There are no monthly service fees as long as the cardholder makes a direct deposit of at least $250 in that month. This amount is well below the average monthly Social Security benefits of $1,200 for a retired worker and $600 for spouses and children. Otherwise, the monthly fee is $5.95.

Services on the card include an interest-bearing savings account, a nationwide ATM network with no withdrawal fees, a free online bill-paying service, and free paper statements upon request. The card and savings account are issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC.

Social Security is a major income source for millions of older Americans, said Jo Ann Jenkins, president, AARP Foundation. The AARP Foundation Prepaid MasterCard from Green Dot provides a safe and reliable option to help them manage their finances and protect their benefits.

This product is more than just a prepaid card for federal benefit recipients, said Kostas Sgoutas, Green Dots Chief Revenue Officer. Its a convenient, low-cost option for older Americans that can also be reloaded with funds from other sources, such as a part-time job, or with cash.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)