You can withdraw GoFundMe money to a debit card, prepaid card, or mobile wallet instead of a traditional bank account
GoFundMe does not require you to have a checking or savings account to receive funds. The platform offers several paths to move money out: a debit card connected to a mobile payment app, a prepaid card you load funds onto, or a third-party payment processor that holds the money temporarily. The method you choose depends on which payment tools you already have and how quickly you need access to the cash.
The most common route is linking a debit card to your GoFundMe account and withdrawing directly to that card. If you do not have a debit card, you can use a prepaid card (like Visa Prepaid or American Express Prepaid), a mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal), or ask GoFundMe to send funds to a third-party payment service that will issue you a card or check.
Key Takeaways
- GoFundMe transfers money to a debit card, prepaid card, or mobile wallet—not just bank accounts—so you have options even without traditional banking.
- A prepaid card from any retailer (Walmart, Target, CVS) can receive GoFundMe withdrawals and works like a debit card for purchases and ATM cash.
- Mobile wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay can be linked to your GoFundMe account and let you spend or transfer money without a bank.
- If you have none of these, GoFundMe can send funds to a third-party processor, which will mail you a check or issue a card within one to two weeks.
- Withdrawal times vary: debit and prepaid cards usually receive funds within three to five business days; checks take longer.
Linking a debit card or prepaid card to your GoFundMe account
The fastest way to withdraw is to add a debit card or prepaid card to your GoFundMe account. Log into your account, go to your settings or payment methods, and select "Add a card." Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). GoFundMe will verify the card with a small temporary charge that appears and disappears within a few days.
If you do not have a debit card, buy a prepaid card at any grocery store, pharmacy, or big-box retailer. Visa Prepaid, Mastercard Prepaid, and American Express Prepaid cards are sold at checkout for a small fee (usually $5 to $10). Load money onto the card using cash, and then add that card to GoFundMe the same way you would a debit card. Once linked, you can withdraw your GoFundMe balance to the prepaid card within three to five business days.
After the funds arrive on your card, you can spend them anywhere the card brand is accepted, withdraw cash at an ATM (some ATMs charge a fee), or transfer the balance to another card or account if the card issuer offers that option. Keep your card in a safe place and note the card number and customer service phone number in case you need to report it lost or frozen.
Using a mobile wallet or payment app
If you use PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another mobile wallet, you can link that account to GoFundMe instead of a physical card. Open your GoFundMe settings, select your payment method, and choose the wallet option. You will be asked to log into your wallet account to authorize the connection. Once approved, GoFundMe can send money directly to your wallet balance.
PayPal is the most flexible option if you do not have a bank account. You can hold money in your PayPal balance, spend it online or in stores using the PayPal app, transfer it to a prepaid card, or request a check. Apple Pay and Google Pay require a linked debit or prepaid card to work, so they are useful only if you already have one of those.
Transfers to mobile wallets usually complete within one to three business days. Once the money is in your wallet, you can spend it immediately through the app or withdraw it to a card or ATM. PayPal also lets you send money to other people's PayPal accounts or bank accounts if you need to share the funds.
Requesting a check or third-party payment if you have no card or wallet
If you have no debit card, prepaid card, or mobile wallet, contact GoFundMe support and ask about alternative withdrawal methods. GoFundMe can arrange for a third-party payment processor to handle your funds. The processor will mail you a check or, in some cases, issue a prepaid card in your name.
This route takes longer—typically one to two weeks for a check to arrive by mail, plus processing time on the back end. You will need to provide your full name, mailing address, and sometimes a phone number or email to verify your identity. Once the check arrives, you can deposit it at a check-cashing service, a retailer that cashes checks (like Walmart or Target), or a bank or credit union (even if you do not have an account there, many will cash checks for a small fee).
Check-cashing services charge a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Bank and retail check-cashing is sometimes cheaper or free, so call ahead before you go. Ask whether the service requires an ID and how long the process takes.
What happens if your card or payment method is declined
If GoFundMe tries to send money to your card and the transfer fails, the funds stay in your GoFundMe account. You will receive a notification explaining why the transfer did not go through—usually because the card was closed, expired, or flagged for fraud. Log back into your account, update your payment method with a new card or wallet, and request the withdrawal again.
If your card is expired, update it with the new expiration date. If the card was closed, add a different card or prepaid card. GoFundMe will retry the transfer, and it should complete within the next few business days. If the problem persists, contact GoFundMe support with your account details and the card information you are trying to use. Keep a record of your support ticket number in case you need to follow up.
Fees and timing for different withdrawal methods
| Withdrawal Method | Processing Time | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit card | 3–5 business days | None from GoFundMe | Fastest access if you already have a card |
| Prepaid card | 3–5 business days | Card purchase fee ($5–$10); ATM withdrawal fees may apply | No bank account needed; works like a debit card |
| PayPal | 1–3 business days | None from GoFundMe; PayPal may charge for transfers | Flexible spending and transfer options |
| Check | 1–2 weeks plus mail time | Check-cashing fee (1–3% of amount) | Last resort; slowest but works anywhere |
GoFundMe itself does not charge a fee to withdraw money to your card or wallet. However, your card issuer or payment app may charge fees for ATM withdrawals, transfers, or account maintenance. A prepaid card, for example, might charge $1 to $3 per ATM withdrawal or a monthly maintenance fee if you do not use it regularly. Check your card's terms before you buy it so you know what to expect.
The total time from requesting a withdrawal to having cash in hand depends on your method. Debit and prepaid cards are fastest at three to five business days. PayPal is slightly faster at one to three days. Checks are slowest because they must be printed, mailed, and then cashed, which can take two to four weeks total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw GoFundMe money to someone else's card or account?
No. GoFundMe requires the card or account to be registered in the name of the person who created the fundraiser or is listed as the beneficiary. You cannot transfer funds to another person's card directly through GoFundMe. If you need to give the money to someone else, withdraw it to your own card first, then transfer it to them using a separate payment method like Venmo, PayPal, or cash.
What if I lose my prepaid card after GoFundMe sends money to it?
Contact the card issuer (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) immediately and report it lost. They can freeze the card to prevent fraud and issue a replacement card with the same balance. The replacement usually arrives within five to ten business days. Keep your receipt or account number so you can prove you own the card.
How long does it take to receive money on a prepaid card?
GoFundMe typically processes the transfer within three to five business days. The prepaid card issuer may take an additional one to two business days to post the funds to your card. In total, expect five to seven business days from the time you request the withdrawal to when the money is available to spend.
Can I withdraw money from GoFundMe multiple times?
Yes. You can request withdrawals as often as you want, as long as you have a balance in your account. Each withdrawal follows the same timeline and goes to the payment method you have on file. If you change your card or wallet, update your GoFundMe settings before requesting the next withdrawal.
What if GoFundMe holds my money and will not let me withdraw it?
GoFundMe may hold funds temporarily if the fundraiser is flagged for review, if there is a dispute over who should receive the money, or if the account shows signs of fraud. Contact GoFundMe support with your account number and ask why the withdrawal is blocked. They will explain the hold and tell you when the funds will be released. Holds usually last a few days to a few weeks depending on the reason.