Walmart does not offer the GO Card checking account directly

Walmart stopped issuing the GO Card checking account in 2023. If you held a GO Card through Walmart, that account is no longer available for new customers, and existing accounts have been closed or migrated to other providers. Walmart currently offers the Walmart MoneyCard, a prepaid card that functions differently from a traditional checking account — it does not include check-writing, overdraft protection, or FDIC deposit insurance the way a checking account does.

The GO Card was originally a partnership between Walmart and Green Dot Bank. When Walmart ended that partnership, customers who had GO Cards received notices about what would happen to their accounts. Some were moved to other Green Dot products, while others had to open accounts elsewhere. If you are looking for a checking account with similar features to what the GO Card offered, you will need to look outside Walmart.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart discontinued the GO Card checking account in 2023 and no longer offers it to new or existing customers.
  • Walmart's current banking product is the Walmart MoneyCard, a prepaid card that does not function as a traditional checking account.
  • If you had a GO Card through Walmart, your account was closed or moved to another provider, and you received a notice about what happened to your funds.
  • Checking accounts with low or no minimum balances are available from online banks, credit unions, and some traditional banks if you need an alternative.

What happened to existing GO Card accounts

Customers who had active GO Card accounts before the discontinuation received written notice from Walmart or Green Dot Bank explaining the closure. The notice included information about what would happen to any remaining balance on the card. In most cases, customers were given a window of time to withdraw their funds or transfer them to another account before the card stopped working.

If you had a GO Card and are not sure what happened to your account or any balance that was on it, contact Green Dot Bank directly at 1-866-795-7597. They can tell you whether your account was closed, whether funds were returned to you, or whether your account was converted to a different Green Dot product. Have your card number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call.

How the Walmart MoneyCard differs from a checking account

The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card, not a checking account. You load money onto the card before you spend it, similar to a gift card. A checking account, by contrast, is a deposit account held at a bank or credit union where your money is insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) up to $250,000. That insurance protects your money if the bank fails.

The MoneyCard does not offer check-writing, does not include overdraft protection, and does not build a banking history that helps you later when you apply for a loan or credit card. It does offer direct deposit, bill pay through the Walmart app, and ATM access at Walmart locations and other networks. If you need a true checking account with FDIC protection and check-writing ability, the MoneyCard is not the right product.

Where to open a checking account if you want one

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and LendingClub typically have no minimum balance requirements and charge no monthly fees. They offer FDIC-insured checking accounts with debit cards, direct deposit, and bill pay. The trade-off is that they have no physical branches, so you cannot walk into a location to deposit cash or speak to someone in person.

Credit unions often have low or no minimum balance requirements and may offer better customer service than large banks. You can find a credit union near you by searching the CO-OP network or Allpoint network online. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer checking accounts, though many have monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

If you need to deposit cash regularly and want a checking account, look for banks or credit unions with physical locations in your area. Some online banks partner with retail locations or ATM networks that allow cash deposits, so ask before you open an account.

Why Walmart ended the GO Card partnership

Walmart did not publicly announce detailed reasons for discontinuing the GO Card, but the move reflected a shift in how Walmart wanted to serve customers who need banking services. The company chose to focus on the Walmart MoneyCard prepaid product instead, which generates different revenue for Walmart and requires less regulatory oversight than a checking account partnership would.

Prepaid cards are simpler for retailers to manage because they are not deposit accounts and do not require FDIC insurance. They also allow Walmart to earn fees from transactions and account maintenance. A checking account partnership, by contrast, involves more complex banking regulations and shared responsibility with a bank partner.

How to check if you still have funds from a closed GO Card

If your GO Card was closed and you are not sure whether you received all your money back, start by calling Green Dot Bank at 1-866-795-7597. Tell them your card number or the phone number on file. They can confirm whether your account was closed, what the final balance was, and how the funds were returned to you.

If Green Dot says funds were mailed to you as a check, look for a check from Green Dot Bank in your mail from the time your account closed. If funds were transferred to another account, ask Green Dot which account they were sent to. If you still cannot locate your money after speaking with Green Dot, ask them for the specific date the account closed and request documentation of the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a GO Card I have in my wallet?

No. GO Cards stopped working when Walmart discontinued the product in 2023. If you try to use an old GO Card, it will be declined. You need to open a different account or get a different prepaid card if you want to continue banking.

Is the Walmart MoneyCard the same as a checking account?

No. The MoneyCard is a prepaid card, not a checking account. Your money is not FDIC-insured, you cannot write checks, and you cannot overdraft. It works like a gift card that you load with your own money before spending.

Where can I find a checking account with no monthly fees?

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and LendingClub offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Credit unions in your area may also offer free or low-cost checking. Call ahead to confirm current fees before you open an account, as terms change.

What if I never received my GO Card balance when the account closed?

Contact Green Dot Bank at 1-866-795-7597 with your card number or account phone number. They can tell you how your final balance was returned — usually by check or transfer to another account. Ask for documentation if you cannot locate the funds.

Does Walmart offer any banking products now?

Walmart currently offers the Walmart MoneyCard prepaid card. It is not a checking account and does not include FDIC insurance, but it does allow direct deposit and bill pay through the Walmart app.