ATIRAreload Card
ATIRAreload is a prepaid card offered through many smaller credit unions. Fees vary significantly, but features are minimal across the board.
ATIRAreload At-a-Glance
Pros
- Some credit unions offer waivable monthly fee
- Some free cash load options
Cons
- Customer service fees
- No deposit insurance
- Varying terms can be confusing
The ATIRAreload card was intended to provide a way for credit unions to offer reloadable prepaid cards on a common platform. Unfortunately, the terms and fees vary by the credit union offering the card. And they vary a lot.
For example, at Beacon Federal Credit Union, the ATIRAreload card comes with a monthly fee of $4.95. Beacon’s monthly fee can’t be waived or reduced. ELGA Credit Union offers the card with a lower monthly fee of $2.95. That fee drops to zero if you set up direct deposit to the card of a mere $25 per month.
You can also expect differences in fees for ATM withdrawals, additional cards, and even customer service. ATM withdrawals generally range from $1.00 to $1.50, additional cards can cost up to $15 each, and each customer service call can run up to $1.50 per incident.
ATIRAreloadTM not what you are looking for? Check out other options in our Best Prepaid Debit Cards list.
What’s common for the ATIRAreload card across its credit union issuers is a lack of features beyond the basics. It’s a Visa-branded card so it can be used for purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. And like most prepaid cards, ATIRAreload has direct deposit capabilities.
But it lacks a mobile app or other features that are common for most prepaid cards. ATIRAreload doesn’t offer any additional money-management features, like budgeting categories. While it offers up to 6 additional cards, the cost of each card makes adding cards for budgeting less than budget-friendly. And unlike most prepaid cards, money on the ATIRAreload card is not insured under the FDIC or NCUA.
On the plus side, you can add cash for free to the ATIRAreload card at the credit union where you purchased the card. But since the card is offered by smaller credit unions, access to branches to take advantage of this cost savings is not likely to be convenient.
The ATIRAreload card might be an option if you happen to live close to one of the credit unions that offer a monthly fee that can be easily waived. Still, the uncommon fees for things like customer service and high fees for additional cards likely mean you would be better served with another prepaid card. If you want the ATIRAreload card, you’ll need to go to the issuing credit union to buy it. It’s not available online.