William Lipovsky
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card backed by Green Dot Bank. You can use it as an alternative to a checking account, including to set up direct deposit for your payroll checks or government benefits.
The card includes a variety of features and services in addition to direct deposit, including online bill payment, ATM withdrawals, and check writing.
We spoke with Walmart customer service representatives and viewed Walmart MoneyCard’s policy documentation online to provide the detailed review below, including information about the application process, fees, and how to deposit and withdraw funds.
Setting Up a New Walmart MoneyCard
Application Process
There are two options for getting a Walmart MoneyCard: you can apply online, or you can purchase a Walmart MoneyCard starter pack at a Walmart register.[1]
If you apply online, there is no fee, but it will take about seven to 10 days for your personalized card to arrive.
If you purchase a starter pack, you’ll pay a $1 issuance fee at the register, but you’ll receive a temporary card that you can use immediately until your permanent card arrives.[2]
Both options require you to register the card number, expiration date, and CVV on the Walmart MoneyCard website.
Your Walmart MoneyCard debit transactions require a four-digit personal identification number (PIN); when you register your MoneyCard online, you will also set up your PIN.[3]
There is no minimum balance requirement or opening deposit. Once you open your account, the Walmart MoneyCard charges a monthly fee of anywhere from $5.95. If you deposit more than $500 per month, you will not pay any monthly fees.[2]
You can add up to four additional accounts for family members for free. Monthly fees will apply to each account, however.[4]
Application Requirements
You must be at least 18 to use the Walmart MoneyCard (or 13 if you have a family account).
Walmart MoneyCard requires the following information at the time of application:[5][6]
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Mobile Number
- Valid email address
Because it’s not a credit card, the Walmart MoneyCard doesn’t require a credit check. It also doesn’t require you to have a bank account.[3]
Online Account Management
You can manage your Walmart MoneyCard online, using features like person-to-person transfers, online bill payment, and more. There are no additional fees to set up your bill payments online.
The Walmart MoneyCard App also includes a mobile deposit feature.
If you forget your User ID or need to reset your password, you can request a reset at the Walmart MoneyCard website; you will need your Social Security number, your MoneyCard number, and your CVV.
Setting Up Direct Deposit
You can set up direct deposits to your Walmart MoneyCard for all or part of your paychecks and government benefits.
There are no fees for direct deposit, but it will usually take one or two pay cycles for your direct deposit to process.[7]
Keep in mind that the name on your Walmart MoneyCard account needs to match the name that your payor uses.
Your employer (or another payor) will need your account and routing number to set up your direct deposit. There are several ways to find this information:
- Log in to your Walmart MoneyCard account and look for Direct Deposit in the menu.
- Call the Direct Deposit Hotline at (866) 871-2416, then press “1” and enter your card number. (Note: Your Walmart MoneyCard number is not the same as your direct deposit account number.)
- Text “DD” to 37267 to receive a text with your direct deposit enrollment numbers.[8]
The Walmart MoneyCard processes your direct deposit when Walmart receives advance notice from your payor, which is typically up to two days before your usual payday and up to four days before your government benefits payday. The direct deposit limit is $10,000.
Walmart MoneyCard Fees and Limits
We explain specific details about using your card in the relevant sections below; see the following table for an overview of the fees and limits associated with the card and account:
| Type of Fee/Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-store issuance fee | $1 |
| Monthly fee | $5.95; fee can be waived |
| Walmart Rapid Reload | $3 |
| ATM balance inquiry | $0.50 |
| ATM transaction/bank transaction | $2.50 |
| Paper checks | $6 for 12 checks |
| Replacement MoneyCard | $3 ($15 for expedited delivery) |
| Direct deposit limit | $10,000 |
| Mobile deposit limit | $1,500 or 3 transactions per day |
| ATM withdrawal limit | $500 per day |
| Bank cash withdrawal limit | $1,500 per day |
| Walmart Money Center cash withdrawal limit | $1,000 per day |
| Walmart Money Center withdrawal fee | None |
| Daily spending limit | $3,000 |
| Maximum balance | $10,000 |
| Opening deposit | None |
| Minimum balance requirement | None |
| Online Bill Pay fee | None |
| Online Bill Pay limit | $7,500 |
| Check deposit limit | $1,000 per day ($3,000 for government benefits); $5,000 per month |
Using Your Walmart MoneyCard
Checking Your Balance
To check your account balance, you can log in to your online account, view your account balance in the app, or request a balance inquiry at an ATM.
There is a charge for ATM balance inquiries; it costs $0.50 plus any bank or ATM operator fees.[9][2]
Loading/Reloading
The charge to reload your card with cash is anywhere from $3 to $6.[9] You can reload any amount from $20 to $1,000 onto the card.[10]
While you can’t load cash through an ATM, the ways to load cash on your Walmart MoneyCard include:
- Walmart Rapid Reload: Add cash at the register for a $3 service fee[2]
- Walmart MoneyCenter: You can cash a check at Walmart, then load the cash onto your card. Walmart check cashing fees will apply, but there is no additional fee to add the funds to your card account.
- Walmart MoneyCard App: No additional charges[2]
- MoneyPak: You can load a MoneyPak card as long as you have an account at MoneyPak.com.
- Bank transfer: You can transfer money from a participating bank within the U.S.; this takes about three business days.
Mobile Deposits
To deposit a check or money order with the Walmart MoneyCard app, you will need to endorse your check or money order and write “for mobile deposit only” above your signature.
Once you open the app, select “Deposit” then “Deposit a Check,” and the app will take you through each step of the process.[11]
Each time you make a mobile deposit, you will use a different deposit code. You can use up to three deposit codes per day as long as your total deposits for that day don’t exceed your daily $1,500 cash and mobile deposit limit.[12]
Keep in mind that the maximum Walmart MoneyCard balance is $10,000; Green Dot will decline deposits over the limit.[9]
Withdrawals
Besides ATM withdrawals, Walmart MoneyCard users have several options to use the funds on their card.
- Walmart withdrawal: Withdraw up to $1,000 cash at a register or Walmart Money Center; free for the Cash Back Rewards MoneyCard and about $3 for others
- Bank withdrawal: Cash withdrawals up to $1,500 at a bank teller for about a $2.50 fee
- Online bill payment: Free one-time or recurring payment; can be set up for a landlord, company, or single person
- Walmart money orders: You can purchase Walmart money orders up to $1,000. Our previous research features the details of Walmart’s money order services.
Note that your daily spending limit within 24 hours is $3,000.
ATMs
You can use the Walmart MoneyCard to withdraw funds, deposit checks, and check your account balance at any ATM.
You will need the PIN you created when you activated your MoneyCard to use an ATM. If you ever need to change your PIN, simply log in to the app to make the change.
It costs about $2.50 per transaction to use your card at an ATM and about $0.50 to check your card balance at an ATM. If you choose a third-party ATM, you may pay an additional bank or ATM fee.[2]
The daily limit for cash withdrawals from an ATM is $500.[9]
Enter your zip code to find the ATMs in your area.
Sending Money
In addition to paying bills, making purchases, and transferring funds, you can send a payment from your Walmart MoneyCard as long as you have the recipient’s email or mobile number.
Just log in to the app or online and go to “Pay People” then “Send Money” and enter the name, email address or mobile phone number, memo, and dollar amount. Once you hit “Continue,” you can review your transaction before hitting “Send.”
You can cancel a transfer as long as it is unclaimed. Once it has been claimed, you can’t receive a refund for it.[14]
If the person you are sending the payment to has a Walmart MoneyCard account, they can deposit the money into it.
If they don’t have a MoneyCard, Walmart recommends that they apply online or pick up a starter card in-store and deposit onto the temporary card.
Cash Advances
The Walmart MoneyCard is not a credit card, so you can’t receive a traditional cash advance from it. The money on it is money that you have deposited; there is no additional line of credit available to you.
Purchase Refunds
When you return items that you purchased using your MoneyCard, the refunded amount can be added to your MoneyCard.
Refunds credited back to your Walmart MoneyCard may take up to 10 days to process.[15]
Additional MoneyCard Benefits and Features
Checks
The Walmart MoneyCard offers you the option to order paper checks by selecting “Paper Checks” in the app or from your online account. Be sure the information is correct before you submit your order.
It will cost about $6 for 12 paper checks. Shipping is free, and the check cost will be deducted when you place your order. Your checks will arrive in about two weeks.[14]
Stop Payments
If a check has not been cashed, you can stop the payment by selecting “Stop Payment” under “Checks” in the app.
Once a check is canceled, it is void and you can’t reuse it. Any pre-authorized funds that have been deducted will be credited back on the next business day.[14]
Check Deposits
When it comes to depositing checks, the minimum check amount is $1, and the maximum is $1,000 in one day unless you receive money from the government in the form of benefits or refunds. In that case, the daily total amount increases to $3,000.
The monthly check deposit maximum is $5,000. The maximum amount increases to $7,500 between January and April each year.[16]
Cash Back Benefits
To be eligible to receive cash-back benefits, you need to keep your account in good standing by paying your monthly charge before the end of the month for 12 consecutive months.
You will then earn 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% back at Walmart gas stations, and 1% back at Walmart stores. You can earn up to $75 per year, which will be added to your available card balance after twelve months.[17]
Walmart MoneyCard Account Issues
Declined Card
If you make a purchase online and you know you have the funds in your account to cover it, but the purchase is declined, it likely means that the address you gave the merchant for your online order doesn’t match the address MoneyCard has on file for you.
If this happens and the money is placed on hold to cover the purchase, it may take up to 10 business days for the funds to appear back in your MoneyCard account. To prevent these issues, be sure to keep your address current by calling the phone number on the back of your card.[18]
Transaction Errors
If you think there is an error with a transaction, call the customer service department at (866) 795-7597 as soon as possible.
You will need to provide your name and card number, the dollar amount of the error, the estimated time the error took place, and you will need to explain why you believe it is an error. You may be asked for additional information in writing.
Most corrections will occur within about 10 business days, but some may require further investigation.[6]
Lost Cards
If your card is lost or stolen, call (877) 937-4098 to report it. Your card will then be canceled, and a new card will be sent to you; it may take up to two weeks to receive a replacement card.
Replacement cards cost about $3 each, or $15 if you choose expedited delivery.[18][2]
Expiration and Cancellation
When your card is going to expire, simply watch the mail for your new card. Walmart automatically sends an updated card when your expiration date nears. Be sure to keep your account information and address updated so you can receive your new card on time.
You can call (877) 937-4098 to cancel your Walmart MoneyCard or report that your new card has not arrived. You can also cancel your card online or by sending a letter request to cancel. If you send a letter, you will receive a call to verify your request.
There are no fees to cancel your card, and Walmart will mail your remaining account balance to you within six to eight weeks after your account is closed.[6]
