ALL THIS SHIT IS RIGHT GREENDOT IS A FUNGING JOKE I PUT MY WHOLE TAX RETURN ON MY CARD WHAT A DUMB ASS I WAS UH BOY OW BOY DO I HAVE REGRETS AND A MIGRAIN SO FAR FUNDS ARE THERE JUST HAVING A MAJOTR PAIN OIN THE ASS TR YING TOI GET IT OFF KNOWCK ON WOOD THAT I GET IT ALL OIFF BEFORE THEY SAY OW IM SO SORRY AND WTF IS THIS SHIT IF U PAY THIS OR THAT FUCK THAT ITS ALREADY MY MONEY WHY THE HELL WHOULD I OR ANYONE HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT WE ALL PAY OUR TAXES DONT WE IM WRITING THE PRESIDENT LETS JUST SEE IF HE CAN FIX THIS OR EVEN WANT TO TRY THERES ENOUGH OF US JUST ON HEAR ALONE I BELIVE THAT WE LNEED HELP AND GREENDOT SHOLULD GO BYE BYE FOR GOOD

Received a Green Dot card for Christmas good for a preset amount. Activated it over the phone. Tried using it the other day - NO GOOD!
Called their robot support - says we received a "Personal" card. Never did.
Will report this to the Attorney General Fraud section to avoid any further dealings with this firm.
Gift cards are a big money maker for companies, given the thousands that are never redeemed, lost, etc.
Give me cash or don't waste my time.

1/19/2011
I purchased a Green Dot Mastercard by mistake for a Christmas gift, I called the #1-866-785-6963 on the front of the card to activated it & requested a refund. The man on the end of the line activated the card with the # on the card & asked for a mailing address & phone #. He the told me it would take 7-10 day's to receive the refund. We will wait & see. The whole proccess took 7 minutes, alot less painful than I thought it would be after reading so many posts about how bad they are.

I ordered a green dot prepaid card online to have my routing and account number so i could make purchases online, they gave me both when i ordered my card and I used it online. When I received a package that was shipped to me I looked at the shipping info paper taped to my gift. It says my address on the "ship to" part, but on the billing part it says a completely different person from a different state. I checked my account information online at greendot.com and it does show my purchases online but they say declined, even though they were shipped. Since they are shipped and says someone elses billing address and name, I'm wondering are they taking this out of someone elses account??! I sure hope not, even though I have my account information saying those purchases have at least been acknowledged on my account, why would it say somebody elses billing address? I don't want to get in trouble i'm a 22 year old christian woman and single mother. What does that mean and what do i do?

Could someone please tell me how to get my money off the green dot money pak card i purchase the wrong card..(HELP)

Hi everyone. I can see a lot of people of people are angry on here. let me try and clarify a few things. About Green Dot Gift Cards : Green Dot Cards are mainly for adult use 18 and over. There are specialized products that Green Dot sells for use by minors and parents that will allow the parents to specify the spending limit on the second card. An an adult can accept a MasterCard / Walmart gift card on behalf of the minor and spend the funds on the minors behalf on what they want.

To the Grandma who had their card fraudulently used : How shameful and heartless for their grandson / son to do such a thing! In a situation like this immediately initiate the stop payment order over the phone and the investigative process should start within a few days. You can also send a notarized certified letter the the Monrovia, CA address located in your Green Dot Moneypak documentation or by visiting www.greendot.com for the information. Note - GreenDot must receive your request in writing no later then 10 days after the incident happened.

About the $35.00 Authorization at the pump : This is standard now with any debit card. Since AMPM , Shell, etc does not know how , much gas you are going to purchase, they do this to ensure you can cover your purchase. To avoid this, go into store and tell the cashier how much gas you want and they will ring it up as a cash purchase allowing you to pay for that dollar amount with your Green Dot Debit Card.

Being billed double? This is like the pay at the pump thing. Some online retailers when running your information through their credit card processing machines can tell if you are using a prepaid card and use additional measures to ensure the payment method clears. There are numerous cases of prepaid debit card fraud in the past I do not know which case is worse then the other. After your payment clears, the duplicate transaction or the authorization drops off of your account within 10 days. Music Stores such as Itunes, Rhapsody and Napster may employ similar measures in order to make sure the payment method goes through.

Cannot reload your card? Call the number on the back of your card and check to see if there are restrictions on it. You may need another card. Go online and cancel the card and you can get another one online for free at www.greendot.com without the issuance fee. You have to verify your SS and your address online in a secure encrypted form , but this is done per the Patriot Act of he US to fight terrorism and money laundering (I do not want to go into political things beyond this)

Hope this answers some questions and fulfills some peoples curiosity on this card. Greendot may not be perfect, but then again all other companies share these common issues such as outsourcing, etc.

Have a nice day folks!

does anybody have a legit number for grren dot even if it's the switchboard or something, and also could u reccomend better prepaid cards that don't come with the hassle of green dot?

I have to say that im Fairly satisfied with Greendot (just "Fairly", mind you). They pretty much do what they are supposed to do...provide people with at least some services for those whom have been ousted from the retail banking industry. Basically, banks cant stand people like "us" (they dont even want us in their lobbies), and greendot is the only alternative.

The biggest complaint , however, is their "dont call us, we'll call you" attitude towards customers--like they're a secret organization or something. Thats all fine and dandy, but when you're dealing with peoples money, its inexscusable.

-ssm

greendot steals your money, 5 here,10 here,never more than 20 bucks at a time, they think u want notice it, their customer service is the worse in the nation full of pure shit never send such run around.

Bought a $40 non-loadable, non-ATM green dot visa "gift" card for a friends birthday. Was told at Rite Aid it was "activated" and ready for use. I sent it in the birthday card and the friend said it was denied everywhere and that they had to have a "pin" number to activate it. They sent it back to me, the store wouldn't take it back or credit me and said I had to call customer service. I went to their site and apparently you have to litearlly fill out a CREDIT APPLICATION in order to "activate" the card. I wrote them and said that is absolutely ridiculous and why would anyone give up that info in order to activate a $40 dollar non-reloadable, non ATM (can't get cash) gift card????? Never heard of this before. So after serveral emails to their customer service they again send me a link so I can get a refund, BUT, in order to get the refund their system requires the same information (a credit application). So I called them and explained I wanted my money back since I can't use this without filling out a credit app. The agent had the nerve to still try to get teh info out of me. "I can process your request...can I have your SS#"??? WTF??? I said, NO you can't! Just tell me what I have to do to get my money back you can see in your system I haven't been able to use the card. She took my mailing address and the card number and said a check would come to me in 2 weeks...we'll see. I doubt it. But I'll hound them as long as I have to just for the sake of exposing them.

After purchasing a Green Dot card, getting it home, and reading the Cardholder Agreement (yes, all of that fun little tiny print) I realized that I had made a mistake. I currently have a bank account with a "logo-ed" debit card, but I wanted something not linked to my personal funds to make a specific online purchase. Having recieved a Visa giftcard previously as a gift, I was hoping to pick one up for myself for this purpose.

As it turns out, this product is something completely different. For all those that say that the fees are similar to a bankcard, I would be curious about what bank they frequent. Overdraft fees aside, I have never used a bank that had more than a $1 montly fee for bankcard privledges. I understand funds being tight, and I can even recall at least 2 or 3 times that I miscalculated and overdrafted in the last couple of years, but I have never racked up as many bank fees in any year as I would by simply using this card as instructed.

But on to the praising aspect: Yes, it took a bit of creative button pushing to reach an actual person, but once I did they were friendly, efficient, and helpful. I followed the written instructions and requested a refund (as I had not yet activated the card). I gave my name and address (they were fine with me declining a phone #) and they sent me back a refund check within the 7-10 day time frame. Yes, my customer representative was in India, but she was sufficiently proficient in English to engage in a polite and helpful dialogue about the company's product and my needs. As a former call center employee in the U.S. I more than understand the domestic damage done by outsourcing, but it did not detract from this particular representative's capabilities in this specific interaction.

I was lucky to have only loaded $20 onto the card, making the wait for my refund less painful than it might have been if it had been for a larger ammount. That being said, as I was not going to use the card, I cannot think of any way that they could have provided my refund apart from "snail mail".

I understand that my experiences don't touch on all of the issues that could have surfaced down the road if I had decided to stay a customer, but I just thought I'd throw my comments into the mix. I do not think that this product is the best financial choice out there, but I did not feel "scammed" as they provided exactly the service that their written information represented. I would pose, though, that this written information could have been a little larger, a little clearer, and presented on the outside of the package as well as the inside.

Ive read several complaints and I have a complaint as well. My bankcard is a scam! Charging me 33 dollars for every single overdraft, even when the overdraft involves no more than 0.20 cents, then every transaction that is denied and incurs another 33 dollars....leaving me with -300 dollar balances, when I am unemployed and financially challenged for over a year now! I cant afford this!

Oh yea, well, my complaint wasnt about GD, it was about a bank account Ive shut down because I kept losing my money to them, and ended up getting the GD card to protect myself against expensive, unaffordable, overdraft fees.

Only problem I have to date is a DD from PayPal that never showed up on my transaction list....thats a problem! I called PayPal, who said the money was sent, called GD, who couldnt see any DD transaction for that amount....NOW WHAT? The money is stuck in limbo? Who do I call now?

On Friday afternoon, I purchased a GreenDot MoneyPak at Walgreen to load $175 to a GreenDot VISA card. 4
hours later attempted to load MoneyPak onto VISA using the web. Received a message: "This product does not
have enough funds" Not happy. I tried reloading over the telephone and I received a message that the MoneyPak had no money on it. I called the number on the back of the MoneyPak (1-800-473,3636). The person who answered had not idea what time was in California. He took the MoneyPak number, some information from the Walgreens receipt, and my telephone number, then gave me an incident number. He told me they would investigate and I would need to wait 1 business day. Thus, no money until Monday evening!?

GreenDot is nothing but a cash grab scam. The customer service is very limited (intentionally) in what they can do and if you get in a jam...well you are really in deep s**t because greendot has no services/support options in place to deal with anything out of the ordinary. In my case GreenDot is incapable (apparently) of mailing me a replacement card. I got the original card over a year ago and enrolled in direct deposit...i was not thrilled with the monthly service fee (as they use ALL our daily deposits/balances to get paid with daily interest...the ATM fees...you would think that would be enough profit...but no...they have learned well from the health/insurance companies and offer a bunch of other silly services that amount to a hill of beans..like the VIP for 3 bucks a month...LOL...what a joke that is) and I found numerous sites that i could not use the card. I overlooked those minor issues and all was well until March 2010. My current card has an expiry of 03/10 so i began calling about the replacement in February 2010. Long story short...we can all see the date of this post...i still dont have a valid replacement card. I have demanded my money numerous times from support but the support simply cannot MoneyGram / WireTransfer / Western Union etc is not an option. I live paycheck to paycheck and this kind of situation can be tragic. I wont detail the litany of problems this has caused me but for example Late fee's on my rent / Loss of utilities / no Food-Gas-Sundries etc. I would STRONGLY advise anyone reading this not to enroll in direct deposit with GreenDot. This card/service is fine as a silly little preloaded debit to pay bills and stuff but when the shizzle hits the fan in a serious way and you really need help there is no one at home here. I will do everything in my power to bring my issues to the banking authorities and BBB. To all of you "Caveat imptor" - this card is by design limited and little or no resemblance to a "real" banking institution and or card.

As for this Jerk from earlier:

Guys
Read through these comments carefully [indeed...you first...you can read the big words right? if you don't understand big words try google] . First of all, I feel like I'm enshrouded [ that would mean you are covered by or enclosed within...again try google first before you try those big words] in middle graders, given the last [sic] [spelling you moronic troll...read on] of punctuation, capitalization (or excess thereof) [ Grammer ? are you kidding...you cant even write a proper sentence much less criticize others] and proper grammar. If you cannon [sic] write, I question your ability to use a card.
[ calling people out on spelling is very troll and you are obviously a post whore. You are also devoid of matriculation in proper sentence structure, basic spelling, adjectives and basic vocabulary ]

Most of these people crying 'rip-off' and 'scam' have caused the problems for themselves via one of these many ways: didn't actually read to find out if the card would do what they needed; expected the card to be immediate (it's not Green Dot's fault that you waited until the last minute to get a card); bought a scam and expected someone else to give them the money back (you made a mistake, you live with the consequences).

[blanket statements like that are for Trolls and simple theories are really best suited for simple minds...heh...read his next statement]

People, this is a simple card for simple things. Add money to it, use only what you add, and don't blame your mistakes on the company, Wal-Mart, CVS, or anywhere else. IT IS YOU.
[ no its you...you had nothing helpful to add yet you posted this garbage. you also felt the need to insult other posters...your mommy make you mad today?]

I've used the card for two years [ because mommy wont let him have a real card]. The $6 per month fee is not a lot of money, they have the right to charge that [do they? you know finances and banking do you? heh you want to give away your money fine then do so...probably points back at my comment about your mommy not letting you have one...], and you will find worse rates for cards at many banks [ really ? i found cheaper and free also] It is not a scam if you knew about the fee when you signed up--you agreed to it, then you complained. In what world does that make sense? [again your simple mind is getting in the way of comprehension...just because someone signs something / agrees to something does NOT make it legal...not only do you NOT know banking and finance you are equally inept at LAW]

Personally, I transfer the money from my Paypal account to my Green Dot Visa. I've never had a single problem. Then again, I can read, don't fall for scams, and can balance a checkbook. You people need to go back to school. [ well maybe ...more education never hurts anyone...hope to see you there! ill be watching the short bus
to see if you fall off ]

Sheesh [thanks for showing us the level of intelligence of "satisfied" customers with greendot...everyone...maybe thats whats wrong...we are not stupid enuff to put up with this lame card]

I swore off of Paypal years ago after they took me for $4,000. I was never able to recover my funds. I still hate them to this day. Back then, I've shut down my account, and thought I'd never be back. There are so many online merchants that only take payments via Paypal! I've avoided dealing with those folks. As tempting as their merchandise was, it just wasn't worth the stress of losing more money to Paypal. A few months ago, I was really itching to buy something, and I've opened a Paypal account again. I thought about it long and hard, and changed my mind about buying it. I left my Paypal account opened just in case, only added and verified a bank account and that's it. There was no activity. A few days ago I saw some merchandise I wanted to buy badly. So I went into my Paypal account and was about to add money using bank account when I saw the "add money with Green Dot Money Pack" option so it got me thinking. They claim that I can add funds instantly, as opposed to having to wait for 5 days for the funds to clear from my bank by which point the merchandise may be sold out. I went out and purchased the card. Paid $150.00 plus the $4.95. Came home, wanted to put the money in the Paypal account. And Paypal redirrected me to e-mail verrification page. So I verrified my e-mail yet again, and once again it re-dirrected me to that same e-mail verrification page. It loops over and over. They give me no way to add the money from my card into Paypal. Maybe this issue is due to my inactivity with Paypal over the last two months. But here's how I see it. I am out another $155.00. There's no refund on this card. Damn you Paypal! When will I learn that dealing with you is the same as flushing money down the toilet? Maybe someone else can learn from my mistakes. Please, don't put your money in the hands of Paypal or anyone associated with them, or you will be sorry.

Read through these comments carefully. First of all, I feel like I'm enshrouded in middle graders, given the last of punctuation, capitalization (or excess thereof), and proper grammar. If you cannon write, I question your ability to use a card.

Most of these people crying 'rip-off' and 'scam' have caused the problems for themselves via one of these many ways: didn't actually read to find out if the card would do what they needed; expected the card to be immediate (it's not Green Dot's fault that you waited until the last minute to get a card); bought a scam and expected someone else to give them the money back (you made a mistake, you live with the consequences).

People, this is a simple card for simple things. Add money to it, use only what you add, and don't blame your mistakes on the company, Wal-Mart, CVS, or anywhere else. IT IS YOU.

I've used the card for two years. The $6 per month fee is not a lot of money, they have the right to charge that, and you will find worse rates for cards at many banks. It is not a scam if you knew about the fee when you signed up--you agreed to it, then you complained. In what world does that make sense?

Personally, I transfer the money from my Paypal account to my Green Dot Visa. I've never had a single problem. Then again, I can read, don't fall for scams, and can balance a checkbook. You people need to go back to school.

Sheesh.

Well, please take the advise and NEVER waste your time or money on this deceiving transaction. Paypal claims that u can use a money pak to add money to your account and send money without needing a credit card or checking account!!! Well, i am here to tell you that its too good to be true. I have added $200+ on my pp acct with a money pak, and it will not let me send money NO MATTER WHAT, w/o adding a cc or checking acct. I have spoken to a PayPal customer service agent 4 times and a supervisor at least 3 times, and first of all I CANNOT UNDERSTAND POORLY BROKEN, asian-ized english, second they keep lying to me saying my money will be there in 24 hours, just to get me off the phone. (they cannot understand me, or comprehend what I am saying at all) So, needless to say ive waited my 24-48, hours several times, and a month later, I am still no able to get my money!! I am very upset!! $200 is sooo much money for me and my kids. We dont even have any food to eat, barely, and they are keeping my money, just because...... Anyway, I vented and im still upset... Help Me Please!! It would be greatly appreciated.. Take my word for it.... Do not use a money pak, or better yet do not use PayPal. I never will again. I need my money badly!!! Thx

I have tried to contact GreenDot by clicking the contact us.
It has been a total waste of time because no page every
comes up to fill out and contact them. They have a limit
for deposits so having my tax refund deposited to my card
which is ridiculous. Please if anyone has legal information
on one that does not have a limit. I would appreciate any
information that can be with a BBB member and not a fly
by night firm. Thanks BST

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING - READ EVERYTHING, ALL THE FINE PRINT AND IF YOU DON"T LIKE THE FEES OR POLICIES OR YOU DON"T UNDERSTAND IT, *** THEN DON'T BUY IT ***

If you get one as a gift, and you have problems, then it is either 1) Your friends fault for buying you a DEBIT card instead of a GIFT card, or 2) YOUR fault because you are an idiot and can't read or follow instructions.

These things are pretty 4uckin' simple. You give them CASH, they convert it to VIRTUAL MONEY to use online or through a credit card terminal. You can get CASH back from an ATM. There are financial laws that require them to collect personal information, like SSN, etc. It is NOT anonymous. It is a SERVICE and you have to pay FEES to use it. If you don't cancel it, you will still be charged - just like any other contractual service.

There are really only two faults:

1) They outsource their customer service. If you can't handle this, then don't use them. I don't like it either, but if you READ the policies and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, you shouldn't need them.

and

2) They are not FDIC insured. Theoretically, you cold loose your money if they fail. They are a big company, with big backers, and this is unlikely. Don't put your life savings on the card. It is meant for minor, day to day expenses for people who can't get or don't want traditional credit cards NOT to take the place of a full service bank.

Ok... maybe 3 faults, but this last one isn't really their problem -
Like ANY financial service, especially one used online, it is susceptible to scammers. Especially since often the people using "alternative" financial services may be may be more naive. This can happen with ANY credit, debit card or payment service. If there is money involved, people will find a way to scam it. It is not GreenDot that is the scammer - it's the weasels and thieves that scam every other service like PayPal, Western Union, etc. THIS CARD SHOULD BE TREATED AS *** CASH *** is is NOT a credit card, and doesn't have the same protections. THEY TELL YOU THIS UPFRONT.

Again - read EVERYTHING before you decide to agree and use the service. If you don't like the terms or don't understand then DON'T USE IT !!! If you make a mistake and/or get "ripped off" it's no one's fault but yours.

Yes, of course, companies make mistakes too sometimes, and I'm sure some of these complaints are valid, however, you have to understand that because of all the scammers, they have make you jump through hoops to get refunds or adjustments to your account. This is not their fault - blame the scammers.

And of course, only people with complaints are ever vocal. No one is going to go around posting about how they "love Greendot and everyone should get it, blah blah blah". You hear all these complaints, but you don't hear about the people like me who are 100% satisfied.

My husband and I received a GIFT card for our wedding gift from people at work. It was purchased at a local Walgreens Store. The pre paid visa/ gift card was IMPOSSIBLE to activate. I called the number on the card, and the automated system kept telling me "I do not understand what you are saying". It would not activate the card without me releasing a great deal of personal information. When I tried to supply it, I kept getting "I do not understand what you are saying". After many failed attempts to activate the card, my husband called them. He had the same problem! He called back again and had to FUDGE the system in order to get a customer service representative. The CSR told him they needed his social to activate the card, and tried to get him sent a re-loadable card (WE DIDN'T WANT THIS, we just freaking wanted to use our gift card dammit). To make a long story short, the company makes it impossible to activate the card, the automated system plays dumb and hangs up even when you follow the commands correctly, and the company is a SCAM. The rely on people not being able to activate their cards, clearly, that is how they make a great deal of money. Between confusing customers and charging RIDICULOUS fees every MONTH (even when you haven't used the card) and the user fees, this is a complete RIP OFF and I URGE everyone to get refunds and not deal with this company. Do not give them any of your business. What a despicable way to rip people off during hard economic times. Additionally, if you make the mistake of throwing away the plastic package it comes in, you may not be able to activate your card at all. Be careful opening the card, as there are numbers they require you to read off to them in order to activate the card. This number was ripped by opening the card. Once again, another way they can deny you YOUR OWN money!

I hope this company gets shut down. I am also writing to all companies that carry and sell green dot cards.

I HOPE THIS COMPANY GETS SHUT DOWN PRONTO!

The Green Dot Corporation has their Prepaid Cards sold all over the country, example: Wal-Mart just joined the company, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, etc...I am very stressed and affected over this issue today; my husband and I had been saving money to buy plane tickets for me and my son to join him in California, he's been working over there.We were finally going to buy it today, so, we decided to put the money into a green dot card to buy the tickets on-line. He bought the card, gave me the activation #, so I tried on their website, twice, finally, they said that my personal information didn't match and that a refund was automatically set up to be mailed, and that I'll be getting it in 10 days. Ridiculous.So I called the company, the service is horrible, they take forever, then a guy tells me he can't change the system because once the refund is setup, they can't change it. I asked for somebody who had access to the system, he put me on hold, then said nobody could come to the phone and that they would call me back. Never did call. So I called back, I got transferred to different people, probably more than 7 times, at the end, they tell me, they can't do nothing for me, that the computer already sent the refund and nobody in there could change the system.I had no option, I couldn't even set up the card under my husband's name or anything else. Now, I can't buy my tickets, the price of the tickets will probably go up, and I won't be able to buy them today. Anyway, I'm frustrated, stressed or anything u could thing of.I also read many other people complaining on-line about even worse things this company did to them. Now Wal-Mart also joined them, How many more people are going to go through the same?I saw other people complain they never got their money back, so I'm afraid I'll never see my money again, and I really need it.I don't think people these days have this kind of extra money to sit for 10 days and wait.I told them, I need to use the money today, NOW, not in 10 days.

Last month my grandson stole my G D Visa & got $147.00 from it, which was returned last week. Early this month, I tried a GD Mastercard- he found it & used it to order 2 Western Union payments "from Jake to Jake" online, for $ 128.00 & $140.00. I called MC and they stopped payment saying they would send me a check by the 23rd of Oct. today, the 27th, I called & the girl said there's no record of the money even having been there or taken out, and that "all the supervisors are busy". I went on 3-way with W.U. & the man said he couldn't talk with her on the line & to call back. I did so, and asked for him by name. He got right on the phone & verified that MC had put a stop on the order & W.U. never gave out the funds, as MC claimed they would send me a check. Whom do I contact, other than my attorney? HELP!!!!! Grandma 

This regards the last comment about applestoreiphones.com.

Do not buy an iphone here. This is a scam. They will ask for your greendot moneypak number for confirmation of the amount before they send the iphone. This will then give them access to take the money out, they don't need any receipt.

I emailed them and explained to them how this seems like a scam. I gave them my phone number to text or call. A person named 'Jason' contacted me and said that this is not a scam. I asked to explain how this would not be a scam and then he started insulting me for thinking that this website was a scam. This is not a joke, he said I was a sissy for not buying an iphone from him. Wow. Then he made threats that I should shut my phone off at night because he has my number now. So, ya. It went well.

Hopefully this helps!

I have a negative Balance of -9.90, I guess that's the maitnance charge? I'm Confused on If that affects my credit or if I can or cant get in trouble later for not paying it

Wal-Mart is Scamming you people!!!!!

Do not purchase any GreenDot MoneyPaks through any stores!!!! Wal-Mart is supposedly backing these up and are aware of people using them to perform scams and continue to sell them!!! I purchased 2 GreenDot MoneyPaks that say right on them 'Guaranteed'. Our luck has been down, as both my husband and I were laid off in July when our plant closed, and only 2 of our 3 teenagers have jobs that give them 4 hours a week - so any purchases I make have to be very selective and careful. I looked up the info on these GreenDot MoneyPaks and seen that they were backed-up by Wal-Mart. I figured with Wal-Mart behind them I would be safe. Not so!!! I have been scammed out of $800!!! I purchased one for $300 plus Wal-Mart's service fee and $500 plus service fee of $4.95. I made an online purchase with the cards through a site I checked out pretty thoroughly. Well, not thoroughly enough. (Stay far away from My Surplus Depot!)

I contacted Wal-Mart and they told me that MH cashed the checks and that she has scammed several people and that I am out of luck. They did not guarantee the cards and they are not doing anything about it. They are aiding and abetting criminals! They told me to report it to the authorities, while they continue to let the criminals roam freely and use them to hurt other people. Just the fact that they know about it and are not doing anything about it - is totally disgusting! Someone you love or care about could be the next victim! Please forewarn your family and friends!

My sister's husband took their son to California to see gramma. There was an accident, gramma's in a coma & the baby's skull is fractured, don't know yet the extent is. I bought her a ticket to SFO and she is on her way right now. Before she left, she wrote down her greendot #'s & pin, asked me to deposit some $ right away so she could catch a cab to the hospital as soon as she touches down, plus a motel, etc..

But I AM A PARAPLEGIC!!!! I get my checks direct deposit to my bank & use my visa to pay my bills. I am just now finding out Greendot will not let me buy a "Reload" or a money pack with my own Visa "check & cash card" online OR over the phone. BUT I CAN'T GO INTO A STORE TO BUY IT WITH CASH!! I need to put $450 on my sisters card before her plane lands in a couple of hours. I have plenty of $ in my checking acct--i just can't use it to buy a greendot reload.. After everybodies dilemas I hate the thought of using greendot @ all, but I have to figure out SOMETHING right away!.. These friggin people are killing me! Can somebody help & tell me what to do?

My sister's husband took their son to California to see gramma. There was an accident, gramma's in a coma & the baby's skull is fractured, don't know yet the extent is. I bought her a ticket to SFO and she is on her way right now. Before she left, she wrote down her greendot #'s & pin, asked me to deposit some $ right away so she could catch a cab to the hospital as soon as she touches down, plus a motel, etc..

But I AM A PARAPLEGIC!!!! I get my checks direct deposit to my bank & use my visa to pay my bills. I am just now finding out Greendot will not let me buy a "Reload" or a money pack with my own Visa "check & cash card" online OR over the phone. BUT I CAN'T GO INTO A STORE TO BUY IT WITH CASH!! I need to put $450 on my sisters card before her plane lands in a couple of hours. I have plenty of $ in my checking acct--i just can't use it to buy a greendot reload.. After everybodies dilemas I hate the thought of using greendot @ all, but I have to figure out SOMETHING right away!.. These friggin people are killing me! Can somebody help & tell me what to do?

My sister's husband took their son to California to see gramma. There was an accident, gramma's in a coma & the baby's skull is fractured, don't know yet the extent is. I bought her a ticket to SFO and she is on her way right now. Before she left, she wrote down her greendot #'s & pin, asked me to deposit some $ right away so she could catch a cab to the hospital as soon as she touches down, plus a motel, etc..

But I AM A PARAPLEGIC!!!! I am just now finding out Greendot will not let me buy a "Reload" or a money pack with my own Visa "check & cash card" online OR over the phone. BUT I CAN'T GO INTO A STORE TO BUY IT WITH CASH!! I need to put $450 on my sisters card before her plane lands in a couple of hours. I have plenty of $ in my checking acct--i just can't use it to buy a greendot reload.. After everybodies dilemas I hate the thought of using greendot @ all, but I have to figure out SOMETHING right away!.. These friggin people are killing me!

Any one have a number for a live person? the 3680 number listed in a post from earlier 2008, seems to be directed towards a talk line number now, not greendot.

I was able to find a number a few months ago on a forum that connected me to a real person, but i figured i would never use green dot again so i threw it out. Now i needed to use it again and thankfully had no problems this time but would love that number back again, just in case.

Who knows may have been the number i reference above, but i dont think it was...

Well I,ve got to say that I was in Wal Mart inquiring about a Green Dot card today because it would come in handy to buy some computer parts online and save a great deal of money. BUT all these complaints here have cured my little moment of weakness. I wouldnt get one if I needed a kidney and that was the only form of paying for it! I feel sorry for all of you that have been ripped off because unfortunatly most of there clients like myself ARE financially challenged which basically means poor! Its bad enough to have to deal with financial problems when your down but its a great deal harder to deal with someone with no heart and morals to kick you when your down. And I despise someone kicking me or any one else when your down. I,ll find another source but it wont be Green Dot.
Good luck to all of you that have been scammed hope you get your money back and far as all of the others on the other side of the fence causing all of this pain and grief you,ll have to pay for this one day and God forbid that you,ll be in this situation but if you do then you will feel the pain you have inflicted on these people.

Can green dot collect from you if you have not used the card and it has been inactive for a period of time the negative balance that has resulted from service fees. I put $140.00 on the card and they said I owwed them money. I said I don't owe you any money because it is a prepaid credit card. If I don't use it I don't pay the service charge. If I choose to use it again than I would pay the service charge because I am keeping the card and using it and therefore I would be charged the service charge. I elected to throw it away and it is prepaid there is no extention of credit given on a prepaid card.

Well all I could say is I made a complaint to the BBB and whoever is disatissfied with them lets ban toether and go complain to the BBB. Greendots rating is a b- lets get it down to an F.

I also called some local concumer news stations and helpfully this will help. If anyone has exprienced this problem please blog back or email me.

I went to Walmart with my paycheck because our direct deposits were closed due to a sale of my company.

Bought the stupid Moneypak.

Every hour went to the moneypak.com site and every hour told to wait an hour.

Got an agent, and was told to wait 2 hours.

This has been all day and I have a trip to take for work and have NO money now. The site says:

How soon will the money be available on my Card?

As soon as you successfully apply the MoneyPak® to your Card, the money is instantly available on your Card.

Right, now I want some asses and since they are in the right general area I am traveling to, I need to "visit" these jerks and teach them to hire Americans and do it the right way.

DON'T BUY ANY THING FROM GREEN DOT.
They are in business to scam money from consumer. I just bought one moneypak from them and the money was stolen without my authorization. Green Dot refuse to help investigate unless they receive a police request.
First time and will be last time to use this product. Major scam financial corporation. Watch out.

Talk about an over-priced service. It should be illegal. Wal-Mart and the others should be ashamed of themselves for helping to prey on innocent and poor people.

GE Moneybank, worst credit card company to ever deal with asside from Providian, has brought you the Green Dot visa's and mastercards. They also 'store brand' them to market them, so you get ones with a Walmart spark a Kmart, a Walgreens and all other places avalible logo'd. Then as is bound to happen with un-secured un FDIC insured cards a problem crops up. You come to where you bought it to complain. Barkin up wrong tree's folks, We've got nothing do do with them besides sell you the cards, or load them and take your money in collection for GE Moneybank. Think of US stores as the collection agency, you give us money, we give you nothing
back
People say they want to deal with cash want to not spend more then they load.
Uh, folks, your local yokel bank is the same thing. Its Old School prepaid debit cards, usable on the internet since...well the internet shopping began. Think of it.
Greendot. you take your pay check and put it on the card.
Bank debit card. you take your pay check and its on a card
Green Dot, GE Moneybank goes under...money all gone money go buh-bye
Bank goes under. you get your money back up to 100,000
Greendot. you can have up to 3000 dollars on it
bank account, you can have all the dollars you want on it
Green dot, can be over drawn
Bank, can be overdrawn
Green dot, you want to close account, wait a few weeks to see if you get money
Bank, go in pull the money and close account.. 30 minutes max.
Green Dot...help line...speaks text book English. with accent of foreign country
Bank. speaks english, regional American accent applies.
Greendot screws up, wait on hold on the phone muttering under your breath.
Bank Screws up, go scream at them in person.

are you seeing how Banking is much more fun? live people, they speak the language you speak, no weirdo accents to deal with, money is right there, you can get cold hard cash 6 days a week with nearly every bank in america and some of them 7 days as week. Banks don't charge you to cash your pay roll check if you bank with them. They don't usually charge you for the debit cards...some banks do, usually its a 1.50 per card per month. far better then Greendot fee's. and well, if your bank charges for a card, just get a different bank, theres tons that offer free debit cards, free checking, free online banking, heck some give you free cookies at the first of the month, whats not to like. greendot...
well I haven't seen any cookies, or free anything. free load with a pay check at walmart, but you still have to pay the check cash fee.

save money, live better...don't get a green dot card.

I HAVE GREENDOT FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINS AT ALL .

if I have a balance of 0 on my greendot will I still be charged the "matenience" fee?

I WAS WONDERING HOW TO CHECK MY GREENDOT ACCOUNT I DON;T KNOWN HOW TO GET ON THE PHONE OT ON THE PC AS WELL SO CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THAT PLEASE GIVE ME THE PHONE 1-800- THINK YOU

I bought a Green Dot pre-paid online shopping card 2 weeks ago and put $85 on it. I didn't realize until after I tried to use it online, that it was only for purchases in the US and the item I was trying to buy for my bf's birthday was in England. I tried and tried to call someone about the card and all I got was an automated system. Everytime I hit 0 I got hung up on. I finally found a number online for the company that was different than the other numbers and it was for the part of the company that handles their credit cards that you actually have to give your credit info for. They couldn't help me and kept giving me the same numbers that I already had. So, I got online and canceled the card the same day I bought it and found out then that I had put in the card number on 2 of the what seemed like 500 times I called and they took $1 and my balance was now $84. I was so angry and here I am 2 weeks later and still no refund check. If it's not here within the next week I am calling the FTC and letting them know that this business is a scam and shouldn't be allowed to rip anymore people off. Needless to say, my bf hasn't gotten his birthday present yet, cause I has saved up that money and now I have to wait to see if I even get that check in the mail....

Companies really care about their market and revenues. A lot of companies opted to outsource jobs overseas like China and India because of the cheaper cost. However, there is also a negative impact of outsourcing to the country especially now that we are suffering from economic crisis. IBM layoffs were announced in the last week or so unofficially, but from inside sources. Now, IBM layoffs are official. The company will layoff 5,000 employees, and replace them with outsourced jobs overseas. IBM and other tech industry giants have been outsourcing for years, as it keeps them from getting short term loans to stay afloat, I guess. Granted, it doesn't do their communities, the families of those afflicted, and the country in which they live in any good. So now, IBM layoffs have joined the ranks of so many other companies.

i recently had a friend go to walgreens and purchase a moneypack for my greendot card. he owed me money and lives far so it seemed it would work out perfect. My friend had never purchased one before and when i asked him for the number on the moneypack to load my card he gave me the number off the receipt which is wrong, even though when you go to load your card the automated system tells you to locate the number on the back of the moneypack or on THE RECEIPT. When I informed him that it wasnt the right number he told me he never got the physical moneypack just a receipt from the cashier who said to hold on to his receipt. Walgreen said after purchased is final green dot is the only one who can refund the money. So i had my friend bring me the proof of purchase and i faxed them a copy like they asked and then they said after an investigation was done i would get refunded because obviously i never loaded the money and i had proof of purchase. After a week of no answers i begged to speak with a manager who i had to practically threaten to get to call me who tells me that the money pack had been loaded on to someone elses card and unless i wanted to call the police and make a report there was nothing she could do about it. Wouldnt tell me who what when where or why. I had the receipt she had record that i never loaded that money to my account and also the record of who supposedly did but didnt care. I asked her sarcastically, "So i can steal someones moneypack load it to my card and when the ownler calls with proof of purchase saying the moneypack she bought was lost or stolen, they would tell her that she loses the money and the person who's name is right in front of their face gets away with it" Man they make it easy for drugstore cashiers to steal the customers just purchased moneypack So i decided to give up and that the police who laugh if i called them about a hundred dollars. Lesson......Hold that thing tight!!!! Load immediately

Hello all! I have read you comments and am absolutely shocked. My husband and I have a green dot card and have had no problems at all. More importantly I work at a CVS and you should know that if you buy a greendot card at CVS and it does not load, bring it back. This has happened at my store before and all we do is refund the card, then add the money to another card. Sometimes there are faulty cards sent to the store but we don't know until the customer tells us the money hasn't reloaded. Hope this helps.

waiting on refund 4 wks. talk to person #18779374098 press #4, twice ive waited 2 wks for refund, dont use greendot for anything, they dont refund, you can only use card 1 time, the ballence remaining is not easily returned.. just runaround buu sh.. buyers beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been using a Greendot card now for just over 3 years now and can't say that I really had a problem with it. I use it mainly for online shopping and paying the monthly fee for an MMORPG that I play. Well, I can't say for sure YET, but I MAY have my first problem with my card now... I'll have to look into a matter or 2 first in order to determine that if a problem truly exists or whatnot.

As of last night prior to me putting additional funds on my card, I had $14.57 on it, which would've covered the $13.95 charge that I'm anticipating this one company charging to my card on 2/1/09 for the monthly fee for the MMORPG plus still have some change on it to mantain a positive balance. I ended up putting an additional $20 on it so I could make additional purchases through both Sony's and Microsoft's online shopis via their respective gaming consoles. I spent $12.50 on Microsoft without a hitch and by my mental math that left me with $7.50 (plus the loose change already on the card) to spend on Sony. I just tried (about 30 minutes ago) to make a purchase totalling $7.57. By my math I could've done it. Turns out that it wouldn't allow me to fund that amount. A $5.39 amount DID go throu though. It may be just faulty math on my part (which is unlikely) but something doesn't seem quite right here. Granted this is a trivial amount here, but I'm more concerned about the principal of it all. Not only that, but after reading some of the other posts here, I'm concerned as to whether or not the payment for the MMORPG fee will go through today. I'm starting to get the feeling that there was some sort of foul up last night when I bought the reload pack & reloaded my card. I just hate to see my service w/ this MMORPG be interrupted due to any potential problem w/ my card.

I have used greenDot for years and all of these problems im reading about, I have never had. I always reload my card and befor I leave the registar or store apply the reload card to my prepaid. Everything works just fine and the money is ready for me to use within 15 minuets. Always Always apply your moneypak before leaving the store. I love this card. Without it I wouldnt be able to buy things online or pay online bills. I rarley have problems with online purchases, in fact my next purchase is Chicago Bull game tickets. Thank you GreenDot.

I purchased a money pak reload card from CVS, when I got home and attempted to load my 410.00 onto my card they said this card has already been used. I spoke to a rep and the told me to fax my receipt, I did so and on the nxt day I was told that my 410.00 money pak had been used and my money would be refunded in 2 business days. Well 2 business days turned into 3 and I kept calling then the 4th day a woman name ms. Hawk said my money can't be refunded because they are not liable. WHAT. You have my proof of purchase. On the 5th day I spoke to someone else and I told him I will take legal action. He insured me my money will be there the nxt businsess day, that was 2day. We shall see

Calling Green Dot for customer service with a live person, first they answer the phone on hold with a cracked recording of a child trying to play music with rubber bands for about 5 minutes. If you stay on the line that long an ESL speaking person with an unrecognizable name will pick up the phone and then ask you to please listen to the rubber bands for a while longer. Eventually, when they determine that the rubber band music won't make you go away, you get to explain your problem and the operator will make reassuring sounds before calmly explaining that what you had thought could be the worst possible outcome of your plea for help is really the only option available. They will be very sorry about this but there is apparently nothing they can do.

I expected exorbitant fees and charges from a service that is basically a payday advance scheme aimed at poor and financially unsophisticated people like me, but wanted to be able to make online purchases from time to time and I have found it expensive but usable.

Now I have had a major problem with them denying me access to my money. And at Christmas that really sux. As they are really nothing more than the marketer of services for the bank whose name appears in the fine print on the back of your card, or in your account info on their web site, I believe it is the bank that should be confronted with the scams Green Dot perpetrates on those trying to use the bank's services. Green Dot expects to be reviled and doesn't seem to care. I don't believe that the bank shares that philosophy.

Also the Better Business Bureau, the last time I looked, give them a CC rating. Far better than they merit. I actually saw the rating slip from CCC to CC before my eyes as I was on the web site. A step in the right direction. Complaints there (not tales of woe on the message board they offer but actual formal complaints) will help document the poor reputation they have earned.
And perhaps your state's Attorney General's office has a consumer complaint division, as mine does. Seems that might be more useful that a lawyer friend. Nothing bad on anyone's friends, but I'm sure Mr. Krasovic has a few lawyers himself. I don't know if he owns any Attorney Generals.
Cheers,
Brad

i got a green dot card today put 21 bucks on it i waited the hour and when i got to the end of the ativation my account number and stuff was there so i started to write it down and after about 30 seconds the page when back to there home page so i was like wtf i tried to go back to get my info and it wont give it to me so i called them and when i go to the customer service since i dont have a account number i had to put my ssn and so i did and it keeps saying that there is no infomation to give or something and tells me to call back so i did and i went to the stolen or lost card thing and that was the only time i got a person but they sucked ass i told them what was going on and i asked if they would transfer me they told me that they couldent since there was no way to i said that is bullshit so i called back thinking i was going to get a differnt person NOPE same guy with a differnt name here is the names he has given me rob, sean, damon, and david i been trying to get to customer service since 1 pm and he is reading froma script all he does is repeat the same sentence over and keeps giveing me the number i called with i told him i have it and he insisted giveing me it over and over so i hung up and now i am pissed and going down to the Department of justice on monday to file a complaint so lol GO TO HELL GREEN DOT.

How do I get Green dot cards?

I have a Pre Paid Visa Card from Green Dot, I have been using it fine until Wal-Mart put a $559.01 credit on my Green dot Card, my wife gave the lady the card by mistake instead of another one since they are both black. I originally had a balance of $235.85 in my account that was loaded onto it.
The refund was for a Camera that was returned to Wal-Mart, they put the money on the green dot card as a credit. No big Deal right? Well yesterday I went to use the card to pay some bills, I am a disabled person and on a limited source of income and my bills are all due on the 10th, today is the 7th and they were declined, I could not figure out why my card was declined when I had $789.86 in my account.
I called Green Dot to find out, and they had turned my card off they said because I had a credit on my card without a transaction that it was purchased to match...This made no sense to me and I explained what happened to them, and they did not care one bit, I asked well why am I not allowed to use the rest of my money as it is PREPAID and they should not be holding my other money hostage, at least I could pay my bills.
They still refused to turn on my card and allow be to use the rest of my money.
Right now this company is stealing my money and I am afraid as this has happened to others as stated on the internet for no good reason, and am afraid they are going to keep my money.

I have a Pre Paid Visa Card from Green Dot, I have been using it fine until Wal-Mart put a $559.01 credit on my Green dot Card, my wife gave the lady the card by mistake instead of another one since they are both black. I originally had a balance of $235.85 in my account that was loaded onto it.
The refund was for a Camera that was returned to Wal-Mart, they put the money on the green dot card as a credit. No big Deal right? Well yesterday I went to use the card to pay some bills, I am a disabled person and on a limited source of income and my bills are all due on the 10th, today is the 7th and they were declined, I could not figure out why my card was declined when I had $789.86 in my account.
I called Green Dot to find out, and they had turned my card off they said because I had a credit on my card without a transaction that it was purchased to match...This made no sense to me and I explained what happened to them, and they did not care one bit, I asked well why am I not allowed to use the rest of my money as it is PREPAID and they should not be holding my other money hostage, at least I could pay my bills.
They still refused to turn on my card and allow be to use the rest of my money.
Right now this company is stealing my money and I am afraid as this has happened to others as stated on the internet for no good reason, and am afraid they are going to keep my money.

I had a friend who was in a bind and needed to purchase a credit card to rent a card. The man at the store said it would work so she bought it. Well on the back it says that it takes 7 business day for it to come in. But when you call it states that it could take up to 10 business days. Well she did not have that long so I bought the card from her for $460(money that was on the card) well it has been 11 business days and the card is not here. They stated that it might be another 7 to 10 business days before I recieve the card. I believe that this is false advertisement. Is there not a law against this? I am going to file a lawsuit against them. And they already took off a fee and the card has not been used. Anyone want to go in on the lawsuit?

Mrs. Heyward

I got a green dot card and used it to start a sprint account. I had to pay for the phone and a $100 deposit. Well, sprint charged me twice $100, $98.00 for a phone. I have $100 pending on my green dot card that wont be released. Green dot says sprint has it. Sprint says they don't have it and its green dot.Anyways, I'm out $100.

I bought one cause i thought i could buy online but u can only do google checkout and there is only a couple of things u can buy IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

Greendot is EXTREMELY hard to navigate on the phone, but if you listen very carefully, there actually is an option for a customer service agent. Once i got thru, i got my issue resolved, but paying 9.95 for hhe card then they take 5 bux out each month for fee, and its 5 bux to reload...... i'm thinkin its not worth it. It's a better deal to get one of those "secured" credit cards where u give them 300 and they hold that as credit, and as u build credit with them your limit goes up. I found one of those and they charge a $30 annual fee. Much better deal. Albeit its not immediate like Greendot. But for that immediacy, you pay 10 + 5/month + another 5 everytime u use it. Don't think I'll do it again. For this transaction I needed a Visa and NOT a MC, so i had to do this- but I'll DEFINITELY go back to my "secured" card. You are really just paying them for instant gratification.
Lets not EVEN mention the fact that they claim the "Patriot Act" and force you to give your SSN before you can even activate the card. If I had known that -i would NEVER have bought it. They say "government issued ID" which i interpreted to be my license number, but a SSN is absolutely required or else no go- and NO refunds either. That just plain ole sucks. I don't want some bank I don't know having my private information. They claim Patriot Act and fear of terrorism and laundering funds- oh COME ON now..... Every right is slowly dwindling away under Dubya.
Sorry for the rant...........

All these posts are live stories about bad experiences with credit cards. I am considering to apply for a credit card at www.ApplyOnline.CitiCards.com and all your experiences will help me be aware of all the aspects involved when getting a credit card. I should set some detailed criteria for that.

I can't get a live person with customer serviced I loaded $200 (on my card with HR Block emerald card) which i've done before without any problems, but, when trying to research where my deposit went there is only an automated message no one to contact live, So I called HR Block who was excellent in handling my problem they are researching themselves but, even they dont have a number for someone live, now I must wait and see what happens? I dont know about you but I cant wait for 48 hours to get a response the electric bill is due now and will be shut off to get it on I will need an additional $600.00 deposit (this bites!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I want to thank HR Block emerald card they are at least trying to help and understand

I've had a Greendot Mastercard for about 2 years now. I use it mainly for online transactions because that way if my information should be stolen, they don't have access to a complete bank account. I've never had any real problems to speak of and I can tell you with certainty, the $35 "hold" you receive at a gas pump has nothing to do with Greendot...it is standard Mastercard procedure these days if you pay at the pump and as soon as your transaction is cleared, that money will be released on your card. Most gas pumps will not accept a pre-paid card and you need to go in and pay for your gas first.

I will say however, I hate the fact the so called "customer service" number is hard to navigate. There should be a clear option to be routed to an actual person.

To which governmental agency should we be filing a complaint about Greed Dot?

I purchased greendot to have my payroll direct deposit. I went online and click on their direct deposit form and was told to give it to my employer. My employer made their first deposit to my account. but I never received my money. Called greendot and spoke to someone in India and they said the direct deposit # I use is incorrect. Double check with my employer and it was correct, the same one they had online and onthe form. Greendont provided incorrect account # and routing # for direct deposit. and my money was in limbo. I asked Greendot why do they have and provide incorrect information on their website and online. They couldn't give an answer. All they kept saying is the # is correct. Called their main office in California and they couldn't provide me with no answer at all and even said that it was SENSITIVE INFORMATION. It took them three months to release my rejected directed deposit. DON'T BUY greendot.

I paid $25 for one of their moneypak reload cards, and they just flat-out took my money! I have the receipt but can't talk to a real person or find an e-mail on the website...this is just plain old theft if you ask me!

I needed to use a greendot card because I don't have a credit card and wanted to buy airline tickets.I went to put money on it all the money i had.465 dollars.It said on the reciept it takes 60 min.which was good because I needed the tickets soon.It took longer and not only that it said I had a frrozem balance of 288 dollars.It took out money each month?!I used it once 2 years ago!They steal your money!Now I'm not going to get my tickets in time for my birthday!They dont help you in anyway.SUCH A SCAM!
-April
Chicago il.

Try Walmart's new Pre-Paid card, its not to bad, $8.95 to buy it initially and u can use the temp card with what you loaded IMMEDIATELY, no fees takin out of it, once you call them and get ur info for ur real card it arrives within about 2-4 buisness day's, from their its simple, if u dont want that try: http://wiredplastic.com, good company, had them for years

Green Dot is a rip-off. It's bad enough that my family paid $9.95 to buy a $100 card, but the company only gives you seven days to use the card before they charge you the $4.95 monthly charge. I tried to spend it all the first day by using it on-line, but they froze part of the funds until the seven days passed. On the seventh day, my money "miraculously" unfroze, and the $4.95 was charged. It took forever for me to get through to a person, and everyone I talked to barely spoke English. They blamed the frozen funds on the retailers, that a hold is put on the card until they money clears, but the records on Green Dot showed that the funds were cleared in three days. The online retailers also confirmed payment within a couple days, as they send emails that the items were shipped. The customer service person and a supervisor stated that they will not refund the $4.95 because in activating the card, the user had agreed to the terms of the card. They offered to send me the remaining balance of my card (minus the $4.95)--which I agreed to since it was no longer worth the hassle. But I made comments that I was going to check into this situation with a lawyer friend, that this was a manipulation of the company to retain funds. One week later, I got a check with my full balance and the original $9.95 purchase fee refunded. I guess if you are firm, yet polite, and mention the word "lawyer", you have a chance at getting your money back.

I recently purchased a green dot card thinking it would be great for christmas shopping and such on internet. I used the card today at a gas station on the pump itself. I only purchased 10.00 in gas and it now says that 35.00 is pending authorization. Is this money i will get back or has the gas station made a mistake of some sort. This really sucks. I was planning on using that 25.00 today to go christmas shopping and now i'm really pissed off about it. I think i'll try to spend every dime i got left on there today because i don't want to deal with this company anymore if this is the way they do business. I thought it was like a debit card since it is prepaid, that is what i get for thinking. ha ha. Anyone know if the extra 25.00 will be refunded to my card once the 10.00 transaction goes thru?? I sure hope so. As if X-mas isn't stressful enough, thanks green card for making just a little more stressful. I was depeding on that 25.00. It may not seem like alot to some people but when you live paycheck to paycheck, 25.00 matters!!

I have had problem after problem with my card. I live a life of cash only. I do not make enough money to "owe" anyone, however, when I pay cash to load a card, I expect to be able to use it. I had a total balance of $48.63 on my card. I had tried to purchase gas at a gas station, and the pump did not work correctly. I was unable to pump gas without paying with cash. Ok, no problem. I check my balance, and it didn't charge me, but it held $35.00 of MY money just because I tried to use it. If I had a lot of money that wouldn't really be an issue, but when it's your last $48.00 it makes a huge difference. It means I have to borrow money to get gas, to go to work so I can survive. I see no point in these cards. I was wanting to use it for online purchases since I do not believe in the banking systems. Now, I don't believe in anything except cold hard cash. No debt, no problems like "maybe it worked, maybe it didn't" I want to hold my own money from now on!

Sick of this crap,

Robert