So I canceled my card and they would issue a check refund minus $5.95 for processing. This is such a scam and I will never use this company again. I will make sure I tell all my friends and family as well.

I had no choice to give them a one star because you have to rate them

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry to hear about your experience. Netspend offers prepaid debit cards, not gift cards. If you would like to speak with us about the card you received, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user terrys1437
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 20th, 2022

I went on vacation in Vegas was told by a Walmart agent that I cud use this card worst choice ever they took my funds block the cardand it has been months of trying to get a refund form them saying they mailed it to the wrong address to puting me on hold to been hang up on this company is a fraud

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We appreciate the 5 star rating! If you need assistance with your card, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user stephanies2986
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 19th, 2023

I ordered a NetSpend card online. That was the worst mistake I have ever made. My employer has deposited the money twice. NetSpend isn't reflecting that on the app. My employer has shown me the tracking on my card. I called NetSpend customer service & they told me my employer is a liar. Then the NetSpend customer service rep hung up on me. I went in person to put $10 on the card. But, NetSpend isn't reflecting that either. I called NetSpend customer services back & they told me the place where I went didn't deposit any money on my card. But, I have a receipt. NetSpend is a fraudulent company. They're stealing money from customers. I'm filing a lawsuit against NetSpend. Do not get a NetSpend card. They're scamming people out of their money. They are horrible.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We would be happy to look into this for you. Please send the details and your contact information to us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user eikon008
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 26th, 2023

I received email notification from Netspend to give them a call on my account. I call them and they inform me my account has been closed. I ask them, have I done anything against bank policy or is there a negative balance on my account? They answer no and that my account was in good standing. They inform me to protect my identity and my SSN they tell me my account has been closed. They further tell me my identity has not been confirmed so my account has been closed. I am very very confused as I have done nothing wrong and customer service is a time toilet. Stay away from Netspend and their fess are ridiculous.

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

We are sorry to hear about the experience.

If you would like to speak with us, please send your contact information to social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user shatoriap
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 2nd, 2022

Went to ace yesterday at 5:12 to cash my check which was for $600 I asked the cashier to put $200 on my card and give me the remaining of the balance in cash. She proceeded to give me my cash and receipts. I woke up this morning and the same lady actually stole the 200 and never put it on my card... I WENT up there and now everybody lost on what happen to the money and what did she do with it. I tried to reach out to corporate and nobody responded this is Beyong a Scam at this point I just want my money

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

Oh no! We're sorry to hear that you had a bad experience at an ACE location.

Please email us at social@netspend.com. We'd like to look into this for you.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user celested28
1 review
6 helpful votes
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March 6th, 2020

I used an atm to withdraw money from my netspend card. Atm didnt give me any money i called number on atm machine the said to call netspend, so i did only to find out netspend will take 90days to decide if they will give back your money... And noone seems to car as long as you put money on your card for them to steal is what it seems like

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We understand the dispute process can take some time. We assure you that we will do everything we can to assist you with getting the funds returned. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

If you would like to speak with us about your concerns, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user stevend1270
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 20th, 2022

I activated my card with 150 dollars and was never able to use it. I called them multiple times and all they did was tell me that the places I was trying to use the card at did not except the card and for me to try it at another place. And I did as they said. I was never able to use my card and they wouldn't put it me threw to anyone of authority. Each time they said they would put me threw to a supervisor I would be on hold for 30 plus minutes. This happened more than three times. I am disgusted with this company. I highly recommend that nobody ever use this company ever ever ever. They can not be trusted at all.

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

Hello,

We're sorry to hear that you haven't been able to make purchases with your card. We can go over your options to access the funds on the card. Please email us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user kathyb1713
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 16th, 2023

Purchased $50 on a Netspend card as a gift for a family member and was told the card was ready to use. After weeks of talking to customer service to try to activate the card, finally was told a check would be sent, after fees were charged for not activating the card in time and a fee for mailing the check. So lost $10 because customer service couldn't activate the card. Will never purchase another card from Netspend.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We are sorry to hear that you had trouble with your Netspend prepaid debit card. If you have questions about the product, or to speak with us about your experience, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user markyi
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2020

Netspend stole 347.00 from me locked my account for no reason they locked your account and make a excuse to keep your money these people are criminals now I don't work no more so I have no money this is a scam plz unlock my account you guys just stole my other $30.00 today on may7 why do you guys still people money I've called the cops I'm sick of people still my money this is a fake prepaid company all they do is still

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hello,

We're sorry to hear this.

Your personal information and Card Account security are very important to us. If we detect suspicious or high risk activity, your Card Account may be suspended/ blocked, in order to verify information with you. We understand this can be an inconvenience, but we can assure you that it is only meant as a protection of your Card Account. Our automated phone line is open 24/7 and offers the ability to resolve many temporary account restrictions.

For additional assistance, please email us at social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user jacka366
1 review
1 helpful vote
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November 9th, 2020

They took over my account and took all the money out of it, when i and other people i know contacted them they just mocked with us and messed with us. They used for every single personal bit of information possible from me, even things they wouldn't need at all. When i transferred all of my money out of my account they approved the transfer and then later declined the transfer and pulled the money from the bank i transferred it to and charged me a fee for that service. If i had the option i would give them no stars. They don't seem interested in following the law and i don't do business with companies that do not follow the law.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

That does not sound right. Please email us at social@netspend.com with some more details so that we can look into this.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user jamesm8009
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2022

I have had this account for over a decade, I used to "sing their praises" of what a great company this is to anyone that would listen. EVEN THOUGH this card will not get approved at 99.9% of companies offering direct deposit, even though every-time you login online it tells you all about their "wonderful easy to setup" Direct Deposit. NOPE not gonna happen. Including at my company. You cannot rent a car, you can't rent a hotel room, your charged a minimum of $3.45 for every ATM transaction. I just recently found out my account has been hacked for A LOT of money a week before Christmas. There are hundred of APPLE payment going back months if not years, I have not gotten that far in my investigation but going back through my transaction history, it appears this person has had my card information FOR A WHILE, buying gas and food at small amounts so I would not notice. Waiting to hear from the Fraud Department. STAY AWAY!

Tip for consumers:
Stay far away from this, waiting on their fraud department now to find out how thousands of dollars are missing from my account.

Products used:
Netspend Prepaid Debit Card

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

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

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user notgonnag
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 19th, 2022

Not only did I try like 6 times before calling I spent 30 minutes calling you guys asking to activate my card and you guys asking for my social security, adress, email, phone number. Just for the guy to ask for the adress 3 times and then resetting us for doing the process over again. Honestly I'm gonna do my best to report this company and let it be known for the fraud it is. $#*!ing idiots man. And ol Ronaldo can't speak Spanish. Use a better fake name dumbass.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you weren't able to activate your card.

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.

If you are still needing assistance, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user destinyp21
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 15th, 2020

Dont waste your time. Go to walmart, get a walmart money card. You will thank me later. You buy the card, you load it when you buy it, you get told you have to send docs to verify who you are, you send docs unsafely thru regular emails no codes no safety, then you get told they send you a new card so if you needed to pay or get something that day your money is on hold for 7 to 10 days and there is nothing you can do about it! I'm pissed.

Thumbnail of user carmelaj9
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 18th, 2021

I put 250.00 on card and come home to activate and couldn't, called and was told I couldn't because I had a fraud in my name was told I would get a check mailed out and still haven't got my 250.00 back and that was money for a bill

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

We're sorry to hear that. To check on the status of your refund check, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user pamw525
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 23rd, 2022

I have 2 netspend cards and a playcard which own by netspend. 1 netspend card I had for 6 or 7 years meter really had a problem. I got 2nd netspend card had for 2 years no problem... my 2 netspend cards was negative made $5 deposit every week so my playcard netspend decide to debit my playcard for the negative balance on the 2 other cards without my consent and the cards was never link.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We don't recommend posting personal information on a public website.

For questions, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user benvan11h
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
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April 30th, 2023

Worst customer support, just took my money. I bought a Visa card from QFC store but it turned out it's tagged with NetSpend which I was not aware of it. To activate the card, I entered the card number, and security code. At last I was asked to enter the pin number, I did which I thought it's to set up as it's my first time. But I kept getting "sorry we couldn't verify..." bla bla from the automated phone systems. What the... this people are talking about. It's my first time and I should be asked to set up my pin number not to verify it!. Then I called to the customer service 10 times and couldn't help me. What they knew is just transferring me to the automated phone system. Asked the supervisor she is also knew nothing. It seems like all of them are collections of nothing. Now trashing the card since I lost the receipt. This is the worst situation which I need to carefully check the card I buy in the future..

Tip for consumers:
I feel like my money is stolen. The customer service support is based offshore ... and knew nothing. Just transferring you to automated answering machine and you got nothing....

Products used:
Worst customer support, just took my money. I bought a Visa card from QFC store but it turned out it's tagged with NetSpend which I was not aware of it. To activate the card, I entered the card number, and security code. At last I was asked to enter the pin number, I did which I thought it's to set up as it's my first time. But I kept getting "sorry we couldn't verify..." bla bla from the automated phone systems. What the ... this people are talking about. It's my first time and I should be asked to set up my pin number not to verify it !!. Then I called to the customer service 10 times and couldn't help me. what they knew is just transferring me to the automated phone system. Asked the supervisor she is also knew nothing. It seems like all of them are collections of nothing. Now trashing the card since I lost the receipt. This is the worst situation which I need to carefully check the card I buy in the future..

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 michelled1859
1 review
3 helpful votes
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April 8th, 2022

You need to hire more English speaking Reps. I have to keep repeating myself and then they don't understand what I'm asking. Just today one of your Reps reported my NetSpend card as stolen and it was blocked. The problem is it wasn't that card! I have an All Access account and it was used so they replaced it. The same Rep said she didn't see a new card ordered. Now I have 2 accounts with money on them and I can't use either one because they're both blocked! Now I have to go all weekend with NOOOOOO MONEY.

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

We're sorry to hear that. Email us at social@netspend.com for assistance.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user tamicaw8
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 30th, 2022
Verified purchase

I only gave it one star because it doesn't have the option to select zero star. I went to Walmart to purchase a prepaid debit card for my grandson. I noticed the Vanilla visa debt cards were sold out. I had no choice but to purchase this card due to time. Anyone, my grandson wanted to the card to pay for games. Once he got home, he immediately called to say he couldn't activate the card. We took the card back to Walmart only to learn they will not refund my money because it's a vendor purchase,

I purchased the Netspend prepaid debit card at Walmart in West Haven, CT on 12/27/2022. I put $50 on the card and haven't been able to activate it. I've called numerous times only to be rerouted back to the automatize system to repeat the same process over and over. The customer services reps are not helpful at all. One rep hung up the phone on me. I have not received any help. Please advise how can I obtain a refund or use the card.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user justinc886
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 24th, 2022
Verified purchase

Don't do it you will never get your money it's the worse prepaid card ever I mean who need your social security number for a pre paid card just plain dumb

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Like other financial companies that offer debit cards, 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.

If you are needing assistance with activating a card that you purchased, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user terencek61
1 review
4 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 28th, 2023
Verified purchase

I bought it at a drugstore 2 years ago. Used it very little. "Inactivity fees"? Not properly disclosed
If they were honest, they would have made these fees very clear in bold print on the package

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

We're sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your card services.

The fees for using the card and for maintaining the Card Account, including maintenance fees, are fully disclosed in the Cardholder Agreement that was included in the card packaging. The fee is automatically charged after 90 consecutive days of no activity.

To speak with us about the card you purchased, please email social@netspend.com.

Thank you,
Netspend

Thumbnail of user amberf14
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 20th, 2016

Unsafe to keep my money on. Continusly loseing my funds. Unable to receive them back without at least a weeks wait for their investigation process if I even get it back at all. Lets bussiness take double payments at the same time without questioning it. This card has been nothing short of a headach. The more you use it the more confused they get and the more loss you will suffer. Can't understand the customer service employees and they don't know what their doing. They will say one thing til you get mad enough to ask for a supervisor then put you on hold and come back with another totally opposite answer. This card holder sucks terribly. If you want to keep your money DON'T USE NETSPEND.

Thumbnail of user travisv6
Eric L. – NetSpend Rep

Hi Amber,

We regret to hear of the problems you have experienced with our service.

NetSpend is very committed to providing a safe and secure product. If you notice an error on your account and contact us, we will immediately open a dispute and begin an investigation.

Customer service is also very important to us. Please email us at social@netspend.com and we will make sure this is addressed to avoid incidents like this in the future.

Thank you,

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.
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