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What this calculator does
Prepaid cards can charge monthly fees, reload fees, and ATM fees. This calculator adds them up to show the yearly drain.
The math
Monthly drain = monthly fee + reloads × reload fee + ATM withdrawals × ATM fee. Annual drain = monthly drain × 12.
Worked example
A $9.95 monthly fee, two $3.95 reloads, and four $2.50 ATM withdrawals drain about $36.85 per month or $442.20 per year.
Why this matters
High-fee products are designed to look small per week and huge in total. This calculator exposes the full cost so you can compare it to real alternatives.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
Can I avoid these fees?
A free checking account or a no-fee bank debit card usually has lower costs.
Are prepaid cards ever useful?
They can help with budgeting or if you cannot open a bank account, but fees add up quickly.