You can receive GoFundMe funds without a bank account, but you will need some form of payment method to withdraw the money
GoFundMe does not require you to have a bank account to start a campaign or receive donations. However, the platform does require you to connect a way to actually withdraw the money people send you. That withdrawal method can be a bank account, a debit card, or in some cases a mobile wallet — but you cannot leave funds sitting in GoFundMe indefinitely without providing one of these options.
The timing matters: you can create a campaign and begin collecting donations right away. But when you try to withdraw funds or when GoFundMe processes an automatic payout (which happens after 30 days for most campaigns), you will be asked to add a payment method. If you do not provide one, your money stays in your GoFundMe account and cannot reach you.
Key Takeaways
- GoFundMe lets you start a campaign without a bank account, but you must add a withdrawal method before you can access the money.
- Accepted withdrawal methods include a U.S. bank account, a debit card, or a mobile wallet like PayPal or Google Pay, depending on your location.
- If you do not add a payment method within 30 days, GoFundMe holds your funds and you cannot withdraw them until you do.
- You can add or change your withdrawal method at any time through your GoFundMe account settings.
What payment methods GoFundMe accepts for withdrawals
GoFundMe's primary withdrawal option is a U.S. bank account connected via ACH transfer. This is the fastest and most direct route: you provide your routing number and account number, and GoFundMe deposits funds directly into your checking or savings account, usually within 1 to 2 business days after you request a withdrawal.
If you do not have a bank account, you have other options depending on where you live. A debit card can work in some cases — you link the card to your GoFundMe account and funds transfer to it. PayPal is another common choice: you connect your PayPal account to GoFundMe, and money moves from GoFundMe to PayPal, where you can then withdraw it to a bank account, use it to pay bills, or keep it in your PayPal balance. Google Pay and Apple Pay are available in certain regions as well.
The specific options available to you depend on your country and state. If you are outside the United States, GoFundMe's withdrawal methods are more limited — some countries have no direct withdrawal option, and you may need to use a third-party service or have someone with a U.S. bank account receive the funds on your behalf.
How to add a payment method if you do not have one yet
Log into your GoFundMe account and go to your account settings or fundraiser settings. Look for a section labeled "Withdrawal Method," "Payment Method," or "Bank Account." GoFundMe will ask you to choose which type of payment method you want to use — bank account, debit card, PayPal, or another option available in your region.
If you choose a bank account, you will enter your routing number and account number. GoFundMe will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to verify the account is real and belongs to you. You then confirm the amounts of those deposits back in your GoFundMe account to complete verification. This process typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
If you choose a debit card or digital wallet, the process is faster — you enter the card or wallet details, and verification happens immediately or within a few hours. Keep in mind that some debit cards issued by prepaid services or smaller banks may not work with GoFundMe, so if you get an error, try a different card or contact GoFundMe support.
What happens if you do not add a payment method
GoFundMe automatically processes payouts 30 days after your campaign ends or after you reach your goal, whichever comes first. If you have not added a withdrawal method by that point, GoFundMe will hold your funds in your account. You will receive a notification asking you to add a payment method so the payout can go through.
Your money does not disappear, but it remains locked in GoFundMe until you provide a way to withdraw it. There is no time limit on how long funds can sit there, but you cannot access them without a payment method. If your campaign is still active and collecting donations, those donations will also accumulate in your account without being withdrawn.
Alternatives if you cannot add a payment method
If you genuinely cannot open a bank account or connect a debit card, a few workarounds exist. A prepaid debit card from a retailer like Walmart or Target can sometimes work with GoFundMe, though not all prepaid cards are accepted. You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to add their bank account or debit card to your GoFundMe account as the withdrawal method — they would then receive the funds and transfer them to you in cash or however you agree.
If you have a PayPal account, that is often the easiest path: PayPal has fewer restrictions than some banks, and you can withdraw from PayPal to a debit card, use it to pay bills online, or keep the balance in your account. Some people also use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or other money transfer platforms, though these are not directly connected to GoFundMe and would require an extra step.
For campaigns outside the United States, options are much more limited. Some countries have no GoFundMe withdrawal option at all. In those cases, you may need to use a service that converts GoFundMe funds to a form you can access locally, or work with someone in the U.S. who can receive the funds and send them to you.
Security and what GoFundMe needs from you
When you add a bank account, debit card, or digital wallet to GoFundMe, the platform uses encryption to protect your information. GoFundMe does not store your full account number or card number — it stores a token that lets it process transfers without exposing your actual banking details.
GoFundMe may also ask you to verify your identity before processing large withdrawals. This can mean uploading a photo of your ID, providing your Social Security number, or confirming your address. These steps are part of GoFundMe's fraud prevention and compliance with U.S. financial regulations. The verification process usually takes a few hours to a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw GoFundMe money to a prepaid card?
Some prepaid cards work with GoFundMe, but not all. Prepaid cards from major retailers like Walmart and Target have the best chance of being accepted. If you try to add a prepaid card and GoFundMe rejects it, the card issuer may not be compatible with their system. A regular debit card from a bank is more reliable.
What if I add a payment method and then close that bank account?
If you close your bank account after linking it to GoFundMe, any withdrawal attempt will fail and your funds will stay in your GoFundMe account. You will need to add a new, active payment method before you can withdraw again. Update your GoFundMe account settings as soon as you change banks.
How long does it take to withdraw money once I add a payment method?
If you manually request a withdrawal, it typically takes 1 to 2 business days for the money to reach a bank account via ACH. Debit cards and digital wallets may be faster — sometimes within hours. Automatic payouts that GoFundMe processes after 30 days follow the same timeline.
Can someone else receive my GoFundMe funds for me?
Yes. You can add another person's bank account or debit card as your withdrawal method, and funds will go to them. They would then need to transfer the money to you. Make sure you trust this person completely, as they will have access to the funds before you do.
What if GoFundMe rejects my payment method?
GoFundMe may reject a payment method if the card or account is closed, if there is a mismatch between the name on the account and your GoFundMe profile, or if your bank flags the connection as suspicious. Try adding a different card or account, or contact your bank to ask if they are blocking GoFundMe transfers. You can also reach out to GoFundMe support for help troubleshooting.