What Google's Prepaid Card Means for You

Updated
What Google's Prepaid Card Means for You

Prepaid cards typically bring up images of high-fee products designed to make banks money. But Google recently introduced a new prepaid card, and it could transform the industry.

In the following video, Dan Caplinger, The Motley Fool's director of investment planning, talks about the Google card and why it's different from many of its peers. He notes that the tech giant is trying to promote its Google Wallet with the card, and it's willing to go without charging any fees of its own in order to encourage the card's use. That continues a trend that American Express and Wal-Mart started with their Bluebird card, which was among the first mainstream prepaid cards to offer reasonable fees. Meanwhile, Dan points out, Walgreen and other companies continue to release cards with higher fees. Yet they all have the common goal of driving business toward the issuer's other products.

Save money smarter
Prepaid cards help many people who have little or no access to banking, but they're only the first step toward financial freedom. You also have to be willing to invest in riskier assets like the stock market. In our brand-new special report, "Your Essential Guide to Start Investing Today," The Motley Fool's personal finance experts show you why investing is so important and what you need to do to get started. Click here to get your copy today -- it's absolutely free.


The article What Google's Prepaid Card Means for You originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends American Express. It recommends and owns shares of Google. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Advertisement