Walmart has launched its Rapid Reload service that allows customers to add money to their prepaid card in-store for $3.74.

The company says that once the card is swiped at the register, funds will be available immediately and there are no additional stops to make in the store, no forms to fill out, no scratch-off PINs, and no need to make a phone call or visit a Web site to complete the reload.

The new service, which became available on Oct. 2 in more than 3,800 Walmart stores nationwide, including those in DeKalb County, will accept reloadable cards affiliated with the Green Dot Network, InComm’s Vanilla Reload Network, and First Data’s Money Network.

A recent study by Mercator Advisory Group found that 56 million Americans have a prepaid or payroll card. Many pay $5 to add cash. African-Americans make up 33 percent of consumers using prepaid cards.

Daniel Eckert, Walmart U.S. vice president of financial services, said many customers are looking for alternatives to improve the convenience and cost of everyday financial services. “This is another way we’re providing millions of Americans with affordable ways to manage their money,” he said.

For more information, visit www.walmart.com.