H-E-B Prepaid MasterCard Review and Rating

Please note that this page is outdated and maintained for archival purposes only. However, the overall Editor’s rating above is still updated.

Also, be sure to read consumer comments below. New consumer reviews of the HEB prepaid debit card (by folks like you) are still encouraged! You can view our current prepaid card reviews here.

Welcome to our site! Our editors have been covering the credit and debit card space for a total of 30+ years and we are proud to have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, etc.

Unlike almost all card comparison sites that only list cards that advertise with them, 95% of the cards on our site don’t pay us a dime. This site is powered by consumers like you! 🙂


HEB Prepaid Debit Card

We are big fans of this card and have historically rated it with 4.5 stars due to low fees. This card makes the most sense for consumers that already do their grocery shopping at HEB.

The H-E-B Prepaid Debit Mastercard Benefits:

  • Affiliated with HEB grocery chain
  • No credit check
  • No minimum balance required
  • Free reloads at H-E-B: Take your cash and reloadable card to the register of any H-E-B store or reload at the Business Center (customer service).
  • Offers a MasterCard, not a Visa

How to File a Complaint Against the H-E-B Prepaid MasterCard:

If you have contacted  Pathward, N.A (issuer of HEB) and are unable to resolve your account issues in good faith, we strongly suggest taking the following steps:

1) Please post your account issues and problems at the bottom of this page in our cardholder comments section.

2) Notify HEB customer service (ask to speak to a manager or decision maker) that you have complained in writing on BestPrepaidDebitCards.com (feel free to take a screen shot), a consumer advocacy site that has been featured for years in many major national media outlets.

Also, feel free to share that your post can be shared by our site with members of the media (we will change your name to protect your privacy and will certainly not share any personal account info).

3) Consider also filing your grievance with the BBB and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state’s Attorney General Office.

4) Please post any updates to your problem after taking these steps as sharing your experiences will help educate and empower other consumers! 🙂

Important Consumer Note!

The HEB reloadable MC does NOT help you improve your credit. 🙁

Consumer Reviews and Ratings of HEB Prepaid Debit Card:

Kimberly

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE with the HEB Debit Card. I applied for the card and transferred $200.00 from my checking account on May 25th, 2023. At the end of June, after a month had passed and I didn’t receive the card, I contacted customer service and was told that the card was not sent due to an elevated threat of fraud, or something of that nature. I have no idea what that meant and the customer service representative was unable to elaborate.
When I asked to have my $200 transferred back to my checking account I was informed that they could not refund the money electronically and I would have to wait 10-14 days to receive a check by mail.


On the July 19th, I sent an email to their customer service at [email protected] to inquire about the status of the refund. I never received a response to that message.
Today, July 27th, I called again and was told that a refund check was never mailed. So now I am on the 10-day wait for a check, again. I am not optimistic I will be getting my money back at this point. I hope HEB enjoys my $200 because they have lost me as a customer over this debacle.

2023/07/27 at 7:22 pm

Curtis Arnold
In reply to Raul.
Thanks for sharing your consumer opinion about HEB. What all personal information did they want out of curiosity? I assume your talking about their application?

2022/08/26 at 4:54 am
Raul

This @$#$ sucks !!!! They ask you for ur info. A bank don’t ask all this stuff. Heb prepaid card sucks. Don’t get this K$K$%!!!!


2022/07/25 at 1:26 pm
Ron

Don’t like it and didn’t know they wanted personal information, Social Security, birth date, address. This information is what scammers want. How would I know they will not misuse it. Anyway, it is a PREPAID debit card, already paid for!!
And HEB, will not refund!!! I am disappointed


2022/01/24 at 9:55 pm

Michael Schwandt

Received a HEB prepaid Visa gift card and could not activate it even WITH ss#
What a horrible process and I will inform the gift giver to NEVER purchase one again. Unbelievable that you can’t speak with someone. Even the link to the app that is on the card doesn’t work. You input the info and it says you can’t use this app it must be done on the HEB mobile app. Downloaded that and then the real fun began. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED!!! Shame on you HEB for selling this junk.


2021/07/15 at 10:14 pm

Moved to Texas 4-5 months ago and purchased an HEB prepaid to use each month for shopping and to load cash. Well I also won a lot of scratch offs from the vending machines located inside HEB. Like 4-5 were worth $500 in a 8 week period of time along with other small winnings.

Each time I would go to the CS counter and have the winnings cash loaded to my HEB. Two months ago I tried to load cash and it came back “Transaction Not Approved” at the customer service counter. I called CS and was told I needed to reload at a different vendor.

So I did at a local dollar general. Now this week, I purchased three $50 scratch offs, one won $300 and the other $250, later that night I made 2 withdrawals from the ATM and another the next day. Mind you I’ve withdrawn money at the ATM 7-8 times in the last few weeks.

This morning I got a text telling with the toll free#. I called and was told Metabank closed my account due to security reasons or “unusual activity” and they are sending me a check for my remaining balance.

No notice, I told CS that the vast majority of the time I’ve always went to the CS counter at HEB to reload/cash to the card. What is considered unusual? The lady couldn’t provide an answer.

This is beyond frustrating because I keep my expenses i.e groceries/gas separate from my other bills which is why I purchased/used the HEB Prepaid Netspend card. I will never use this service ever again.


2021/06/25 at 4:20 am
JaneD
In reply to Curtis Arnold.
My lost card was bank debit card and the reason I purchased the HEB Prepaid. Today when I contacted customer service I’m told my card isn’t valid. My money is still being held hostage..and I have no way to reach a live person via number. Since original post I submitted IRS Tax document that stated my SSN, name and address (all matching the previous information I sent). I’m told that doesn’t suffice, they need copy of Social Security CARD. Federal law states what I submitted is verification.

The card isn’t working. PERIOD. I do want my money back. Dozens of email and phone calls. Worst experience. If you can facilitate someone contacting me to resolve, it would be greatly appreciated.


Curtis Arnold
In reply to JDaab.
Jane-

Thanks for sharing your problems with HEB and sorry for your account issues. I’m assuming the debit card you lost was not from HEB?

Sounds like it’s working ok now, so that’s good. Were you able to get all your money back?


2021/06/14 at 9:15 pm
Bren Reyna
In reply to Lee Fries.
She doesn’t have to give her SSN if its a gift card..


2021/05/28 at 10:51 am
Lee Fries

Bought it for an older relative. She does not want to give out her SS# just to use a gift! Shame on HEB for not making it more clear that the SS# is a requirement AND for refusing to refund the money.

Empower others by posting your rating of the HEB reloadable card below!

Author: Curtis Arnold

  • H-E-B Prepaid MasterCard Review and Rating

    Please note that this page is outdated and maintained for archival purposes only. However, the overall Editor’s rating above is still updated.

    Also, be sure to read consumer comments below. New consumer reviews of the HEB prepaid debit card (by folks like you) are still encouraged! You can view our current prepaid card reviews here.

    Welcome to our site! Our editors have been covering the credit and debit card space for a total of 30+ years and we are proud to have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, etc.

    Unlike almost all card comparison sites that only list cards that advertise with them, 95% of the cards on our site don’t pay us a dime. This site is powered by consumers like you! 🙂


    HEB Prepaid Debit Card

    We are big fans of this card and have historically rated it with 4.5 stars due to low fees. This card makes the most sense for consumers that already do their grocery shopping at HEB.

    The H-E-B Prepaid Debit Mastercard Benefits:

    • Affiliated with HEB grocery chain
    • No credit check
    • No minimum balance required
    • Free reloads at H-E-B: Take your cash and reloadable card to the register of any H-E-B store or reload at the Business Center (customer service).
    • Offers a MasterCard, not a Visa

    How to File a Complaint Against the H-E-B Prepaid MasterCard:

    If you have contacted  Pathward, N.A (issuer of HEB) and are unable to resolve your account issues in good faith, we strongly suggest taking the following steps:

    1) Please post your account issues and problems at the bottom of this page in our cardholder comments section.

    2) Notify HEB customer service (ask to speak to a manager or decision maker) that you have complained in writing on BestPrepaidDebitCards.com (feel free to take a screen shot), a consumer advocacy site that has been featured for years in many major national media outlets.

    Also, feel free to share that your post can be shared by our site with members of the media (we will change your name to protect your privacy and will certainly not share any personal account info).

    3) Consider also filing your grievance with the BBB and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and your state’s Attorney General Office.

    4) Please post any updates to your problem after taking these steps as sharing your experiences will help educate and empower other consumers! 🙂

    Important Consumer Note!

    The HEB reloadable MC does NOT help you improve your credit. 🙁

    Consumer Reviews and Ratings of HEB Prepaid Debit Card:

    Kimberly

    TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE with the HEB Debit Card. I applied for the card and transferred $200.00 from my checking account on May 25th, 2023. At the end of June, after a month had passed and I didn’t receive the card, I contacted customer service and was told that the card was not sent due to an elevated threat of fraud, or something of that nature. I have no idea what that meant and the customer service representative was unable to elaborate.
    When I asked to have my $200 transferred back to my checking account I was informed that they could not refund the money electronically and I would have to wait 10-14 days to receive a check by mail.


    On the July 19th, I sent an email to their customer service at [email protected] to inquire about the status of the refund. I never received a response to that message.
    Today, July 27th, I called again and was told that a refund check was never mailed. So now I am on the 10-day wait for a check, again. I am not optimistic I will be getting my money back at this point. I hope HEB enjoys my $200 because they have lost me as a customer over this debacle.

    2023/07/27 at 7:22 pm

    Curtis Arnold
    In reply to Raul.
    Thanks for sharing your consumer opinion about HEB. What all personal information did they want out of curiosity? I assume your talking about their application?

    2022/08/26 at 4:54 am
    Raul

    This @$#$ sucks !!!! They ask you for ur info. A bank don’t ask all this stuff. Heb prepaid card sucks. Don’t get this K$K$%!!!!


    2022/07/25 at 1:26 pm
    Ron

    Don’t like it and didn’t know they wanted personal information, Social Security, birth date, address. This information is what scammers want. How would I know they will not misuse it. Anyway, it is a PREPAID debit card, already paid for!!
    And HEB, will not refund!!! I am disappointed


    2022/01/24 at 9:55 pm

    Michael Schwandt

    Received a HEB prepaid Visa gift card and could not activate it even WITH ss#
    What a horrible process and I will inform the gift giver to NEVER purchase one again. Unbelievable that you can’t speak with someone. Even the link to the app that is on the card doesn’t work. You input the info and it says you can’t use this app it must be done on the HEB mobile app. Downloaded that and then the real fun began. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED!!! Shame on you HEB for selling this junk.


    2021/07/15 at 10:14 pm

    Moved to Texas 4-5 months ago and purchased an HEB prepaid to use each month for shopping and to load cash. Well I also won a lot of scratch offs from the vending machines located inside HEB. Like 4-5 were worth $500 in a 8 week period of time along with other small winnings.

    Each time I would go to the CS counter and have the winnings cash loaded to my HEB. Two months ago I tried to load cash and it came back “Transaction Not Approved” at the customer service counter. I called CS and was told I needed to reload at a different vendor.

    So I did at a local dollar general. Now this week, I purchased three $50 scratch offs, one won $300 and the other $250, later that night I made 2 withdrawals from the ATM and another the next day. Mind you I’ve withdrawn money at the ATM 7-8 times in the last few weeks.

    This morning I got a text telling with the toll free#. I called and was told Metabank closed my account due to security reasons or “unusual activity” and they are sending me a check for my remaining balance.

    No notice, I told CS that the vast majority of the time I’ve always went to the CS counter at HEB to reload/cash to the card. What is considered unusual? The lady couldn’t provide an answer.

    This is beyond frustrating because I keep my expenses i.e groceries/gas separate from my other bills which is why I purchased/used the HEB Prepaid Netspend card. I will never use this service ever again.


    2021/06/25 at 4:20 am
    JaneD
    In reply to Curtis Arnold.
    My lost card was bank debit card and the reason I purchased the HEB Prepaid. Today when I contacted customer service I’m told my card isn’t valid. My money is still being held hostage..and I have no way to reach a live person via number. Since original post I submitted IRS Tax document that stated my SSN, name and address (all matching the previous information I sent). I’m told that doesn’t suffice, they need copy of Social Security CARD. Federal law states what I submitted is verification.

    The card isn’t working. PERIOD. I do want my money back. Dozens of email and phone calls. Worst experience. If you can facilitate someone contacting me to resolve, it would be greatly appreciated.


    Curtis Arnold
    In reply to JDaab.
    Jane-

    Thanks for sharing your problems with HEB and sorry for your account issues. I’m assuming the debit card you lost was not from HEB?

    Sounds like it’s working ok now, so that’s good. Were you able to get all your money back?


    2021/06/14 at 9:15 pm
    Bren Reyna
    In reply to Lee Fries.
    She doesn’t have to give her SSN if its a gift card..


    2021/05/28 at 10:51 am
    Lee Fries

    Bought it for an older relative. She does not want to give out her SS# just to use a gift! Shame on HEB for not making it more clear that the SS# is a requirement AND for refusing to refund the money.

    Empower others by posting your rating of the HEB reloadable card below!

  • Walgreens Prepaid MasterCard Rating and Review (Scarlet)

    Please note that this page is outdated and maintained for archival purposes only. However, the overall Editor’s rating above is still updated.

    Also, be sure to read consumer comments below. New consumer reviews of the Walgreens prepaid debit card (by folks like you) currently known as Scarlet! You can view our current prepaid card reviews here.


    Welcome to our site! Our editors have been covering the credit and debit card space for a total of 30+ years and we are proud to have been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, etc.

    Unlike almost all card comparison sites that only list cards that advertise with them, 95% of the cards on our site don’t pay us a dime. This site is powered by consumers like you! 🙂


    Overview:

    Walgreens Prepaid Debit MasterCard

    Average Monthly Fees and Costs:

    Product DetailsThe Balance Financial Card from Walgreens is no longer offered and became part of Exact Prepaid Card in Dec. 2015. Now Walgreens and Duane Reade stores offer the Scarlet Bank Account and Mastercard Debit Card.

    • Earn points on your Balance® Rewards account when you use your Balance Financial MasterCard
    • Access and manage your account in Walgreens and Duane Reade stores, online, or from your smartphone or tablet using free mobile App
    • American Express branding. It’s a trusted name and comes with protections
    • Add an additional Balance Financial MasterCard to your account, and manage them all with one consolidated dashboard.
    • $2.95 load fee at any Walgreens or Duane Reade store

    Activation Fee: $3.00

    Monthly Fee: $3.00

    Card Limit: $3,000

    PIN Transaction Fee: $0

    Signature Transaction Fee: $0

    ATM Withdrawal Fee: $2.00

    ATM Balance Inquiry Fee: $0.95

    ATM Out of Network Balance Inquiry Fee: $1.00

    Bill Payment Fee: $0.95

    Inactivity/Maintenance Fee: $2.00

    Card Reviews: Card Reviews, Prepaid Debit Card Reviews

    Card Features

    Initial Fees

    Average Monthly Fees

    Bill Pay Fees / Features

    Loading Fees / Options

    Total Score

    User Rating

    6 total ratings

    Things We Like

    No-fee ATM withdrawals at 8,000-plus Walgreen’s and Duane Reade stores nationwide. Customers have easy access to their account – check balance, move funds and view previous transactions on a website, mobile app or even at in-store kiosks. Rewards program is a plus.

    Things We Dislike

    Depending on how you use it, you could rack up lots of fees.

    Bottom Line

    The Balance Financial Card from Walgreens is no longer offered and became part of Exact Prepaid Card in Dec. 2015. One of the Nation’s largest drugstore chains , Walgreens, is making a foray into the prepaid debit card market. With the Balance Financial Prepaid MasterCard, Walgreen’s reiterated a reality that has already prompted so many […]

    PostedJune 11, 2018 by Curtis Arnold

    Full Article

    One of the Nation’s largest drugstore chains , Walgreens, is making a foray into the prepaid debit card market. With the Balance Financial Prepaid MasterCard, Walgreen’s reiterated a reality that has already prompted so many other large banks and financial institutions to unveil their own products. The many Americans lacking traditional bank accounts need an alternative to cash transactions and ultra-high fee check cashing and payday lending services.

    Notably, the card will allow for no-fee ATM withdrawals for cardholders at most of the 8,000-plus Walgreen’s and Duane Reade stores nationwide. Balance Financial customers will also be able to check their account balance, move funds and view previous transactions on a website, mobile app or even at in-store kiosks. Like many other prepaid debit cards, Balance Financial can be reloaded for free via direct deposit. Also like similar products, the Walgreen’s prepaid card comes with a variety of fees, including a $2.95 account activation fee and a $2.95 monthly charge.

    Where the new Walgreen’s card is somewhat different from its competitors is in how it is synchronized with the store’s customer loyalty program. Use of the Balance Financial prepaid card earns points for every dollar a customer spends at Walgreen’s. Users of the card can also earn points for in-store reloads and direct deposits, points that can be used for future savings and other benefits.

    Reviews / Ratings of the Walgreens Prepaid Scarlet MasterCard:

    Please add your review below to help other consumers!

    3 Comments

    1. charnette May 30, 2015 at 12:12 pm this card is a rip off i will never ever use this card again. i loaded money to this card and both my purchase on a dessert at olive garden was declined and but they took all the funds off my card and when i called them they tell me that i have to have them provide them with a code which olive garden is not going to do then they tell me that i have to wait 10 days to get my money back. so a few days later i reload money to this card again to pay my netflix bill which i have done plenty of times with my green dot card and never had any problem will netflix declined my payment but balance financial took the money off my card and i call again and the lady have the nerve to tell me to have the netflix people call them so i called netflix on 3way and they asked them for a code of course they couldnt give them a code and the netflix customer service verified that the payment did not go through the balance finacial agent told me that i had to wait ten days for my money to be released back to me so this is two transactions with this card that i have to wait ten days for. so when i get my money back on my card im sure they will place it on hold a gain and whatever purchase i do will get declined. this card need to be taking off the market and walgreen needs to cut off dealing with this prepaid card company its making them look bad with there name being on this rip off of a card=
    2. Shane TripconyJune 23, 2015 at 10:24 pm Sorry on my delay in responding. Thanks for sharing. These are the kind of customer experiences that need to be shared. I wish I could minimize your wait time and better explain their policy, but I do not understand why this is happening with the funds not going to the proper party. Only thing I can recommend at this point is to ask to speak to a manager the next time (if there is a next time). With this kind of experience, I would imagine you would be looking for a different card. I know I would. Happy card shopping!
      We have some great cards listed on our prepaid card list. https://www.bestprepaiddebitcards.com/best-prepaid-debit-cards
    3. michelle walzJuly 16, 2018 at 8:17 pm I have lost my balance financial card. My company issued it to me to put my payroll on and there is what I consider to be a substantial balance on there. I’ve been trying to get it replaced for over 2 months. Please help me!
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