sad

[broken ed]

How will you know what to have available on your card, tho, to pay for your prescriptions?

I can log into the BlueBird website to check balance, including from the web browser on my phone. But this isn't for everyday high use or lot of transactions. It's pretty straight forward. I know what my meds should cost every three months. I know how much I put on the card. Done.

I could run a spreadsheet to keep track, but I don't think I'll need it.

I have thought I might like to use this card for some, very few, on line purchases, just because it isn't linked to my credit cards or bank accounts. And that would make it a bit more complicated. But through searching all this I found; I could get more BlueBird cards (I think upto five) for different uses.

Also during my search I found "virtual debit cards" that are not physical. You can produce a single credit card number for a single transaction on the web. After the transaction is complete the card number is gone. But this does need to be linked to a bank debit card, at least from what I read.

[WanderingRose]

Sounds like a good plan.

If the pharmacy tries to charge more than usual, they will have to clear that with you in order for adequate funds to be available.

Problem solved. Good job!!!

[broken ed]

Update...

For those that are considering a pre-paid debit. I applied and received the American Express BlueBird card at no expense or fees to me. I did this on line, because if you go to Walmart there's a charge. The card came in about 6 business days, 8 days of you count the weekend.

I've loaded a small amount of money on the card also at Walmart with no fees. in addition I created a "set aside" account. A set aside account is something BlueBird offers to keep money aside (away from the card) and is not available to spend until you move it back onto the card, protecting it from spending.

As brought up in this thread, I'm sure BlueBird, which is an American Express card, is not as widely accepted as Visa and Master Card however it was accepted by my mail order prescription company'; I checked before applying for the card.

So all this was done with no fees. One thing I'll mention is funding. On the BlueBird website they claim you can go to any resister in Walmart to fund the card. I was told this changed, you must go customer service. Again, this is low use for me, so not too bad, but anyone that's been in Walmart knows just long and slow the customer service line can move in Walmart.

[WanderingRose]

It may also vary from one WalMart to the next.

Sounds like a good solution for you.

[broken ed]

It may also vary from one WalMart to the next.

Sounds like a good solution for you.

You're of course right, you have to be near a Walmart for the opportunity of waiting in line at the customer service desk. It's not clear to me if this was just the one Walmart or all. Fortunately for me I don't need to spend this money for nearly another two months, so when ever I go to a Walmart I just load some money onto the card. I'll probably put more money on the card before I spend anything using the card.

There are other ways to load money on the BlueBird card without a fee. You can deposit all or part of a paycheck or government benefits check. You can also link it to a debit card, although I'm not sure if there a fee. You can also reload cash, BlueBird claims $3.95 or less, at CVS, Walgreens, Dollar General and 7-Eleven.

I have no intention of ever paying a fee, I don't pay any fees with my two banks and not going to do it with this card. I won't be doing any link to my bank; I want this completely seperate from my accounts. And I won't be depositing any check using the BlueBird app. I see no good reason for the BlueBird app to have access to my location or personal contacts, and so I deleted the app from my phone.

[broken ed]

Tainted drugs: Ex-FDA inspector warns of dangers in U.S. meds made in China, India

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-ne...s-n1002971

This has hit the mainstream news. Anyone on meds for high blood pressure should check.  Really - why not go to Mexico for you prescription drugs.

One more item I should have mentioned for people considering pre-paid debit card, the BlueBird has no fee withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs. I have not used the card to make a purchase or withdrawal yet.