photograph and deposit checks. While they aren't FDIC insured, we are talking Amex here and it's doubtful they will go under, but it can be an excellent idea to keep funds in several different places. To online banks I really like are Ally Bank and Bank of America has a new eBanking account and there are no fees provided you don't need to visit a physical location. The days of having to pick up a paycheck and rush to the bank before it closes are over, we now have direct deposit and the ability to scan checks at home. I really don't see Bluebird as going over that big because Amex isn't accepted at the smaller places. Prepaid cards do make it easier to shop online if you don't have a credit card and some people think they are safer, buy a green dot, put a couple hundred on it and the most someone could steal from you is limited to what's loaded on the card vs. your entire checking account when using a debit card. Some people like the idea of taking prepaid on family vacation as they don't have to carry large amounts of cash, traveler's checks are a thing of the past and when you pay with prepaid away from home, your personal info is safer plus you can throw the card away when it's empty. Go to the trouble of skimming my card to get $25! Of course, most people just don't know what they are