INSIGHT: Prepaid Cards—A Critical Tool in Providing Financial Relief

Prepaid accounts are one option the federal government has at its disposal to give U.S. citizens financial assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing consumers to maintain access to the financial services system, avoid check-cashing fees, and pay bills online or by phone, Brian Tate, president of the Innovative Payments Association writes. These products give Americans access to the digital economy through online shopping and effective budgeting tools.

Over the next several weeks, prepaid accounts will be a central tool the federal government uses to help Americans who are bravely enduring the twin health and financial crises gripping our country.

The truth is, prepaid accounts have been assisting governments at all levels to help their citizens in good times and bad for over a decade. 

Congress and the Trump administration reached agreement last week on a $2 trillion “Phase 3” coronavirus relief package. We hope the initial, bold steps taken by our nation’s leaders will help our country weather this crisis and recover quickly once it is finally over. 

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