The Bluebird® American Express® Reloadable Prepaid Card is designed to simplify your financial life, offering a flexible and convenient way to manage everyday spending without the hassle of monthly fees. Whether you’re shopping online, paying bills, or just looking for a practical solution to handle your money, this card makes it easy and stress-free.

With key features like free ATM withdrawals at over 38,000 MoneyPass® locations and no fees for adding cash at Family Dollar, Bluebird is an affordable, straightforward alternative to traditional credit cards. Unlike standard credit cards, the Bluebird card operates on a prepaid system, which allows you to stay in control of your spending.

You decide how much money to load onto the card, making sure you only use what you can afford. This structure helps you avoid debt, and because it’s accepted wherever American Express® is, it’s versatile enough to cover a wide range of your financial needs.

Key information about the Bluebird Card

How does the annual fee work?

One of the standout aspects of the Bluebird® American Express® Reloadable Prepaid Card is that there’s no annual fee. This fee-free structure is a significant advantage for those looking to keep costs low while still enjoying the convenience of a reloadable prepaid card.

Many traditional credit cards charge annual fees that can add up over time, but Bluebird eliminates this expense entirely, allowing you to focus on what matters—managing your money effectively.

How is the spending limit determined?

With the Bluebird card, you are in charge of the spending limit. Unlike traditional credit cards, which often have predetermined credit limits based on your credit history and income, the Bluebird card is prepaid. You load money onto the card in advance, and that amount becomes your spending limit.

This approach not only gives you full control over your budget but also helps ensure that you don’t overspend or accumulate debt. It’s a simple, transparent way to manage your finances without worrying about reaching a credit limit or facing unexpected fees.

Advantages of the Bluebird Card

• No Monthly Fees
  The Bluebird card doesn’t burden you with monthly maintenance fees, allowing you to maximize the money you load onto the card without worrying about recurring charges.
• Free Early Direct Deposit
  You can get access to your paycheck up to two days earlier than usual with Bluebird’s early direct deposit feature. This gives you quicker access to your funds, allowing you to pay bills or handle emergencies without delay.
• Fee-Free Cash Reloads at Family Dollar
  Adding cash to your Bluebird card is simple and free when you do it at Family Dollar locations. This makes it convenient for those who prefer to handle their finances in cash while avoiding extra fees.
• Free ATM Withdrawals
  You can withdraw cash for free at over 38,000 MoneyPass® ATMs across the U.S. This is a significant benefit as many prepaid cards charge for ATM withdrawals. However, if you use a non-MoneyPass® ATM, a $2.50 fee applies, along with any fees charged by the ATM operator.

Highlighted Advantage: Free Early Direct Deposit

One of the standout features of the Bluebird card is its free early direct deposit option. With this feature, you can get your paycheck up to two days before the official payday. This early access can make a huge difference, especially if you’re dealing with tight budgets or unexpected expenses.

Whether you need to pay bills sooner or just want quicker access to your money, this feature adds an extra layer of convenience that traditional prepaid cards often don’t offer.

Disadvantages of the Bluebird Card

• Limited Free Cash Reload Locations
  While adding cash at Family Dollar is free, other locations may charge up to $3.95 per transaction, making it less convenient for users who don’t live near a Family Dollar store.
• Fees for Non-MoneyPass® ATM Withdrawals
  While Bluebird offers free withdrawals at MoneyPass® ATMs, using a non-MoneyPass® ATM incurs a $2.50 fee, plus any additional charges imposed by the ATM operator.
• No Credit Building
  Since the Bluebird card is a prepaid card and not a traditional credit card, it does not help you build or improve your credit score. This can be a disadvantage for those who are trying to establish or rebuild their credit.

Highlighted Disadvantage: Fees for Non-MoneyPass® ATMs

While the Bluebird card provides fee-free access to MoneyPass® ATMs, using an ATM outside of this network can become costly. The $2.50 withdrawal fee, in addition to any fees charged by the ATM operator, can add up quickly, especially if you need frequent access to cash. This makes it important to plan ahead and use MoneyPass® ATMs whenever possible to avoid these fees.

Who can apply for the Bluebird Card?

The Bluebird® American Express® Reloadable Prepaid Card is available to U.S. residents who are at least 18 years old (19 in certain states). There are no income requirements or credit checks, making the card accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those who may not qualify for traditional credit cards.

This card is a great choice for anyone looking for a straightforward way to manage their money without dealing with complicated approval processes. However, it is important to note that the Bluebird card is not available to residents of Vermont. Additionally, fees may apply depending on usage, so it’s essential to review the fee table carefully before applying.

How to apply for the Bluebird Card

The Bluebird card application process is simple and can be completed through various channels. Whether you prefer to apply online, through the mobile app, or in-person, the process is designed to be fast and convenient.

Applying Through the Website

To apply for the Bluebird card online, visit the official Bluebird website and follow the instructions provided. You will need to fill out some basic personal information, verify your identity, and once approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail. The website is also a great resource for managing your account once your card is activated.

Applying Via the App

For those who prefer managing everything on their smartphones, you can also apply for the Bluebird card through the Bluebird mobile app. Available for both iOS and Android, the app allows you to apply, track your spending, reload your card, and access all the card’s features on the go. The process is quick and intuitive, making it ideal for tech-savvy users.

Applying In-Store

While the Bluebird card was previously available for purchase at Walmart, this is no longer the case as of 2023. However, you can still reload your card with cash at various locations, including Family Dollar, to maintain flexibility and convenience in how you manage your funds.