Very appreciative of Rob Walker’s dissection of The Rush Card for his NYTimes column, Consumed. Ever since I heard about this I thought it was pretty despicable. To want to take advantage of so many people in such an organized fashion, and to be so dishonest about it. Upsets my stomach. I guess there is always the chance they are self-delusional, but that’s no excuse.
There are two versions of the RushCard, one with a sleek black design and the other pink and bearing the logo of Baby Phat, the trendy women’s clothing line. But Palaniappan quickly brushes past the brand appeal of the RushCard: “We’re really focused on helping people,” he emphasizes. “When our customer deals with us, it’s someone who understands their situation.” Not just compared with check-cashing places, he asserts, but compared with traditional banks, which can levy tough overdraft charges on minimal savers who slip up and dip below minimum required balances when filling up the gas tank. And he points to the recently added “RushPath to Credit” feature, which reports debit transactions to a credit-reporting agency, on the theory that this will help the user assemble a positive profile.
Still, the RushCard is an entrepreneurial venture, not a philanthropic one. And one critique of prepaid cards — Wal-Mart offers one, as do others — is that this “empowerment” comes at a price: the RushCard costs $19.95 to obtain, and $1 per transaction to use (that fee is capped at $10 a month). Using one to draw money from an A.T.M. costs $1.95 plus whatever the A.T.M.’s owner tacks on. While direct deposits are free, there are fees to add money in the form of cash (at services like MoneyGram or CheckFreePay) or paper checks. If this sounds like a lot to pay for the privilege of spending your own money, well, that’s a pretty routine scenario for the unbanked. Prepaid cards can work out better than other options, like those high-fee check-cashing stores, though as with any currency instrument, the details depend on the situation — and the behavior — of the consumer.
After all, an actual credit card might represent interest-free loans deployed by a savvy consumer, or it might represent ruinous debt. It seems odd that flashing a piece of plastic that might be the engine of negative net worth could represent social status worth emulating, but surely that’s the case: the currency that the RushCard and its competitors help users manage is, at least in part, the social kind.
I think alot of people need to stop being naive about the credit system, too many people simply think credit is free money. Nothing is free especially credit, because with credit they want money back with interest, its like a polite loan shark, but they will still break your leggs if you dont pay but not physically.
just to be clear, the rush system is not a credit system. it’s a debit card that gives you the “privelege” of accessing your own money with plastic.
Excellent discussion and some great points. Prepaid debit cards serve a particular purpose for a particular need. Consumers should clearly understand the benefits by first researching and comparing what’s available with their needs and objectives before making a decision.
http://www.prepaid-wireless-guide.com/prepaid-debit-cards.html
This company is ripoff they have no way to help you & if someone steals your card the money is gone. They will not credit you the money back for you. I have filed a series of complaints but have yet to hear anything. If you need a credit card this is not the one!
I don’t know. I only use the card for automatically paying bills. I do however hate that if I have a $12 internet bill to charge to my card, it will cost me $4 to add the twelve to my account plus the $1 transaction fee. I don’t use the direct deposit , as luckily, my employer cashes my check for free. But I’m planning to use it at tax time so that I may receive my refund more quickly. I guess if it’s not for everyday use or as long as you don’t put a ton of money on the card there should be no worries. Sorry to be pro about it but there isn’t a huge scam that the Rushcard made nationwide because in the city I live in you can purchase pre-paid debit cards at the check cashing place for $10 and I’ve gotten 24 of them through internet promotions and mail promotions. I wish I had the money to back such a company as this. It’s a cash cow. Not a scam. And if it is a scam Rushcard didn’t invent or initiate it. Plus, I looove Kimora and Russell. Don’t know them personally but they are Gods to me
I saw Russell talking about this debit card a few years before it came out. At that time I was having difficulty renting a car & thought having a debit card would allow me the privilege of not having to pay the huge deposit required if you do not have a credit card. This is not the case, my bank debit card would have been the same however because it is still a debit card, you are still required to pay a deposit. So, in understanding the $19.95 fee which you pay each time you get a new card (which I believe the expiration is 2 yrs) & the $1 per transaction, I only use it for emergency transactions sort of like an “oh yeah…I forgot I had this money” type card. I use direct deposit now so I am no longer paying $4.95 @ Walmart to load “my money”. I like it & I think it serves the purpose for my needs. I also ordered them for my siblings just in case one of us needs money. I can quickly go load it. I am not sure if I can do 1 time transfers from my checking to the card but I am still looking.
I have had my BP rushcard for over 2 years. I use it for direct deposit and tax income check. I have never had a problem with it at all. I love that they dont let you use more than what you have..so no overdraft fees! I love that it gives you your actual balance and it does not put a hold on purchases. I love that i can get my balance through text message! I have recommended this card to about 10 people and have gotten referral funds added to my account..$5 for just opening the account or $10 for using direct deposit. This is for me and the person I recommend. Everyone I know that has it loves it. I never use the ATM cause I agree their fee is high so what I do is buy something small somewhere and get cash back. Oh and last I like that it takes $1 for each transaction because I never really tell they do and they give me the rest on the 15th of the month. They keep $10 but its fine because I get about $30-$40 back and I usually need it bad! So I have no complaints. Thanks Russ!
This whole argument is dumb, it’s not Russell Simmons or the Rush Card which should be the point of this debate but rather than the banking industry and the way the system is set up.
First off people fall on hard times and if they have a bank account they can end up in Check Systems which pretty much means you can’t get a bank account. In today’s day and age you need a bank account and that’s what the Rush Card does. Offer you a bank card. Who carries cash on them? People without bank accounts that’s who.
The dollar fee is standard with all banks hell Wamu charges 1.50 for atm transactions with other banks and depending on your account you get othr fees from banks for using your card unless you use it a certain amount of times. Not to mention bank fees and other dumb fees from banks.
No one is trying to steal money, it’s just the system because with out the rush card and cards like it people wouldn’t be able to function and operate in the world today because they are in Check systems.
Money gram charges a fee to send money is that stealing? I mean for serious? This whole argument is crazy.
Really digging the rush card, great for business purposes. Eliminates the need for petty cash, an employee can go out with the card and buy whats needed and bring back the card and receipt, nothing else.
The rush card ain’t really that bad. I mean, would you rather go broke and have your credit shot, from overusing your credit card? Or pay $20 one time and then $10 each month… the choice is yours.
you could get with this, or you could get with that
I have always felt that some credit is better than no credit. It’s not like you are locked into a pre- paid card and in debt for the rest of your life because of some bad financial situations. You can’t spend what you don’t have when it ‘s pre-paid. It teaches you responsibility and then you can move on if you choose. Everything is not for everybody but it’s always good to have options.
My girlfriend and I both applied for the rush card and account now I went with rush (lol kinda dumb now that im reading comments) she went with account now. I went to withdraw my whole paycheck from the atm since I had it for one pay period and I see that you get charged for everything, then when Im broke I look at all the charges in dispair. Not Rush’s fault but the money didnt come out and it still charged my account and now Im broke, and the only thing they constantly tell me is it will take 90 days til the investegation is over and my account can be credited, Happy Holidays. On the other hand, my girlfriend pays $4.95 a month for account now which I now think is the best card out. I told her she should take it out all at once cause every debit card charges everytime you use it, lol. I see her statement and she doesnt get charged when we go to the store, they only charge her one atm fee, personally I dont know what Rush charges another fee for. But when we were low on cash, since I got paid but really didnt all she did is ask for a $60 loan from account now and after she finished the application in seconds it was on her card. People who are on here talking about the rush card is the best thing out here must either be employees or blondes lol dont make the same mistake I did and just get the card cause you see its a black mans card (I am black myself) and want to support them do a little research first cause there are much better cards out there than Rush, personally I would rather cash my check at the currency exchange than put my money on the rush card. LOL and O yeah dont think you can jst sit around and not use it then they charge you and inactive fee. RushCard = fees+fees+fees.
Rush card charges a convenience fee lol but it looks like it their convenience they are worried about because it is totally inconvenient for me.
I’ve had my Rush Card for nearly two years now, and I love it. I have several actual bank accounts with different banks (all offering debit cards and i have those debit cards) but I still use Rush on a daily basis. People complain about the fees…well with direct deposit, there really isn’t any. Regarding the 1.00 per transaction, if you notice that is a instant “test” validation on your account. Those are actually reapplied back to your account in addition to great cash back incentives.
this brand control campaign is almost not obvious. really. i mean it. i’m not being sarcastic.
I got the rush card because I didn’t have the means to go to another bank meaning I couldn’t pay 100.00 to open another account with a major bank, so being refered by my sister that this was a great debit card was all lies. My first bad experience was when they hadn’t applied my check to the debit card and when I called to inquire about what could have happened I was put on hold for what seemed like forever and before the rep came back it was applied at 11am that day. And the fees omg! The fees I think I’m charged a fee when I touch this debit card. I’m now disputing a charge on my card and its my money I’m totally confused about it taking 90 days when it takes a bank a matter of minutes to get you the results that you want. I’m now working regular and I can afford a checking account so I’m going back to a bank.
What financial institution doesn’t charge fees these days? You bounce a check, you pay a fee. You use a ATM at a bank you don’t have an account with, they charge a fee. There was a major bank here in VA that decided to charge their customers a fee for using their home ATM!
Really, if you can find a bank that doesn’t charge fees and doesn’t require you to maintain a huge balance to avoid fees please, let the rest of us know where that bank is. Credit card companies and banks make millions if not billions a year from fees alone. It’s another ‘revenue stream’ to them.
The bank and traditional credit cards plan on you making mistakes and paying fees throughout you banking and credit career.
A cheaper better card is the black history card. Less fees and if you have direct deposit then you can make it even cheaper.
The delux account allows you to swipe the card for free. No $1 fees for using your money!
Or you could get a PayPal account for free, have no fees, no possibility of overdraft, 100% fraud protection, instant transaction logging, dispute resolution, etc. The only thing you need to put up with is having a bank account to transfer money to the card.
I have had the Rushcard for over 4 years. In the begining I didnt have any problems until I became a victim of a ATM scam here in Las Vegas. Thieves some how had managed record your card nunber and pin when you use a ATM that is not affiliated with a bank. It is called “skimming” according to the Las Vegas Metro P.D. I had direct deposit and had used my card at a 7 eleven to get cash. Next day when I tried paying a bill, I didnt have money in my account. I filed a police rpt and contacted the bank where the money was withdrawn at their ATM 3 mins apart at two branches, henderson, nv and las vegas, Bank of America, and Rushcard. Since I was not a customer of theirs. They could not do a damn thing for me. All I wanted were the ATM tapes to be given to the P.D. Rushcard stated that I HAD to have given my card and pin to someone. When the police requested the tapes from B.A they claimed they had been taped over. Rushcard told me to suck it up and move on. Over 800. dollars gone and some Customer Service rep or supervisor in India say Suck it up. Thanks Rushcard.
There is nothing embarrassing about being “see through” on what you offer. So many other people are trying to hide their fees, at least Rusell is being up front about it. We all know that with a prepaid card comes fees – but it is nice to know what you are paying for. Nobody wants to get hit for $2 everytime they call customer service. these cards arent for everyone, but there are alot of us who need and appreciate them.
i don’t care what ya’ll say…rushcard sucks. they do not protect against fraudulent activity! They’d say “I understand your concern” (#1 line), but they don’t care. they have the worst customer service ever and most of them you can barely understand what they are saying. They should all be fired to have stability taken right from under them and then MAYBE they’ll understand your concern. Please! Rushcard is bullsh*t! i love kimora and russell though but their card company sucks….babyphat, however, is the sh*t.
[...] gone and some Customer Service rep or supervisor in India say Suck it up. Thanks Rushcard. Bron: By: linda This entry was posted on Sunday, July 26th, 2009 at 9:13 pm and is filed under Business. You can [...]
Rushcard does have the worst customer service ever, i do agree how ever y’all is acting like its a credit card, and its just prepaid……I got a real credit card in the mail of 50 dollas, and i missed a couple payments and now i owe 500 dollas within 3 months they charged me 19.99%, no aint that some shit. There are worst cards out there!
I SWEAR, IS THIS WAS THE LOWER CLASSES ARE STUCK WITH? I’M THANKFUL FOR MY GOLD CARDS, THAT’S FOR SURE! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FIND A BANK THAT OFFERS “NO FEE” CHECKING. SOME BANKS WILL ALLOW YOU TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH AS LITTLE AS $50USD. DON’T BE FOOLED!! THE ONLY FEES ARE WHEN YOUR SPENDING EXCEEDS YOUR BALANCE. OTHERWISE, DEBIT OR SWIPE AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE! I’LL BE DAMN IF MY BANK CHARGED ME $120 A YEAR IN USAGE FEES. THAT’S GAS MONEY, OR AT LEAST $$ FOR A QUICK DINNER OUT. DON’T BE EXPLOITED!
The Rushcard does charges fees, but they also give that money back. We have received as much as $75.00 back as a bonus. We didn’t even spend that much and when you receive up to 10 transaction fees, you will be reimbursed for that as well. Walmart does not offer that as an incentive.
I have ‘studied’ your opinion and have come to the following conclusions:
1. You are not from around here!
2. You have never owned a credit card!
(Or you are ‘owned’ by a bank or a credit card company!)
3. If do have a credit card…
….you must be one of those ‘weird’ people that pay off the balance of their credit cards every month, thereby making it impossible for u to conceive that they are millions of folks out there that would give their left arm not to have to spend months or years trying to pay off their credit card balance!
4. You have never owned a really good dictionary!
…If you had one you would know that the definition of stealing money is ‘fine print’; which is the favorite toy of ‘post-paid’ credit card companies!
5. (See above for definition of dishonesty)
6. Your opinion is “pretty despicable”! It is obvious that u r “self-delusional” which is really “no excuse” for writing such drivel!
7. The reason u r embarassed escapes me …but perhaps it is for the same reason that i feel embarassed, in responding to you!
8. Your stomach, apparently, is quite weak indeed and cannot hold good ideas such as solutions to overspending! I would suggest Tums or Pepto-Bismol but I fear Gastric Bypass surgery is your only real option.
RUSH CARD IS A FUCKING RIP OFF AND PLEASE DONT APPLY 4 A CARD!!!
I have been using this card for some time. I love it. I have direct deposit so it cost me no money to load it, I only pay 10.00 a month for the maintnence and that includes not have to pay the 1.00 fee every time i use it. I actuall have 2 of the black diamond one and there is free card to card transfer. Oh and as a matter of fact they refund all the ATM fee that the ATMs charge to my card!
wow this card is really neat it has diamonds on the front so i look cool and “flossy” now i am a player . thank you rush card for making all my dreams come true. there is only one problem u spelled my name wrng and now every time i use my card i get arrested . oh well still the best thing around when it comes to bank cards tank u vewy much
Whoa this is old as shit.
How did I get here?
I wished I would have read these comments before I had my school check direct deposited to my rushcard. I think this card isn’t convenient and I wouldn’t recommend anyone getting it. This is my first time ever loading money on this card and Im already having problems. Now my school is tracking the check trying to see what is going on since rushcard say it hasn’t posted and the school did send it out because it is posted on my school account. I would recommend for future reference those of you who are trying to use direct deposit go to a real bank and not use this card. It’s not about the fees and charges cause I could careless its the fact that they urge people to use direct deposit and when you call the money is not their like they say. Everyday I call I’m told it will be their the next day and when that day comes it never does…..Time is hard to be playing with people money like that and if you look at the pros and cons, the cons outweigh the pros. Like I stated before this is my first time trying this card out and Im already having problems so yes I don’t think the card is beneficial from my own personal experience. BUT ME & MY SCHOOL IS IN THE PROCESS OF SEEING WHAT DID RUSHCARD DO TO MY FUNDS, MY CHECK IS BEING TRACKED AS OF NOW!!!!!!!!!
Another prepaid card for niggers with bad credit who cant get a bank account.
Why in the world would you idiots pay a fee to usse your own money?
@ Response – I agree with the fact that people who this card is obviously targeted to are the African American market. No need to name call, but I do feel if more African Americans were educated about finances, as I wasn’t and am in a predicament now, then we would be more financially savvy.
Stop fussing bout nothing,if it works 4 u get one, keep one
Rush card is a scam the minute i put money in it they are now holding my money locked my card no no reason all they said is wait a day or two is been 2 weeks and i have control of my own money they are using my money for something else then whenever they feel like paying it back then i will ahave asses. I cant belive russell will plkay inocent people expecially single women with kids that have to pay bills now im out of my own home because i cannot get my electricity on because they took my money and wont give it bacl this is unproffecional and for those that never experince this i will gurantee it will happen to you get out before is too late this should be warning out there through the media people are suffering with no money because of russel now i know why kimora left his sorry ass
Rush card is a big scam. I have read your comments and I would like to add that I had my wife on a business trip 2500 miles and she had an emergency. I was obligated to wire her money and they locked my card. I had to find other means to get her the money since she was in the desert and was in need of her emergency. Rush Card laugh at me when I told them my situation. a year late I am still trying to recover my 500 doolars and they finally release it after months of attempt. I got a trip to florida rush card call me to verify my flight an as I was at the airport they decline my card. I was unable to fly. I was stuck at the airport for hours. when I call them they keep hanging up on me.
I got the confirmation information and the phone numbers to get a case going. anyone that is trying to get informoation together we can pull it off. email me at rodriguezcapital74@yahoo.com
for the “man who said a “prepaid card for niggers…blah blah blah”. All financial institutions make you pay to use your money! when you put your money in a bank, they lend it to others and dictate to you how you can use your money. i have seen people who have had to pay 40 dollars for overdrafting 4 dollars! miss one payment on your unsecured credit card and watch your interest jump 12 percent. i dont have a bank account, never have, my credit is fine, and i dont use my card for anything but small stuff. what you are paying for is credit card access without credit card rules. as if i havent seen all races over 100,000 dollars in debt from traditional credit cards. From living above their means. i have a wal-mart and rush card. i pay my netflix, and hulu bills, my gamefly bill, and order the occasional thing online. i would never put my whole check on ANY card. Period. its credit card convenience WITHOUT credit card rules. a simple concept.
After reading these comments I no longer want to pursue this card.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Russel u autta b ashamed of urself….yall know he alluminati dont trust him
I have a password on my account so no one can get any information about me well someone tried so rushcard locked my card and I’m the only person who knows the password and now I have to send in papers saying it’s me it’s crazy please please please don’t get a rushcard because they will get you and bring that shit to Ny,Ny that’s the address they want you to use to put money on your rushcard did Russell forget that he was a broke ass nigger before it’s hard out here!
Am I missing something or is everyone stupid? Has nobody every heard of a bank debt card or a federal credit union debt card? They are free, you can do direct deposit for free and they are free to use and to add money on.
go direct express card people. 100% credable. no scam no overhead no s**t ! russ/roseville ca.
I don’t get it.You can go to a credit union or a Bank of America and open an a account with 25 dollars.Get a visa debit card.The 25 dollars is your money and there are no fees!If there is ever a problem just walk into the bank.If someone steals you card,they’ll replace the money spent for free.I don’t get why you want to pay to use your own money.If you want to give Russell Simmons money that bad….buy a Def Jam CD…at least you get something in return!
Nigga’s is so dumb.
[...] From grandgood.com 11/11/08… [...]
I want to congrats the people who made the right choice of NOT OBTAINING the RUSH CARD. they have hurt so many people and we are still here trying advice people not to make the same mistakes that we victims have been through it losing thousands before we were aware of this hard time with losses. for those people that are getting DIRECT DIPOSIT, you guys are brave but don’t be surprised when you lose it all. you will certainly reeive every excuse except your money back. please don’t waste your money. my girlfriend told me about it and I am so devastated with the outcome of this credit card. penniless and the credit card had 500 dollars and they wouldn’t release it and now i just have the card with a fee. LOL. I won’t even get a statement of the money spent since I never spent it. they took it out within hours of the deposit. you want a debit card, go to the local bank or even Wal-mart. just not rush card. they will take your money now or later.
let the NIGGERS SPEND their money on Russell Siemens since their money is the government anyways. for those that actually work hard for their money please do not even look or touch that card, you will lose everything. I am so upset alone with many and we are necer getting out money back.
when has a nigger invented a straw?