Yes, but the method depends on your card type and what you're trying to do
You can transfer money from a MasterCard to a bank account, but not in the way you might expect. You cannot simply push funds from the card to the account like you would between two bank accounts. Instead, you have a few specific paths: withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it, use a balance transfer (if you carry a balance), request a refund to the card's source account, or use a third-party service that specializes in card-to-bank transfers. Which one works depends on whether the card is a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card—and what you're actually trying to accomplish.
Key Takeaways
- A debit MasterCard transfers to your bank account instantly through an ATM withdrawal or by reversing a purchase, but a credit MasterCard does not hold your own money and cannot be transferred the same way.
- Balance transfers move a credit card balance to another card or account, but they charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and are meant to consolidate debt, not to access cash.
- Prepaid MasterCards can be emptied by ATM withdrawal, but some charge per-transaction fees that add up quickly.
- Third-party services like MoneyLion, Earnin, or your card issuer's own app may offer card-to-bank transfers, but they typically charge a fee or require a subscription.
- The fastest free method is usually an ATM withdrawal followed by a bank deposit, which clears within one business day.
Debit MasterCard to bank account: the simplest route
If your MasterCard is a debit card, the money on it is already yours—it is drawn directly from your checking or savings account when you use it. To move that balance to a different bank account, withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts MasterCard, then deposit the cash into your target account. This is free and takes one business day to clear.
Alternatively, if you made a purchase on the debit card and want to reverse it, contact the merchant or your card issuer and request a refund. The refund will post back to the account linked to the card within 3 to 5 business days, depending on the issuer and the merchant's processing speed.
Credit MasterCard balance transfers: moving debt, not cash
A credit card balance transfer moves your credit card balance to another account—usually another credit card or a bank account set up to receive transfers. However, this is a debt transfer, not a cash withdrawal. You are moving what you owe, not accessing money you own. The receiving bank account must be enrolled to accept balance transfers, and your credit card issuer must support the feature.
Balance transfers charge a fee, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred, and that fee is added to your new balance. If you carry a $2,000 balance and transfer it with a 3 percent fee, you will owe $2,060 on the receiving account. This tool is useful for consolidating high-interest debt, not for moving cash.
Prepaid MasterCard: withdraw or use a transfer service
A prepaid MasterCard holds money you loaded onto it upfront. To move that balance to a bank account, withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it, just as you would with a debit card. However, prepaid cards often charge per-transaction fees—typically $1 to $3 per ATM withdrawal—so repeated small withdrawals can be expensive.
Some prepaid card issuers offer a direct transfer feature through their app or website, allowing you to move funds to a linked bank account for free or a small flat fee. Check your card issuer's app first; if the feature exists, it will be faster and cheaper than multiple ATM trips. If it does not exist, ATM withdrawal remains your best option.
Third-party transfer services: when you need a faster route
Apps and services like MoneyLion, Earnin, and Brigit allow you to link a MasterCard and transfer funds to a bank account, but they charge fees or require a paid subscription. MoneyLion, for example, charges $1 to $2 per transfer for non-members, or offers unlimited transfers as part of a paid membership. Earnin charges based on how much you transfer and how fast you need it.
Your card issuer may also offer its own transfer feature through a mobile app. Check your issuer's website or call the number on the back of your card to see whether this option is available. If it is, it will likely be free or cheaper than a third-party service.
What happens if you try to transfer directly
If you attempt to set up a direct transfer from your MasterCard to a bank account through your bank's website or app, the transfer will usually fail. Banks do not accept credit card numbers as source accounts for transfers; they accept only other bank accounts, routing numbers, and account numbers. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and to keep credit and banking systems separate.
If the transfer does go through, it may be treated as a cash advance, which carries a higher interest rate and an upfront fee. Avoid this by using one of the methods above instead.
Fees and timing by method
| Method | Card Type | Fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal + bank deposit | Debit, prepaid | $0–$3 (ATM fee may apply) | 1 business day |
| Refund to source account | Debit, credit, prepaid | $0 | 3–5 business days |
| Balance transfer | Credit | 3–5% of amount | 5–10 business days |
| Issuer's app transfer | Prepaid, some debit | $0–$2 | 1–2 business days |
| Third-party service | Any | $1–$5 per transfer or subscription | 1–3 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from a credit MasterCard to my bank account?
Not directly. A credit card holds borrowed money, not your own funds. You can request a balance transfer to move your debt to another account, but that charges a 3 to 5 percent fee and takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need cash, you would need to pay down the balance first, then withdraw from an ATM or use a third-party service.
What if my MasterCard is linked to the same bank as my target account?
If both accounts are at the same bank, you may be able to transfer between them through your bank's app or website—but only if the MasterCard is a debit card. Credit cards cannot be used as source accounts for transfers. Check your bank's app to see if the option appears; if not, use an ATM withdrawal instead.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer from my prepaid MasterCard?
Not necessarily. ATM withdrawals may charge $1 to $3 per transaction depending on the ATM operator and your card issuer. Some prepaid card issuers offer free in-app transfers to linked bank accounts. Check your card issuer's app or website first; if that feature does not exist, the ATM route is your next option.
How long does it take for the money to show up in my bank account?
It depends on the method. ATM withdrawals that you deposit in person clear within one business day. Refunds and issuer transfers take 1 to 2 business days. Balance transfers take 5 to 10 business days. Third-party services vary but usually complete within 1 to 3 business days.
What if I get an error message saying the transfer failed?
Credit card numbers are not accepted as source accounts by most banks' transfer systems. If you are trying to transfer from a credit card, use a balance transfer instead, or withdraw cash and deposit it. If you are using a debit or prepaid card and the transfer fails, contact your card issuer's customer service to confirm the card is active and has sufficient funds.