Netspend
Meta Bank Reloadable debit/credit card scam for fees and to obtain personal identification info

I purchased a reloadable debit/credit card for my 15 year old daughter's use. I loaded the card with $100, plus paid the $3.95 service fee.

I did not realize the company would charge $1 to $2.50 for each transaction. Once I opened the card, I saw that there was an offer to pay an additional $9.95 per month to use the card in non-debit situations to avoid these charges. Well, that was frustrating because I thought I was just buying a card that could have the balance reduced as it was spent, and that the $3.95 was the cost for this benefit. Not that it would eat away at the balance with hidden fees, in addition to the fee I already paid.

I thought I would buy the $9.95 upgrade so at least my daughter could use it over one month for her small transactions. When I called customer service, I was told (by clearly an off-shore service center) that unless I faxed my driver's license, social security number, birth certificate, current utility bill, etc. To a random "customer service" representative, that the card could only be used for credit transactions at at least $1 per transaction. The additional $9.95 "upgrade" (to avoid per-transaction charges) was not available. Plus, the card was not available for debit/atm transactions.

I could not believe they wanted my most personal information faxed to a general number when I thought I was just buying a simple reloadable credit card, so I asked to speak to a manager.

I was put on hold indefinitely.

Needless to say, I will buy something once to use up this card balance and NEVER reload it. I would not recommend anyone every use this card or this company.

Company: Netspend
Country: USA
State: Texas
City: Austin
Address: PO Box 2136
Site: netspend.com

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