Why Does Netspend Keep Sending Me Cards and How to Stop It?

These prepaid debit cards often arrive due to automatic renewals, inactive accounts, marketing efforts, or outdated records. Understanding why they keep coming can help you stop them if they’re unwanted.

Automatic Renewals

Netspend issues replacement cards when an existing one nears expiration. If an account remains open, even if unused, the system may automatically generate a new card. Many users assume that discarding an old card closes the account, but Netspend continues issuing replacements unless explicitly instructed otherwise.

Prepaid card providers keep accounts active unless formally closed. If you’ve activated a Netspend card in the past, the company may treat it as an ongoing account, leading to automatic reissuance. Since prepaid cards are designed for convenience and don’t require a credit check, they often remain open longer than expected.

Inactive Accounts Triggering Mail

Even dormant accounts may still receive new cards. Many financial institutions keep inactive accounts open unless the user requests closure. If an account previously received direct deposits or government benefits, Netspend may still classify it as active.

Regulations also influence this process. Some jurisdictions require financial institutions to maintain access to funds for a set period before considering an account abandoned. If Netspend believes an account is still linked to you, they may continue issuing cards.

Outdated records can also contribute. Address verification services and financial databases may flag an account for a replacement card if past activity matches current mailing records. If you’ve moved, you might still receive a card linked to an old address.

Promotional Campaigns

Netspend distributes prepaid debit cards as part of its marketing strategy, targeting individuals who have used similar services or fit a specific demographic. Direct mail campaigns often yield better results than digital ads, and sending a ready-to-use card increases the likelihood of activation.

These mailings are sometimes tied to partnerships with retailers, employers, or financial service providers. If you’ve received payroll deposits, tax refunds, or government benefits on a Netspend-issued card, you may be included in future campaigns.

Consumer data also plays a role. Netspend purchases information from third-party sources to identify potential customers, particularly those without traditional bank accounts. While the CARD Act of 2009 limits certain prepaid card fees and expiration policies, it does not prohibit unsolicited mailings as long as required disclosures are included.

Address or Customer Data Confusion

Mailing errors and outdated customer records can result in Netspend cards being sent to the wrong people. Financial institutions rely on data from credit bureaus, prior applications, and verification services to maintain customer profiles. If your information is misattributed to an active account, you may receive a card despite never having used Netspend.

This can happen when individuals with similar names or addresses are mistakenly linked to an account. If a previous Netspend user moved without updating their records, their account may still be associated with their old address, causing the new occupant to receive a card.

Bulk data processing errors can also contribute. When large datasets are cleaned and formatted for marketing or compliance purposes, discrepancies may trigger unintended mailings.

Steps to Update Preferences

To stop unwanted Netspend mailings, update your account preferences and request that the company no longer send replacement or promotional cards.

Opting out of marketing materials can reduce unsolicited mail. Netspend allows users to adjust communication settings through their website or by contacting customer service. Registering with the Direct Marketing Association’s opt-out service may also help.

If you no longer want a Netspend account, formally closing it is the best solution. Simply discarding a card does not terminate the account—you must contact Netspend to request closure. Any remaining balance must be withdrawn or transferred before deactivation. Once closed, the company should stop issuing replacement cards, though it may take a billing cycle for mailings to cease. Keeping a record of the closure confirmation can help resolve any future issues.

Contacting Customer Support

If updating preferences and closing an account doesn’t stop the mailings, contacting Netspend’s customer support team can help. Speaking with a representative allows you to confirm whether your account is still active, verify removal from marketing lists, and request additional steps to prevent future mail.

Netspend offers phone support, email, and live chat through their website. Calling is often the most effective method for immediate assistance. If a card was sent due to an administrative error or outdated records, a representative can manually update the system to prevent further mailings.

For persistent issues, filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) may prompt a more thorough response. These organizations track consumer complaints and can escalate unresolved issues with financial service providers. Most cases can be resolved directly with Netspend, but regulatory intervention may be necessary if repeated requests to stop mailings are ignored.