Why Did I Get a Netspend All-Access Card?

Sometimes it’s nice to get a surprise or two in the mail, but a few things are likely to catch you off-guard. What if you randomly receive a credit or debit card you’re not expecting, for example? “Why did I get a Netspend All-Access Card,” you may be asking yourself!

If you get a Netspend All-Access Card in the mail, it’s likely to be part of a marketing campaign. It’s a prepaid card that’s not ‘live’ until you choose to activate it.

There’s usually no further action needed if you get this card in the mail. I do however recommend cutting up or shredding the card so nobody can activate it. However, if you’re frustrated by receiving further marketing, I’ve looked up a few extra steps you can take.

Keep reading for the full lowdown!

What is a Netspend All-Access Card?

Netspend’s All-Access Card is tied to Netspend’s All-Access Debit Account, which means that the card functions like a normal debit card. The card is typically branded as Netspend Visa or a Netspend Mastercard. The debit account is a normal bank account with features like direct deposit, tax refunds, or mobile cheque deposits.

The card and associated account run about $5 per month, and more fees are applicable along the way. Netspend is a little coy about revealing its exact fee structure, so be sure to check and confirm the fees that will apply to you specifically before you sign up. If you receive a card in the mail, you don’t have to activate it, and you likely don’t have an account you’re unaware of.

What bank is Netspend all access?

It’s important to note that that Netspend is not a bank. Rather, Netspend is a fintech company that partners with banks to provide its services. As of writing this article, Netspend partners with Pathward Financial (Nasdaq: CASH) and Republic Bank & Trust Company (Nasdaq: RBCAA). Both partner banks are members of the FDIC, meaning your deposits are insured if they meet the limits imposed by the FDIC.

It’s also important to note that while you deal with Netspend directly, in the back end, they store the money with one of their partner banks. In that sense, Netspend is similar to Chime.

Is Netspend legit?

Based on a review of how they operate, I do think they’re legit. There’s ultimate safety in the fact that your money is stored with partner banks and not with Netspend themselves.

However given the high fees and a little pushy marketing, I think they are a bit aggressive. If you have other choices, I would recommend finding a bank that lets you get basic services for no fees.

Why you may have received a Netspend All-Access Card

If you’re wondering why you randomly received a Netspend All-Access card without even applying, it could be likely be if you’re part of a marketing list or already have a checking account elsewhere. It’s an advertisement!

Of course, if you like the sound of the card’s benefits, you can call the number provided and speak to the Netspend team. Otherwise, you’re not obligated to call or use the card.

Or it may even turn out that you received a card when you may even have one Netspend card already! If that’s the case, you can simply ignore this latest offer. If you want to discard the advertisement, simply shred and/or destroy the mail safely.

How do I stop receiving Netspend All-Access Cards?

You might be wondering, “I didn’t order a Netspend card” and yet they keep sending one to me. Well, the good news is that you can make it stop.

You can stop receiving these Netspend cards by either closing your account (if you have one), or by opting out of their mail. Here’s how to do both.

Close your account (if you have one)

If you already have a Netspend account, you can close your existing card down by spending all the money it holds. Or, you can withdraw at an ATM.

If you’d prefer to clear your card by check, call the customer care team on 1-866-387-736 or log into the Netspend online account center.

If you don’t use your All-Access Card at all, there’s nothing to do. Simply don’t activate or add to the card!

Opt-out of further mail

If you feel like you randomly received the Netspend card without even applying, your best option would be to opt out of their mail marketing. It’s as simple as contacting Opt Out Prescreen. This service handles and processes requests to stop certain advertisements from reaching US households. 

The marketing you receive from companies such as Netspend is likely tied to your credit file. Unfortunately, the data you share with some businesses may reach advertising registers, where companies can contact you from.

It’s always good to check the fine print and any checkboxes for services and banks you sign up for!

What are the benefits of using a Netspend All-Access Card?

Netspend’s All-Access Card is tied to a debit account, so it works the same way as a normal debit card. Here are some of the potential benefits of using the card:

• You can access your card at thousands of ATMs nationwide
• You can get paychecks and benefits two days earlier than through traditional banking
• You can access a $10 overdraft cushion
• You can earn cash back on specific purchases
• There’s access to a bonus savings account

What are the drawbacks of using a Netspend All-Access Card?

Keep the following points in mind before you sign up for an All-Access Card:

• You have to pay $5 per month to use it
• There’s a $1,000 per day ATM withdrawal limit
• You can’t use wire transfers
• There are extra fees for balance inquiries, replacing cards, withdrawing from ‘non-network’ ATMs, receiving paper statements, using an overdraft, and making foreign payments.

How do I activate my Netspend All-Access Card?

If you want to activate your Netspend card, simply follow the instructions on the mail you receive. It’s often as easy as calling the number attached and following along via phone.

As the card is tied to a debit account, you won’t need to pass a credit check to start using it. Typically you only need a credit check when the company is providing you money upfront. Since you’re just creating a bank account and depositing and using your own money, they don’t need to run a credit check.

Before You Go…

Now you know that a Netspend All-Access card is tied to a debit account and it doesn’t need a credit check. If you’re wondering why credit scores are so critical, here’s my handy guide on why your credit score really matters!

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