Complaint Review: Bluebird.com Prepaid Cards

ATM Withdrawl Information not explicitly disclosed:

Warning to all who are thinking that the Bluebird.com prepaid debit card is a good idea!  My experience has been they limit ATM withdrawls (regardless of the amount deposited via direct deposit per month).  Once you have reached the dollar amount limit of withdrawl for the month, you are cut off until the beginning of the next month.  Not all merchants accept American Express, therefore, the debit card is not accepted either. For those that pay bills and operate only on a cash basis, this creates a huge issue.  Preventing the cardholder from access to the deposited funds.

Use of Debit Card - holding funds in excess of actual charge:

Then, if you choose to use the debit card at the gas pump for your vehicle, they will 'block $99' from your debit card for 2-8 days regardless of the amount of the actual debit.  When I called the customer service representative concerning the $99 debit....I was told "oh, you have already been advised of this in your member agreement".  Then was told, "whenever you use at a gas pump, go inside to the attendant and swipe the card or else it will automatically deduct and hold the $99".  I have used the card at numerous gas stations at the pump and have NEVER had a 'hold' placed on funds.

What appears to be happening is Direct Deposit funds are being utilized by the institution, while restricting access to deposited funds.  From what I understand, since this is not a 'credit card' different rules apply to what institutions may do to the consumer.

I would not recommed anyone utilize this service.