If you're managing disability benefits—either for yourself or as a caregiver—you've probably heard of True Link and Purple. Both are designed for people with disabilities, but they serve different needs.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What True Link and Purple each offer
- Key feature comparisons
- Who each card is best for
- Pricing differences
- How to choose the right one
1. What Each Card Offers
True Link is a spending control card designed primarily for caregivers and trustees managing money for someone else. It focuses on restricting spending to prevent financial exploitation.
Purple is a full banking account designed for people on SSI, SSDI, and other disability benefits. It focuses on benefit compliance, early deposits, and financial independence.
Both serve the disability community, but with different primary goals.
2. Key Feature Comparisons
| Feature | True Link | Purple | |---------|-----------|--------| | Primary focus | Spending controls | Benefit management | | Early direct deposit | No | Up to 4 days | | SSI limit tracking | No | Yes | | ABLE integration | No | Yes | | Spending restrictions | Extensive | Basic | | Monthly fee | $10-40+/month | $0 | | Rep payee support | Yes | Yes | | Caregiver controls | Extensive | Yes | | Mobile app | Yes | Yes | | Banking features | Limited | Full checking |
3. Who Each Card Is Best For
True Link is better if you need:
- Extensive spending restrictions (block specific stores, categories)
- Protection against financial exploitation
- Managed accounts for vulnerable adults
- Trust management features
- Customizable spending limits by merchant type
Purple is better if you need:
- Early access to SSI/SSDI deposits
- SSI resource limit tracking
- ABLE account integration
- A full checking account with no fees
- Help staying compliant with SSA rules
4. Pricing Differences
True Link pricing:
- Basic plan: Around $10/month
- Premium features: $20-40+/month
- Setup fees may apply
- Additional fees for certain features
Purple pricing:
- Monthly fee: $0
- No setup fees
- No overdraft fees
- Early deposit: Free
- ABLE integration: Free
Important: Over a year, True Link could cost $120-480+ while Purple costs nothing. For SSI recipients with limited income, this difference matters.
5. How to Choose the Right One
Choose True Link if:
- You're managing money for someone with cognitive impairment
- You need to block specific spending categories completely
- Financial exploitation is a primary concern
- You're a professional trustee or fiduciary
- Spending control is more important than banking features
Choose Purple if:
- You or your loved one receives SSI and needs help with the $2,000 limit
- Getting benefits early would help with cash flow
- You want to save in an ABLE account
- You need a full banking account without fees
- Benefit compliance is your primary concern
Some families use both:
- Purple as the primary account for deposits and everyday spending
- True Link for controlled spending in specific situations
Making the Switch
If you decide Purple is right for you:
- Update direct deposit with SSA
- Set up alerts for your SSI limit
- Connect your ABLE account if you have one
- Explore caregiver features if needed