William LipovskyA Green Dot card is a prepaid debit card with no upfront fees, minimum balance, credit check requirement, or overdraft fees. The card can be used just like a regular debit or credit card. However, keep in mind that reload fees can be up to $5.95, and monthly charges can cost up to $7.95.
In this article, we’ll cover how to check the balance of your Green Dot card, the various methods you can use to load money onto your Green Dot card, and of course, where to reload Green Dot cards.
Table of Contents
Checking Your Balance
Spending can be tracked via the Green Dot mobile app, available for free in both the Apple Store and Google Play store. You can also get the most updated version of your balance through text. Send “Bal ####” to 43311, with “####” being the last four digits of your card number. You’ll soon receive a text with your balance.
Reload Methods
There are five ways to load money onto your card: cash, check, another credit or debit card, a bank transfer, or a MoneyPak. MoneyPaks are cards that can be purchased and loaded at retail stores. The money can then be moved onto the prepaid card via the MoneyPak site.
Cash
Fee: Up to $5.95
Let the cashier know that you’d like to reload your Green Dot card. Pay the cashier the amount you would like to reload plus a reload fee of up to $5.95, and have them swipe your card at the register. The money should be on your card within a matter of minutes.
Check
Fee: $3 to $4 reload fee + Fee to cash the check (usually between $1 to $8, depending on the check amount and where you cash it)
Reloading with a check is essentially the same as reloading with cash, but it comes with a slightly lower service fee. To complete the process, you’d first cash your check (no more than $1,000 with a $3 maximum fee) at the register. Then, with the cash you just withdrew, you may then add up to $1,000 to your Green Dot card.
Walmart is the largest retailer for this reloading option. Green Dot’s Walmart reload fee is $3.74. Walmart charges a fee of $4 to cash most checks up to $1,000, $8 to cash checks over $1,000 and $6 for two-party personal checks up to $200. Your total including Green Dot’s reload fee and Walmart’s check cashing fee will be about $8 to $12. The Green Dot site warns, however, that paying with check is not available at all stores or locations — so be sure to call in before attempting to reload with check. You may want to consult our large list of stores that cash personal checks.
MoneyPak
Fee: Up to $5.95
To use a MoneyPak, visit your local retailer and load the MoneyPak card at the register. Any amount from $20 to $500 can be loaded onto a MoneyPak in a single transaction. After you’ve purchased your MoneyPak, create an account on MoneyPak.com. Scratch off the silver area on the back of the MoneyPak card for your MoneyPak number. Then, input the MoneyPak PIN (located on the back of the card) and the card number of your prepaid Green Dot into the site. Your card should then be reloaded with the amount specified on the MoneyPak. Keep in mind that MoneyPaks aren’t just for Green Dot; they also allow you to reload other wallets, including PayPal. So if you’re looking to reload your other accounts, here’s an easy option for you to try!
MoneyPaks are often found at convenience stores — such as 7-Eleven or CVS Pharmacy — and large department stores, including Walmart or Kmart. However, these locations usually also offer the option to reload your Green Dot card with cash. If you’re short on time, it might be best to reload with cash and skip the process of having to buy a MoneyPak and create an online account.
Money from Another Card
Fee: Free
You can send money from another card to your Green Dot card with just an email address or mobile number. The money can then be directly loaded onto your Green Dot card. Card fees can really add up over time, and diminish the pros of using a prepaid card. Luckily, this option is super convenient because it doesn’t have any service charges. Additionally, you’ll save time and gas when using this method, as you won’t have to take time out of your day to drive to a store for a reload.
Bank Transfer
Fee: $4.95
It’s also possible to transfer money to your Green Dot account from your bank. You can even choose a one business day transfer.
Reload Locations
There are plenty of places across the U.S. where you can reload your Green Dot card. We’ve detailed the reload methods available at these locations and included their store types, so you can pick up a bite or run an errand while reloading your card.
Note: Information not linked to a source was gathered via telephone calls.
7-Eleven
- Store type: Convenience
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Safeway
- Store type: Grocery
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Visa, Mastercard, Discover
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
CVS
- Store type: Convenience
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Rite Aid
- Store type: Convenience
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, CareCredit
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Walmart
- Store type: Department
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, Walmart Moneycard, Walmart Credit Card
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: Yes
Walgreens
- Store type: Department
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, Apple Pay
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Kmart
- Store type: Department
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
ACE Cash Express
- Store type: Financial services
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Dollar Tree
- Store type: Bargain
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Sunoco
- Store type: Convenience
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Family Dollar
- Store type: Bargain
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Circle K
- Store type: Convenience
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
TravelCenters of America (TA)
- Store type: Travel services
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
Dollar General
- Store type: Bargain
- Accepted cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard
- Reload with cash/MoneyPak: Yes
- Reload with check: No
In Summary
Green Dot card reload locations are plentiful — Walmart, Walgreens, CVS — there are literally thousands of refill locations among these 14 stores. So, next time you need a refill, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Suggested Next Article: Green Dot ATM Limit + How to Find a Free Green Dot ATM
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FYI… Walmart now charges $4 to cash a payroll check if it is less than $1,000 and $8 cash it if it is over $1,000. It is $6 to cash it if it is a personal check. They do not cash personal checks over $200. This does not include the fee to load the card.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Ml! We have updated the fee information in our article.
Can you use a debit card to add money?
can i reload a green dot card at a store without having a physical one on me ? i had signed up for one but it says up to 7 days to deliver . can i just buy one from the store and still use it under my name ?
Can I order things online.
Hi Autumn,
The Green Dot card works just like a regular debit card, so you can use it online anywhere debit cards are accepted (which is most places you can online shop).
It says free! What a crock… we get charged to load and use our own money.
I agree I will just get another account for my son overseas on active duty!
I have been to several CVS locations in Arizona , Phoenix and they are not yet set up to do the bar code cash transactions.
What is taking so long for my cash money $150 to be available on my visa so I can pay a bill after she just swiped, charged & loaded my visa for me? I keep calling & checking over and over but it’s still not on my visa?
Hi Bev,
I’m not sure how long ago you loaded your card, but it isn’t unusual for this process to take up to 24 hours.
I’m trying to reply to ya but idk where this is going? Thanks for replying to me! It ended up taking at least an hour! I’m not used to that because I usually run in Walmart for a quicker load. Thanks because now I’ll know it can take all day. That’s good to know
So I have to pay every single time I reload it sorry I will open up a second bank account then. I feel it is bad enough to have $10.00 a month maintenence fee but if I reload it 2 or 3 times a month, I have to pay a fee each time. I will just find a bank, an interesting concept and good idea, but fails everytime reload fee.
hey i have direct deposit on aa green dotbmoney card i got frome dollar tree. its in the negitive and i was hoping my direct deposite check could pay the fee for yousage
Hi Donnie,
I’m not sure I quite understand your question. If you already have direct deposit set up, your card should come back into the positive (assuming the direct deposit is for a higher amount than the negative balance) once the payment posts. Green Dot will typically deduct any usage or loading fees as soon as the money is added. You can find more about the fees schedule for a Green Dot card on the Green Dot FAQs page. Please let me know if you have any further questions!
How do i reload with cash to my visa prepaid with “Account Now” card by using Green Dot?
Hi Tessa,
I’m not sure I understand the question. You can reload your Green Dot card with cash at any store on our list. You can also transfer money directly from another card to your Green Dot card. If you’re asking about ways to reload your Account Now card, you can find more information on the Account Now website. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions!
can i reload my greendot card with a convenience check and how?
Hi Chris,
Using a convenience check/credit card check is just like using any other type of check to reload a Green Dot card. Simply cash the check and then give the money to the cashier to load onto your card. You will pay a check cashing fee + the reload fee. If doing this at Walmart, it’s a total of $6.74 BUT only if the Walmart accepts this type of check. Though most Walmart’s do accept these checks, it’s best to call ahead first.