Walmart does not sell or issue GoCard checking accounts

Walmart stopped offering GoCard accounts in 2023. If you saw GoCard advertised at Walmart in the past, that partnership has ended. You cannot walk into a Walmart and open a GoCard account there anymore, and Walmart's website does not direct you to one.

GoCard itself still exists as a checking account product, but you now open it directly through the company's website or mobile app, not through a retail partner. The account is issued by a bank partner, not by Walmart or GoCard as a standalone bank.

If you are looking for a checking account with low fees and no minimum balance, you have other options at Walmart and elsewhere. Understanding where each product comes from and how to open it will save you time.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart ended its GoCard partnership in 2023, so you cannot open a GoCard account at Walmart locations or through Walmart's website.
  • GoCard accounts are now opened directly through GoCard's website or app, and the account is held at a bank partner, not at Walmart.
  • Walmart currently offers its own checking product called Walmart MoneyCard, which is a prepaid card account, not a traditional checking account.
  • If you want a low-fee checking account, you can open one directly with a bank, credit union, or online bank without going through a retailer.
  • Prepaid cards like Walmart MoneyCard and GoCard are not the same as checking accounts and do not include FDIC deposit insurance in the same way.

What happened to Walmart's GoCard partnership

Walmart and GoCard ended their relationship several years ago. Walmart had offered GoCard as a way for customers to open a checking account in-store, but the retailer shifted its focus to its own branded financial product instead. This is common in retail banking — partnerships change, and companies prioritize their own offerings.

If you had a GoCard account opened through Walmart, that account did not close. Your existing GoCard account continues to work, and you can still use it. You just cannot open a new one at Walmart anymore.

How to open a GoCard account now

If you want to open a new GoCard account, you go directly to GoCard's website or download their mobile app. You provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and initial funding method (usually a debit card or bank account). The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

GoCard is a prepaid checking account, which means the bank does not extend credit to you. You load money onto the card, and you can spend only what you have loaded. There is no overdraft, no credit line, and no interest on deposits. Fees vary depending on which GoCard plan you choose — some plans charge monthly maintenance fees, while others waive them if you meet certain conditions like direct deposit.

Walmart's current checking and prepaid card options

Walmart now offers Walmart MoneyCard, which is a prepaid card account, not a traditional checking account. You can open a Walmart MoneyCard account in-store at customer service, online at Walmart.com, or through the Walmart mobile app. Like GoCard, it is a prepaid product — you load money onto it and spend what you have loaded.

Walmart MoneyCard includes features like direct deposit, bill pay, and ATM access. Monthly fees range depending on the plan you choose. Some plans charge a monthly maintenance fee; others waive it if you receive direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance.

If you are looking for a traditional checking account (one where a bank holds your deposits and may offer overdraft protection or interest), Walmart does not offer that product. You would need to open an account directly with a bank, credit union, or online bank.

The difference between prepaid cards and checking accounts

A prepaid card like GoCard or Walmart MoneyCard is not the same as a checking account. With a prepaid card, you load money onto the card first, then spend it. The money is held by the card issuer or their bank partner. With a traditional checking account, the bank holds your deposits and you write checks or use a debit card to spend.

Prepaid cards do not offer overdraft protection — you cannot spend more than you have loaded. Traditional checking accounts often do, though overdraft fees apply. Prepaid cards also do not build credit history the way a checking account might, because there is no credit component.

Both prepaid cards and checking accounts can offer FDIC protection, but the rules differ. Money on a prepaid card is usually protected up to $250,000 if held at an FDIC-insured bank, but you should check the specific card's terms. Deposits in a traditional checking account are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.

Where else to open a checking account

If you want a traditional checking account without going through a retailer, you have several routes. Local and regional banks let you open accounts in person or online. Credit unions (if you are a member) often offer low-fee checking with no minimum balance. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime offer checking accounts you open entirely through their website or app, often with no monthly fees and no minimum balance.

Each option has different features and fee structures. Some charge monthly maintenance fees; others waive them. Some offer interest on deposits; others do not. Some have physical branches; others are online-only. Comparing a few options based on the features that matter to you — ATM access, direct deposit, bill pay, overdraft options — will help you find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my existing GoCard account if I opened it at Walmart?

Yes. If you opened a GoCard account through Walmart before the partnership ended, your account is still active and works normally. You can continue to use it, load money onto it, and spend from it. You just cannot open a new GoCard account at Walmart anymore.

Is Walmart MoneyCard the same as GoCard?

No. Walmart MoneyCard is Walmart's own prepaid card product. GoCard is a separate company's prepaid card. Both are prepaid cards, so they work similarly — you load money and spend what you have loaded — but they are different products with different fees and features. You choose one or the other, not both.

Do prepaid cards like GoCard report to credit bureaus?

Most prepaid cards, including GoCard, do not report account activity to credit bureaus. This means using a prepaid card does not build your credit history. If building credit is important to you, a traditional checking account or a credit-builder loan may be a better choice.

Can I get a refund if I load money onto a prepaid card and change my mind?

Money loaded onto a prepaid card is yours to spend or withdraw. You can usually withdraw it at an ATM or transfer it to another account. There is no refund process because the money is not held in escrow — it is your balance on the card. Check your card's terms for withdrawal limits and fees.

What do I need to open a checking account online?

Most online banks need your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, existing bank account, or wire transfer). Some also ask for a photo ID. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within one business day.