When I shared my manufactured spending report earlier this week, I got a lot of questions about the GoBank prepaid card. This card has been around for a while. I actually got it six years ago and did nothing with it, so it eventually got deactivated.
I think I was preoccupied with other cards like the Target Prepaid RED and didn’t get around to using GoBank. Reader Whitney put the GoBank card back on my radar and there was no good reason for me not to have one, so I picked up cards for myself and several family members.
Surprisingly, a lot of readers didn’t know about the GoBank card and asked for more details after reading my MS post. Hopefully, this guide will answer all your questions. If not, please leave them in the comment section and also feel free to add your own experience using the GoBank debit card.
What is the GoBank Debit Card and Where Can I Buy One?
The GoBank debit card is a reloadable prepaid card you can buy at Walmart. It’s meant to be used as a banking alternative. You buy it, register for an account, then use it as you would any checking account. You can even request checks, pay bills and send money to others.
For the purpose of manufactured spending, this card is ideal for unloading Visa and Mastercard gift cards. If you’re loading up on Visa gift cards at Staples this weekend, the GoBank card is a great way to liquidate those cards without incurring money order fees.
GoBank Monthly Load Limit
Here’s where it gets confusing. I had heard that the monthly load limit on the GoBank card was $9,000. However, the GoBank FAQ page contradicts this. It specifically states that you can load up to $2,500 per day or $3,000 every 30 days.
I’ve loaded $4,000 to my own account over the last 30 days alone. So either the info on the page is incorrect or GoBank recently lowered the loading limit.
GoBank Daily Spending Limit
The daily spending limit on a GoBank Debit card is $3,000. That’s great if you decide to liquidate your balance through a money order purchase (if you’re in a hurry) and your local Walmart only accepts gift cards with your name on them.
GoBank Card and Checking Account Fees
The GoBank card carries a purchase fee of $2.95 and a monthly fee $8.95. The monthly fee is waived with a monthly direct deposit of $500. Some people have reported that ACH transfers qualify as direct deposits.
That’s much more convenient for those (like me) who don’t want to change their direct deposit preferences just for manufactured spending purposes.
How to Reload a GoBank Card FREE
Now the $0.88 cent question: How do you reload a GoBank card and does it cost anything? If you buy your GoBank Debit card at Walmart, you can reload it there with a PIN-enabled Visa gift card free of charge.
I can only swipe one card per transaction for GoBank reloads at my local Walmart (i.e. it has to be done in $500 increments). They do allow multiple transactions, but it’s just a little more of a hassle.
How to Cash Out Your GoBank Cards
GoBank funds can be cashed out via bill pay, money order purchases, checks ($5.95 per checkbook) and ATM withdrawals. The ATM withdrawal limit is $500 per day and fees may be assessed by ATM operators outside of GoBank’s network.
Is GoBank Safe for Manufactured Spending?
YMMV. I’ve been actively using the GoBank debit card for manufactured spending for over a month. I may get shut down next month or this could go on for years.
I’ve heard from people who got shut down immediately after maxing out the load limit. And I’ve gotten reports from those who have successfully maintained their accounts long-term despite occasional max-outs. Based on these report, I think it’s safe not to max out the monthly load limit.
It’s important to assess the risks and make your decision accordingly. If you do get shut down, can you go without the funds for 30 days or more? If not, then you should probably stick to buying money orders as a gift card liquidation method.
Is the GoBank Debit Card Worth Getting?
I think the GoBank Debit Card is worth getting as a supplemental tool for liquidating Visa gift cards. Walmart limits money order purchases to $8,000 per day, which used to be $10,000.
I know lots of people (myself included) who don’t particularly enjoy frequent trips to Walmart and want to maximize the number of gift cards they can liquidate per visit. The GoBank Debit card can help.
If the monthly load limit is, in fact, $3,000 every 30 days, it may not be worth it for everyone. I would definitely consider using direct deposit to off-set that $8.95 fee. Otherwise, you’re spending $107.40 to earn just 36,000 points per year.
Those fees (which don’t even include Visa gift card purchase fees) are more palatable when you’re earning 108,000 miles with a monthly $9,000 load limit. Otherwise buying money orders is cheaper.
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