Walmart does not carry the GO Card checking account
The GO Card is a prepaid debit card issued by Green Dot Bank, not a checking account. Walmart stopped selling GO Cards in stores around 2020 and does not currently stock them at checkout or in financial services sections. If you are looking for a basic checking account at Walmart, the company offers a different product: the Walmart MoneyCard, which is also a prepaid card rather than a traditional checking account.
The confusion arises because both products look like debit cards and function similarly for everyday purchases. The key difference is that a checking account typically comes with a physical bank, FDIC insurance, and the ability to write checks or set up automatic bill payments. Prepaid cards like the MoneyCard and GO Card do not offer these features — they are load-and-spend products where you add money first, then use it.
If you are specifically searching for a checking account, not a prepaid card, Walmart itself does not offer one. You would need to open an account with a bank or credit union instead. If you want a prepaid card at Walmart, the MoneyCard is your only in-store option.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart does not sell the GO Card; it stopped carrying them in stores several years ago.
- The GO Card and Walmart MoneyCard are both prepaid debit cards, not checking accounts, and work differently from traditional bank accounts.
- Walmart's only financial product available in-store is the MoneyCard, which you can load with cash or direct deposit.
- If you need a true checking account with FDIC protection and check-writing ability, you must open one at a bank or credit union, not at Walmart.
What the Walmart MoneyCard actually is
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card issued through Green Dot Bank (the same company behind the GO Card). You can purchase one at Walmart checkout for a small fee, usually around $3 to $6 depending on your location. Once you have the card, you load money onto it by depositing cash at a Walmart register, setting up direct deposit from your employer, or transferring funds online.
The card works at any merchant that accepts Visa, including ATMs, grocery stores, and online retailers. You can check your balance through the Walmart MoneyCard app or website. However, the card does not come with a checking account number, does not allow you to write checks, and does not offer FDIC deposit insurance. Your money sits in a prepaid account, not a bank account.
Walmart charges monthly maintenance fees for the MoneyCard (typically $3 to $5 per month), though some fee waivers are available if you meet certain conditions like setting up direct deposit. ATM withdrawals outside the Walmart network may also carry fees.
Why Walmart stopped selling the GO Card
Walmart discontinued the GO Card in physical stores as part of a broader shift in its financial services strategy. The company decided to focus on the MoneyCard instead, which it could market more directly through its own brand. Both cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, but Walmart chose to consolidate its prepaid card offering under one product.
You can still purchase a GO Card online through Green Dot's website or through third-party retailers, but Walmart locations no longer stock it. If you already have a GO Card, it remains active and functional — the discontinuation only affects new purchases at Walmart stores.
How prepaid cards differ from checking accounts
A checking account is a deposit account held at a bank or credit union. Your money is insured by the FDIC (up to $250,000 per account holder per institution) and held in the bank's name. You receive a debit card, checks, and online banking access. You can set up automatic bill payments, receive direct deposit, and overdraw the account (though overdraft fees explore).
A prepaid card like the MoneyCard or GO Card is not a bank account. It is a stored-value card — you load money onto it first, then spend only what you have loaded. There is no FDIC insurance, no overdraft protection, and no check-writing. If the card is lost or stolen, your protections depend on the card issuer's policies, not federal banking law. Prepaid cards are useful for budgeting and avoiding overdrafts, but they do not build credit history and offer fewer consumer protections than a checking account.
Where to open a real checking account instead
If you need a checking account rather than a prepaid card, you have several options. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer checking accounts, though many charge monthly fees ($10 to $15) and require a minimum balance. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab offer checking accounts with no monthly fees and lower minimum balances, though they do not have physical branches.
Credit unions often offer checking accounts with lower fees and higher interest rates on savings. You can find a credit union near you through the CO-OP network or by searching your employer's benefits — many employers partner with specific credit unions for employee accounts.
If you have had banking problems in the past (like unpaid overdrafts or fraud), you may be listed in ChexSystems, a banking history database. Some banks will not open accounts for people in ChexSystems, but second-chance checking accounts exist specifically for this situation. Chime and some credit unions offer second-chance accounts with lower fees.
Comparing prepaid cards to checking accounts at a glance
| Feature | Checking Account | Prepaid Card (MoneyCard/GO Card) |
|---|---|---|
| FDIC Insurance | Yes, up to $250,000 | No |
| Check Writing | Yes | No |
| Overdraft Protection | Yes (with fees) | No — card declines if balance is insufficient |
| Direct Deposit | Yes | Yes |
| Builds Credit History | No, but linked to credit reports | No |
| Monthly Fee | $0 to $15+ depending on bank | $3 to $5 for MoneyCard |
| Where to Open | Bank, credit union, or online | Walmart (MoneyCard), online retailers, or Green Dot website (GO Card) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use a GO Card if I already have one?
Yes. The GO Card is still active and functional even though Walmart no longer sells it in stores. You can continue using it to make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, and load money through direct deposit. If you need to replace a lost or damaged card, you can order a replacement through the Green Dot website or customer service.
Is the Walmart MoneyCard the same as a checking account?
No. The MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card, not a checking account. You load money onto it first, then spend what you have loaded. A checking account is a bank deposit account with FDIC insurance, check-writing ability, and overdraft protection. The MoneyCard offers none of these features.
What happens if I lose my Walmart MoneyCard?
Contact Walmart MoneyCard customer service when ready to report the card lost or stolen. Green Dot will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use. You can request a replacement card, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your remaining balance is protected as long as you report the loss promptly.
Can I get a checking account with no monthly fees?
Yes. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab offer checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements. Many credit unions also offer free checking accounts. Traditional banks often charge fees, but some offer fee waivers if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Does using a prepaid card hurt my credit score?
No. Prepaid cards do not report to credit bureaus, so using one does not build or damage your credit score. If you want to build credit, you need a credit-building product like a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan from a credit union.