4 Store Debit Cards: Fees, Perks, etc Compared

Most retailers that offer financial products to their customers opt for store-branded credit cards rather than debit cards. However, there are a few retailers — Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Meijer — with store debit cards available. Below, we explain the differences between these cards, and we list their features and fees so you can find the best option for you.

What We Recommend

The Walmart MoneyCard earns the highest recommendation on our list of store debit cards. In addition to requiring no credit check or existing bank account, the card allows users ATM access and cash-back perks. It is also valid at any store in the U.S. that takes Mastercard or Visa. The MoneyCard does come with a monthly fee of around $6, but you can waive the fee by making $1,000 or more in deposits each month.

The Target RedCard Debit Card offers no annual or monthly fees and might be the right choice for you if your highest priority is avoiding fees. However, note that you can only use it at Target stores, Target.com, and select partners running promotional deals for RedCard holders. It also requires an existing bank account, which you’ll link the card to after you apply.

Comparison Table

Compare the main features of the available store debit cards in the table below. Note that you can select each card name or scroll to the list below for more details, such as each card’s fees and perks. You can also sort the table using the arrows at the top of each column.

The List

Below, we list the available store debit cards in order of best first based on their usability, requirements, features, and fees.

1. Walmart MoneyCard

• Valid at: Any store in the U.S. that accepts Mastercard or Visa debit cards^[1]
• Requires credit check? No^[1]
• Requires bank account? No^[1]
• Includes ATM access? Yes^[2]
• Fees:
  • $1 fee to purchase the card^[3]
  • Monthly fee of about $6 (waived if you deposit $1,000 or more per month)^[3]
  • Cash reload fees up to about $6^[3]
  • $2.50 per ATM or bank teller withdrawal^[3]
• Perks:
  • Up to $75 per year cash back (1% at Walmart stores, 2% at Walmart gas stations, and 3% at Walmart.com)^[4]
  • Early direct deposit^[4]
  • Earn 2% interest on savings^[4]
• Apply

2. Target RedCard Debit Card

• Valid at: Target, Target.com, and designated third-party partners^[5]
• Requires credit check? No^[5]
• Requires bank account? Yes; links to an existing checking account^[6]
• Includes ATM access? No^[5]
• Fees:
  • No annual or monthly fee^[6]
  • Returned payment fees up to $40^[5]
• Perks:
  • 5% off at Target and Target.com^[6]
  • Free two-day shipping^[6]
  • RedCard-exclusive items and offers^[6]
  • Extra 30 days for returns and exchanges^[6]
  • Cash withdrawal of up to $40 at checkout^[6]
• Apply

3. Meijer Visa Prepaid Card

• Valid at: Any store that accepts Visa^[7]
• Requires credit check? No^[7]
• Requires bank account? No^[8]
• Includes ATM access? Yes^[8]
• Fees:
  • $3 monthly fee or $1 per transaction pay-as-you-go plan^[8]
  • Over-the-counter and ATM withdrawal fees of around $2 to $4^[8]
  • Reload fees of $0 to $5, depending on the reload method^[8]
• Perks:
  • Free direct deposit up to two days early for paychecks and government benefits^[8]
  • $10 purchase cushion for qualifying cardholders on select transactions that result in a negative balance^[8]
• Apply

4. Kroger REWARDS Debit Card

• Valid at: Kroger Family of Companies stores (including Kroger, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food Stores, Harris Teeter, and Ralphs) and Kroger.com^[9][10]
• Requires credit check? No^[11]
• Requires bank account? Yes; links to an existing checking account^[9]
• Includes ATM access? No^[11]
• Fees:
  • No annual or monthly fee^[9]
  • Non-sufficient funds fees for purchases your linked account can’t cover^[9]
• Perks:
  • Earn 50% more fuel points than you would with a Kroger Shopper’s Card alone^[9]
  • 2% cash back on Kroger’s Our Quality Brands, including Simple Truth, Private Selection, and Kroger Brand^[9][12]
• Apply

Stores That Don’t Offer Debit Cards

In the course of our research, we found that the following stores don’t offer debit cards, though many do offer credit cards and/or prepaid cards from issuers like American Express and Green Dot:

• Amazon^[13]
• Bass Pro Shops^[14]
• Cabela’s^[15]
• The Home Depot^[16]
• HomeGoods^[17]
• Kohl’s^[18]
• Lowe’s^[19]
• Macy’s^[20]
• Marshalls^[17]
• Nordstrom (Note: Nordstrom used to offer a debit card but has replaced it with a rewards program, The Nordy Club.)^[21]
• Sears^[22]
• Sephora^[23]
• T.J. Maxx^[17]
• Ulta Beauty^[24]