Visa Government Prepaid cards

A safe, low-cost way to handle government benefit disbursements.

The facts about government payments

A Visa Prepaid card offers government entities an efficient, low-cost method for disbursing benefit payments.

$ 363 B

Amount of money government agencies disbursed through prepaid cards in 2022 in the United States.¹

Eliminate checks. Increase efficiency and access

Visa Government Prepaid is an electronic disbursement method that replaces paper checks. For benefit recipients, especially those without a banking relationship, Visa Government Prepaid cards provide a safer alternative to carrying cash and checks and are a convenient way to receive government disbursements.

The benefits of using Government Prepaid cards

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Minimize distribution costs

Prepaid cards are a convenient alternative to issuing checks or paper-based payments and have the potential to save government agencies millions in payment processing expenses

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Lower potential for fraud

With electronic distribution, the funds get deposited in recipient’s prepaid account.

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Recipients don’t need a bank account

No prior banking relationship is needed. Funds are available on the card.

Easy access to funds

No waiting to get a check cashed. Visa Prepaid cards are accepted everywhere Visa Debit cards are accepted.*†

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Fraud protection

Visa’s Zero Liability policy protects cardholders from fraudulent or unauthorized transactions.‡

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Free financial education

Cardholders can access a free financial literacy program provided by Visa.

One Visa card. Many uses

  • Child support
  • Unemployment insurance benefits
  • Personal income tax refunds
  • Housing authority payments
  • Temporary family assistance
  • Emergency disaster relief
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Adoption and foster care
  • Federal benefit payments
  • Pensions

Case Study: Dash Solutions used Visa Prepaid cards to ease the way for Choctaw Nation disbursements

Read the tribal disbursements case study

Case Study:  U.S. Bank used Visa Prepaid cards to help the City of Saint Paul provide financial support

Read the case study

Case Study: APFD (Automated Payment Fraud Disruption) detects and disrupts prepaid fraud before it happens, saving tens of millions of dollars

Fact sheet: Learn more about how prepaid cards can help mitigate fraud

Read about protecting government disbursements

Deliver benefits more efficiently

Visa Government Prepaid cards can help reduce expenses and streamline payments. Contact your Visa Account Executive or get in touch with us to learn more.

Contact us

* Certain ATM fees could apply depending on program requirements.

† As of December 31, 2018. Reported by Visa/PLUS ATM acceptance locations, sourced from Visa Operating Certificates and therefore may be subject to change.

‡ Visa’s Zero Liability policy does not apply to certain commercial card and anonymous prepaid card transactions or transactions not processed by Visa.