With new government regulations coming, I thought it was time to provide an update on this fast growing financial product which is fast becoming a substitute for checking accounts.  So, what’s new?

• Consumer Reports ranks the best prepaid debit cards based on the following factors:  value, convenience, safety and transparency of fee disclosure.  The winner:  Bluebird Card from American Express and Wal-Mart:

“Topping the list is the Bluebird card (by American Express and Walmart), which comes without a monthly fee, no inactivity fees or fees for calling customer service, along with a bill paying feature and no-overdraft paper checks. “

• The CFPB is expected to keep a closer eye on the industry (WSJ).  What are they focusing on?

U.S. officials plan to unveil this week a comprehensive slate of consumer protections for prepaid debit cards, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that could further broaden the customer base for the fast-growing product.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed rules, expected Thursday, will include standards for how prepaid-card companies disclose fees and make it harder for borrowers to spend more money than they have loaded onto the card, the people said.

• Here’s a chart showing the dramatic growth in the industry:

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.

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