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Wal-Mart launches prepaid card with American Express

Wal-Mart Stores and American Express are teaming up on a reloadable prepaid card for shoppers. Called Bluebird, the card will be available online and in Wal-Mart stores next week.

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John Gress/Reuters/File
Shopping carts are seen outside a Walmart Express store in Chicago in this 2011 file photo. Next week, Wal-Mart is launching a prepaid card, Bluebird, in conjunction with American Express.
  • By The Associated Press

| Bentonville, Ark.

 Wal-Mart Stores and American Express are teaming up on a reloadable prepaid card for shoppers.

The two companies said Monday that Bluebird, which began during a pilot program late last year, will have no minimum balance, monthly, annual or overdraft fees.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and American Express Co. view the card as an alternative to debit and checking accounts that will help consumers better manage and control their finances. The companies say Bluebird was built on feedback from consumers who said they were bothered by the rising fees related to checking accounts and debit services.

Bluebird will be available next week at www.bluebird.com and in more than 4,000 Walmart stores.

Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., is the world's biggest retailer. American Express is based in New York.

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