Guide to Getting a Walmart MoneyCard

The Walmart MoneyCard was originally designed to cater to the needs of customers who do not have a bank account, but want to have access to an account with their funds and withdraw cash from ATM machines with ease. The card works just like a Visa check card you can get from a bank, and customers have the option to use the card as either a debit or a credit card transaction. The card can be loaded for up to $3,000, as of 2010, and the account can be opened by anyone who is over 18 years of age.

There is no issuance fee for obtaining a Walmart MoneyCard, and Walmart doesn't run a credit check or verify bank accounts as part of the application process. Here's a close look at some of the benefits of having a Walmart MoneyCard, and how to use it as an alternative to a bank card.

Top Benefits of Having a Walmart MoneyCard

Anyone over 18 can pick up a Walmart MoneyCard from a Walmart Money Center and then register the card on the Walmart MoneyCard website. The Walmart MoneyCard website now also accepts applications online, and the applicant can expect to receive the card by mail within seven to ten business days after their application has been submitted electronically.

The only information needed to apply for a Walmart MoneyCard are name, address, email address, phone number, Social Security number and birth date. The Cardholder Agreement lists the monthly, reload, ATM and other fees that may apply.

Some of the top benefits of applying for and having a Walmart MoneyCard include:

- No overdraft fees
- Cash back bonuses on gas purchases (special offer varies by season)
- No credit check or bank account verification
- Applicant receives an instant use Temporary Visa Card immediately
- Accepted wherever Visa debit cards are accepted
- Can be used to shop online
- Can be used to pay bills
- No purchase transaction fees
- Protected by the Visa Zero Liability Policy against unauthorized purchases and fraud
- Student Edition available for parents who want to send funds to students easily

How to Reload the Walmart MoneyCard
Walmart makes it fairly easy to reload your card for free, but some reloading options do carry a fee. You can reload your Walmart MoneyCard in the following ways:

- At a Walmart register with cash for a $3 fee
- Cashing a check and adding the total amount to your card (free)
- Online bank transfer (free)
- Direct deposit (free)
- Walmart MoneyCenter Express for a $3 fee
- Via MoneyPak (fees vary)

Once the cardholder has registered their MoneyCard online, they can review the account balance and sign up for email alerts of activity on the card within a few minutes. The temporary card issued upon application has to be loaded with at least $20 at the time of purchase.