Yes, you can transfer money from a prepaid card to a bank account, but the method depends on which prepaid card you have and what features it offers
Most prepaid cards do not let you push money directly into a bank account the way a debit card does. Instead, you have a few concrete options: transfer to a linked bank account if your card issuer supports it, withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it, use a peer-to-peer payment app, or request a check from the card issuer. The fastest and cheapest route is usually a direct transfer through your card's mobile app or website, if that feature exists. The slowest but most reliable is a paper check, which takes 7 to 14 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Direct transfers from prepaid card to bank account are only possible if your card issuer offers the feature—check your app or call the customer service number on the back of your card.
- ATM withdrawal followed by bank deposit is free or low-cost and works with any prepaid card, but you handle the cash yourself and must deposit it during business hours.
- Peer-to-peer apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App let you move money if you link both your prepaid card and bank account, though some charge small fees.
- Requesting a check from your card issuer is slow (7 to 14 business days) but requires no other account and works if you have a balance to withdraw.
- Some prepaid card issuers charge inactivity fees or per-transaction fees that can eat into small transfers, so confirm the cost before you move money.
Direct transfer through your card issuer's app or website
If your prepaid card issuer built this feature into their platform, it is the fastest and cheapest way to move money. Log into your card's mobile app or website, look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" section, and link your bank account. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. The issuer will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account, then asking you to confirm those amounts. This verification takes 1 to 3 business days.
Once verified, transfers typically complete within 1 to 3 business days and cost nothing. However, not all prepaid card issuers offer this. Netspend, Chime, and some Green Dot cards do; many store-branded cards (like Walmart MoneyCard or Target Prepaid Card) do not. Call the number on the back of your card or check the FAQ section of your card's website to confirm whether this option exists for you.
Withdraw cash and deposit it at your bank
This method works with any prepaid card that has a PIN and ATM access. Find an ATM that your card's network supports—most prepaid cards run on Visa, Mastercard, or Discover, so you can use any ATM branded with that logo. Withdraw the amount you want to transfer, then go to your bank during business hours and deposit the cash into your account. The deposit posts immediately or within one business day, depending on your bank's policy.
The cost depends on your card issuer's ATM fees. Many prepaid cards charge $1 to $3 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal, and some charge even for in-network withdrawals. Check your card's fee schedule before you withdraw. Your bank may also charge a deposit fee, though most do not charge to deposit cash. This method is reliable but slow if you need the money urgently, because you have to physically visit both the ATM and your bank.
Use a peer-to-peer payment app
Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and Square Cash let you link both your prepaid card and your bank account, then move money between them. The process is straightforward: open the app, add your prepaid card as a payment method, add your bank account as a transfer destination, and initiate a transfer. Most apps complete transfers within 1 to 3 business days for free, though some charge a small fee (usually $0.25 to $1) for instant transfers.
The catch is that you need to trust the app with both accounts, and you are subject to the app's daily or monthly transfer limits. PayPal, for example, limits transfers to $5,000 per day for new accounts. Also, some prepaid card issuers flag transfers to third-party apps as suspicious activity and may freeze your card temporarily. If this happens, call your card issuer to confirm the transfer was legitimate. This method works best if you already use one of these apps for other payments.
Request a check from your card issuer
Most prepaid card companies will mail you a check for your remaining balance if you ask. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and request a check withdrawal. You will need to provide your mailing address and confirm the amount. The issuer will mail the check, which typically takes 7 to 14 business days to arrive. Once you receive it, deposit it at your bank through mobile deposit, an ATM, or a teller.
This method is free and requires no linked accounts, but it is the slowest option. It also only works if you have a balance to withdraw—if your card is empty, there is nothing to check. Some issuers may close your card account after you request a full withdrawal, so ask whether that will happen before you request the check. This is a good backup if your card issuer does not support direct transfers and you do not want to handle cash.
Watch out for fees that reduce what you transfer
Prepaid card issuers make money partly through fees, and some of those fees apply when you move money off the card. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees (usually $2 to $10), inactivity fees (charged if you do not use the card for 90 days or more), and per-transaction fees for ATM withdrawals or transfers. If you are transferring a small balance—say, $50—a $3 ATM fee or a $5 monthly fee can wipe out a significant chunk of what you are moving.
Before you transfer, log into your card's app or website and check the fee schedule. Some issuers waive fees if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. If your card charges high fees and you only plan to use it once, it may be cheaper to withdraw cash and deposit it than to pay multiple fees. Compare the total cost of each method before you choose.
What to do if your card issuer does not support transfers
If your prepaid card does not offer direct transfers and you do not want to withdraw cash, your options narrow. Peer-to-peer apps are your next best bet, though some card issuers block transfers to these apps. If that does not work, request a check. If you need the money urgently and none of these work, you may have to accept the ATM withdrawal route and handle the cash yourself.
Some prepaid card issuers are stricter about transfers than others. Store-branded cards (Walmart, Target, CVS) tend to have fewer transfer options than cards from major issuers like Netspend or Chime. If you use a store card and plan to move money regularly, consider switching to a prepaid card that supports direct transfers. The time you save and the fees you avoid will add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a transfer from prepaid card to bank account take?
Direct transfers through your card issuer's app usually take 1 to 3 business days. Peer-to-peer apps also take 1 to 3 business days for standard transfers, though instant transfers may be available for a fee. Checks take 7 to 14 business days to arrive, plus 1 to 2 business days for your bank to process the deposit. ATM withdrawals and cash deposits post immediately or within one business day.
Can I transfer money from a prepaid card to someone else's bank account?
Not directly from the card itself. However, you can withdraw cash and give it to them, or use a peer-to-peer app to send money to their account if they have an account on that app. Some prepaid cards also let you send money to other cardholders on the same network, but that is not the same as sending to a bank account.
What if my prepaid card and bank account are with different banks?
It does not matter. As long as your bank account has a routing number and account number, you can link it to your prepaid card for transfers. The two banks communicate through the ACH network, which handles transfers between any two U.S. banks. The transfer will still take 1 to 3 business days.
Do I have to pay taxes on money I transfer from a prepaid card to my bank account?
No. Transferring your own money from one account to another is not a taxable event. However, if the money on your prepaid card came from income, that income was already taxable when you earned it. The transfer itself does not create a new tax obligation.
Can I transfer money back to my prepaid card from my bank account?
Yes, if your card issuer supports it. Most cards that allow transfers to a bank account also allow transfers from a bank account back to the card. Use the same "Transfer" or "Move Money" section in your card's app. The process and timeline are the same as transferring off the card.