CFSI Studies Consumers' Views on Prepaid Cards

The Center for Financial Services Innovation has released a new report titled "A Tool for Getting By or Getting Ahead? - Consumers' Views on Prepaid Cards (PDF of the full report)." The authors studied both AccountNow and NetSpend and said: "Prepaid cards are a helpful financial tool, and users appreciate their features. Prepaid cards may also help consumers achieve short-term financial goals, such as paying off debt and accumulating emergency savings. However, achieving longer-term financial goals will likely require more intensive and comprehensive services and products that extend beyond what prepaid cards currently offers."