In this post, we will explain how to apply for Bluebird card by American Express. When it comes to prepaid debit cards, we think the Bluebird card is one of the best out there. To learn how we arrived at this conclusion, see our guide on how to choose the best prepaid card. Continue reading to learn the three ways you can get a Bluebird card.
This post will cover:
- Growing Popularity of Prepaid Cards
- The Best Features of the Bluebird Card
- How to Apply for Bluebird Card
Growing Popularity of Prepaid Cards
Prepaid debit cards have gained popularity during the last decade as consumers outside the traditional banking system find better ways to manage their money.
One of the biggest reasons for the growth in prepaid debit cards is because some have become real alternatives to traditional checking accounts, offering features and services that were once only found with a traditional checking account.
In 2003, prepaid cards accounted for 800 million transactions worth $20 billion. That number jumped to 9.2 billion and $220 billion in 2012 and was estimated to reach $317 billion in 2016. The Prepaid debit card market is projected to reach $3.1 trillion by 2022.
The Best Features of the Bluebird Card
There are lots of reloadable prepaid debit cards out there and it can get very confusing trying to decide which one to pick. In our experience, there are five features that make a prepaid debit card great: They are:
- Low Fees
- Online Bill Pay
- Direct Deposit
- Multiple Ways to Add Money to Card
- Wide ATM Network
The Bluebird Card checks all these boxes and more. That’s why we think it’s one of the best prepaid cards out there.
In addition to the features listed above, here are the other reasons we like the Bluebird Card:
Check Writing Capability
One of the features that come with the Bluebird card that other prepaid cards don’t have is the ability to write checks. You can order checks and use them to pay bills, just as you would with a traditional checking account.
You can order a checkbook with your Bluebird card. A checkbook of 40 checks will cost you $19.94 + shipping and applicable taxes.
There is no Credit Check
For those who have been unable to qualify for a traditional checking account with a bank or credit union due to bad credit, the American Express Bluebird card is a great alternative. As mentioned earlier, it provides a low-cost solution to those who cannot get access to traditional checking or savings account.
You don’t need to submit to a credit check to sign up for the Bluebird Card. You are able to get almost all the major benefits of a traditional debit card account without the need to worry about whether you are going to be denied because of your credit history. Watch this video to see the other great features of the Bluebird card.
Here is how to sign up for the American Express Bluebird Card.
How to Apply for Bluebird Card
There are three options available to get a Bluebird Card.
Option 1 – Bluebird Sign Up Kit
If you need a prepaid card to make purchases immediately, the best way is to pick up a Bluebird Account Sign Up kits at Walmart for $5. You can pick one up at a local Walmart Store near you. Click here to find the nearest Walmart store.
The Bluebird Sign up kit is usually displayed in a kiosk like the one below. You can also find it in the Walmart Money Center by Customer Service or displayed on a rack near the checkout registers. If you have trouble finding the Sign Up kit, just ask a Walmart representative or go to the Money Center.
The Bluebird sign up kit comes with a temporary card (like the one pictured below), which you can load right away and start using, including at Walmart. You can load up to $500 on the temporary card and at any Walmart checkout counter.
As soon as you get your temporary Bluebird Card, you should go to Bluebird.com and “Register Your Card” and request a permanent, personalized card. That is because you can only use the temporary card to make purchases and once the initial amount you added to the card is spent, you cannot are more money to the temporary card. You will need a permanent card to continue to use Bluebird.
In addition, you need a permanent card to take advantage of all the great features that come with the American Express Bluebird card, including online Bill Pay, Mobile Check Deposit, Low Fees, and an Extensive ATM Network to get cash access to your cash whenever you need it.
Option 2 – Request a Card Online
The second to get a Bluebird Debit Card is to sign up online. To do that, visit Bluebird.com and follow the instructions below to open an account to get a permanent, personalized Bluebird Card. Here’s how to sign up online for a Bluebird Card:
Step 1: Visit the Bluebird Site
The first step to signing up for a Bluebird card is to visit the Bluebird site. Once there, click on “Open An Account” as shown below.
Once you click on “Open An Account” You will be taken to a page (like the one below) to enter your personal information. You will need the following information to sign up:
- Name
- Email Address
- Mailing Address
- Phone Number
- Username & Password
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Create an ATM PIN
- Set up Security Question and Answer
Once you complete the requested information, and successfully check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, you should hit the “Agree and Submit” button. You will then be taken to a confirmation page. That’s your indication that your information has been successfully submitted to Bluebird.
You should receive your new Bluebird Card within 7-10 business days after your application is submitted.
When you receive your card, follow the instruction provided to activate the Card. If you have not received your Bluebird card within 14 days, call Bluebird Customer Service at 1 (877) 486-5990.
Option 3 – Request a Card via the Mobile App
The third option is to sign up for a permanent card using the Bluebird Mobile application (Bluebird app). The Bluebird app is available on both Android and iPhone. Once you have successfully downloaded the application on your phone, here is how to sign up for the Bluebird card on your phone:
Step 1 – The first step is to open the app and click on “Register now” as shown below.
Step 2
Once you click on that link, you will be taken to a page that looks like the one below. Check “No” to the question “Did you purchase a Temporary Card at Walmart? The proceed to complete the information requested as shown below:
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