How Do You Deactivate or Cancel a Netspend Card?

To close your Netspend account, all you have to do is drain the balance. You can do this by withdrawing all funds from an ATM, requesting a check, or calling Netspend directly. The fees for each method vary.

Netspend was founded in 1999 and is a provider of prepaid debit cards for both personal and commercial customers. Those who use Netspend often don't have a traditional bank account or choose alternative financial services options. Consumers can load their debit cards with cash, link them up to bank accounts for transfers, or sign up for direct deposit for their paychecks, income tax refunds, or other benefits.

Prepaid debit cards like Netspend are considered by many to be a fast and reliable way to make whatever payments are required. Purchases can be made anywhere debit or credit transactions are allowed, and cards also can be used at automated teller machines (ATMs). Netspend also offers several other benefits, such as online account access and a payback rewards program.

Key Takeaways

  • Close a Netspend account by making a withdrawal from an ATM for the full balance.
  • Customers may also call to request a check for the full balance.
  • These options are not free: Withdrawals cost $2.95 at domestic ATMS, and check requests cost $5.95.
  • Users can also call Netspend customer service directly at 1-866-387-7363 to close an account.
  • Netspend offers prepaid debit cards to consumers who don't bank with traditional institutions or who prefer alternative financial options.

Three Ways to Deactivate Your Netspend Card

Drain Your Balance at an ATM

The simplest way to cancel or close your prepaid debit card from Netspend is to withdraw all your funds from the account. This means visiting an ATM to do the transaction. But doing so won't be free.

Netspend charges users a domestic ATM cash withdrawal fee of $2.95. This does not include the additional ATM transaction fee, which averages between $2 and $5, depending on where you make the withdrawal. If you use an international ATM, there is a foreign transaction surcharge calculated at a rate of 4.00% of the U.S. dollar amount being withdrawn from foreign ATMs.

One issue with closing your account this way is that many ATMs dispense cash only in $20 denominations, while others offer $50 and $5 options. This may cause issues when you try to close out your balance completely, especially if you do not have the exact amount.

Netspend charges a $2.95 fee to withdraw money from an ATM and $5.95 to request a check.

Request a Check

Another way to close or cancel your Netspend account is by requesting a check. Netspend estimates this process takes three or four weeks. But like the previous option, there is a fee. If you request a check, there is a $5.95 fee applied by Netspend against the remaining balance.

Netspend doesn't charge a check fee, though, if the account balance is less than $6.94 when you close the account. If your account balance is below $1, Netspend does not issue a refund check. In order to request a check for the balance of your account, you need to contact Netspend customer service at 1-866-387-7363 or by logging in to the online account center.

Call Netspend Directly

The third option to close your account is to call Netspend directly at 1-866-387-7363. This may be the fastest and most convenient option. One downside to calling the company to close your account is that you give Netspend the opportunity to try and offer incentives to keep your account open. You may continue on with the process to close it, or you may find the offer enticing enough to keep your account open just a little longer.

Is It Safe to Use Netspend?

Netspend uses online security measures similar to most online financial institutions. This includes encryption of personal information such as account information, passwords, and more.

How Do I Transfer Money From One Netspend Card to Another?

Netspend allows cardholders to transfer money from one account to another through its online portal. There is no charge for this service.

How Much Is the Inactivity Fee for Netspend Debit?

If there has been no activity on an account for 90 days, Netspend will begin charging a $5.95/month inactivity fee. If you have a monthly plan and are inactive for 90 days, this fee will replace the fee for the monthly plan.

How to Deactivate or Cancel a Netspend Card

Investopedia / Yurle Villegas

The Bottom Line

It is relatively easy to cancel a Netspend account. Simply by draining the account through purchases, ATM withdrawals, or requesting a check, the card will be worthless. To completely close an account, you can call customer service.

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