Can you transfer money from prepaid card to bank account

A simple and free way to load cash onto a prepaid debit card is to use a bank transfer. You can transfer money online, and it takes just a day or two for the money to become available. In this article, we walk through how to transfer money from a bank account to a prepaid debit card.

One of the easiest ways to load money on a prepaid debit card is through an online transfer from a bank account. Bank transfers are free with virtually all prepaid cards, and the transfer can be completed online. There are, however, a few steps to take, and setting up the process can take a few days.

In this guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to transfer money from a bank account to a prepaid debit card. We’ll use the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card as our example, although the process is similar for all prepaid cards.

Step One: Get the Account Number and Routing Number

The first step is to get the bank account number and routing number associated with your prepaid card. Each prepaid card has an issuing bank that’s usually different from the card issuer.

For example, the issuing bank for the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card is MetaBank, Member FDIC. The account number is a unique number that identifies your prepaid card, and it’s different from the number listed on the face of the prepaid card. The routing number identifies the bank that issued your prepaid card.

It’s easy to get this information for your prepaid card. Using Netspend as an example, simply log into your Netspend account and select the button or link to add money or transfer money. The issuing bank, account number, and routing number for your card will be listed under the option for adding money from a bank account.

Here’s what it looks like inside a Netspend account (note: the routing number for your card may be different than the one shown below):

Step Two: Add Your Prepaid Card to Your Bank Account

To transfer money from your bank account to any other account, you have to set up an external account through your bank. While the process varies somewhat from bank to bank, the basic steps are the same.

Log in to your bank account and navigate to where you can transfer money. Your bank should have a place where you can set up an external account. Here you can use the bank, account number, and routing number of your prepaid card to create an external account. If you run into problems, call your bank and they should be able to walk you through the process.

Step Three: Test Deposits

Before you can transfer money to your prepaid card (or any new account, for that matter), your bank will likely require verification of two small test deposits to the account. Once the deposits are reflected in your account, you log into your bank account and enter the amount of the test deposits.

This verifies that the external account has been set up correctly and that the transfers are being received by your prepaid card account. Once this verification is complete, you should be able to transfer money from your bank to your prepaid card.

Step Four: Transfer Money

Once your prepaid card is setup with your bank, transferring money is simple. Go to the transfer page on your bank’s website, and select the amount you want to transfer, the account to transfer the money from, and your prepaid card account as the account to transfer money to.

Transfers generally take at least one business day, so it’s important to note that the money will not be available on your prepaid card immediately.

Article summary

There are times in life where you might need to send money to a loved one or transfer funds between your bank accounts to help with budgeting. Perhaps you’re splitting the cost of a birthday present between friends or supporting a grown-up child at university.

Whatever the reason, an easy way to do this is by transferring money from a bank account to a prepaid debit card.

Learn more about sending money to a prepaid card, including how to do it, how long it will take and your alternative options.

What is a prepaid card?

A prepaid card is also known as a prepaid debit card and works on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can transfer funds into its account at any time using bank transfers, cash deposits or checks, and the money will be ready to spend on the card when you need it. When the balance is running low, you can also top up the card online, at an ATM or at your nearest bank branch.

Prepaid debit cards do not have an overdraft or borrowing limit, so you can only spend within your means. For this reason, people often use them when they want to keep within a budget or be accountable for what they’re spending.

Prepaid cards are also a good alternative to cash, as you can often use them for online purchases or sending money to another bank account.

Prepaid debit cards are a helpful tool for managing your money and purchasing items online. They can be used for transferring money between bank accounts and are often considered as a safer alternative to using cash or a credit card.

The benefits of sending money from a bank account to a prepaid debit card include:

Less risk of incurring bad credit or getting into debt.
Easier to keep track of spending.
Purchases are better protected than cash purchases.
Quicker than cashing checks.
Safer than sending money in the post.
Fewer fees than credit cards and loans.
Less money may be at risk if a card is stolen due to its pay-as-you-go nature.
Access to online banking and ATM services.

How can I transfer money from my bank account to a prepaid debit card?

So, you want to transfer money from your bank account to a prepaid debit card? Follow these steps and get your money on its way to the desired receiver quickly.

Confirm the prepaid card details

Whether you’re transferring money to your own prepaid debit card or to a family member’s card, you’ll need the account number and routing number for the account you’d like to send money to. The account number is different to the number on the front of a prepaid card. You’ll need to log in to your online prepaid debit card account or call the customer service number to find this information.

Set up an external account

Once you have the details of the prepaid card you’d like to send money to, you’ll need to add it to your bank account. Online banking is usually the easiest way to do this as the card will then be saved for future money transfers. Setting up an external account could take three to five business days due to the requirement for test deposits.

Make test deposits

The bank you are transferring money from may send a very small amount as a test deposit to ensure the prepaid card details are correct. Some banks might send two test deposits of under a dollar each, and you should check to ensure these reach the desired account.

Transfer the money

Transferring money from your bank account to a prepaid debit card should now be quick and easy. Select the account you have just set up and tested, enter the amount you’d like to send, and request the money transfer.

If you want to send money to this prepaid card regularly, you might be able to set up recurring payments depending on your bank.

How long will my money take to reach a prepaid card?

If your money transfer is time-sensitive, make sure you allow up to five business days for the money to reach the desired account. Try to plan ahead if the money is needed on the card by a certain date.

The money transfer won’t necessarily reach the prepaid card instantly, but in some cases it will go through very quickly.

How else can money be transferred through a prepaid card?

If you’re unsure about online banking or need a different method, check out these alternatives for sending money through a prepaid card.

Wire transfer

A wire transfer can be a fast way to send money between accounts, but your bank might charge you for the convenience. It’s also worth bearing in mind that there is a daily cut-off time for this kind of money transfer, and if this is missed your money may not be sent until the next day. If you request the wire transfer in time however, it could be completed in a few hours.

Direct deposits

A direct deposit is arranged by your employer with your prepaid debit card details. It involves sending a chosen amount of your wages to your prepaid card.

Person-to-person (P2P) payment apps

There are several apps which allow you to transfer money that’s been sent to you via a prepaid card. You’ll need to connect your prepaid card to access these P2P services, and the app may charge a small fee.

FAQs and guides

Wire transfer vs bank transfer: What’s the difference?
How to send money from a credit card
How to send money without a bank account
Can you transfer money to another person’s bank account?

How do I transfer money from a prepaid card to my bank?

You can typically transfer money from your prepaid card to your bank account online, by logging in to prepaid card's app or website. If your prepaid card does not allow transfers to bank accounts, you can use a third party service like MoneyGram to make the transfer.

How do I get money off a prepaid card?

At an ATM. Most prepaid cards come with or allow you to assign a PIN to the card when it's activated. You can then use this PIN at an ATM to withdraw money. Enter the card into the ATM, enter your PIN, and withdraw an amount up to either the balance on the card, or the maximum daily limit.

Can you transfer money from a prepaid card to another card?

Firstly, you can withdraw the amount as cash from an ATM, usually as a minimum of $20, and deposit it into your bank. Alternatively, you can transfer money from a prepaid card to another prepaid card in an instant. Find out how to set up a prepaid card transfer with our guide.

Can I link my bank account to a prepaid card?

Step Two: Add Your Prepaid Card to Your Bank Account Your bank should have a place where you can set up an external account. Here you can use the bank, account number, and routing number of your prepaid card to create an external account.