AmEx launches the Pass
American Express Co. has launched a reloadable prepaid card designed for parents to give to their teenage children to manage help their allowances.
Called the Pass, the prepaid card can be used anywhere AmEx is accepted. Parents pay monthly fee of $3.95, which AmEx is waiving through October.
The fee per cash withdrawal is $1.50, though parents can disable ATM access. There is a maximum load amount of $2,500 every 31 days, and an ATM withdrawal limit of $200 every 7 days.
Funds never expire, and the card includes such AmEx perks as roadside assistance and purchase protection.
The card is being criticized as being more expensive than the Visa Buxx card, which is free versus the Amex US$3.95 a month fee.
The PASS Card purchaser must make the initial load to the Card online. All other reloads may occur either online or by calling Customer Service at 1-877-405-7277 (International Collect 1-801-945-9559).
An adult 18 years of age or older can purchase a PASS Card which can be used by those aged 13 years and older.
Users can choose from four card colors and have the option to add a photo or image of your choice. An additional fee of $9.95 applies for photo or image uploads. Each Card design has the same features and benefits.
Amex says delivery of the card is two to three days and it will be sent to the invoicing address.
They also say that restrictive legislation makes it cost prohibitive for American Express to sell the PASS Card to the residents of Arkansas, Vermont and New Hampshire. The company addes: “The PASS Card is also not available in California at this time. Cards purchased by residents in other states can not be shipped to these four states.”