How to transfer money from a prepaid card to a bank account

You can move money from a prepaid card to a bank account in three main ways: transfer it online through the card issuer's website or app, visit an ATM and withdraw cash to deposit later, or use a third-party money transfer service. The fastest route is usually the online transfer if your prepaid card issuer offers it—many do, and it takes one to three business days. If your card doesn't have that option, an ATM withdrawal followed by a bank deposit works but costs you time and sometimes a fee. A few prepaid card issuers let you link your bank account directly, which is the simplest method if available.

The catch is that not all prepaid cards support all three methods. Some cards charge a fee to transfer money out, some limit how much you can move at once, and some don't let you link a bank account at all. Before you start, check your card's terms or call the customer service number on the back—it takes five minutes and saves you from hitting a wall halfway through.

Key Takeaways

  • Online transfer through the card issuer's app or website is the fastest method if your card supports it, usually taking one to three business days with no fee.
  • ATM withdrawal followed by a bank deposit works for any prepaid card but requires a trip to the bank and may include ATM fees from the card issuer.
  • Direct account linking—where you add your bank account to the prepaid card's system—is the simplest option but only available on certain cards.
  • Check your prepaid card's fee schedule and terms before transferring, because some cards charge per transfer or limit the amount you can move monthly.
  • Money transfer services like PayPal or Square Cash can move funds between cards and bank accounts but typically charge a percentage fee.

Online transfer through the card issuer's website or app

Most major prepaid card issuers—including NetSpend, Chime, Varo, and Gobank—let you transfer money directly to a linked bank account through their app or website. Log into your prepaid card account, find the transfer or send money section, enter your bank account number and routing number, and request the transfer. The money usually arrives in one to three business days.

This method is free on most cards, though some charge a small fee per transfer (typically $1 to $3). Check your card's fee schedule before you start. If you've never linked a bank account to your prepaid card before, the issuer may verify the account by sending two small test deposits to your bank—this can add a day or two to the process the first time.

The main limitation is daily or monthly transfer limits. Some cards cap transfers at $500 per day or $2,000 per month. If you need to move more than that, you'll have to split the transfer across multiple days or use a different method.

ATM withdrawal and bank deposit

If your prepaid card doesn't support online transfers, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it into your bank account in person or through mobile deposit. This works with any prepaid card that has a Visa or Mastercard logo, since you can use any ATM in that network.

The downside is fees. Your prepaid card issuer may charge $2 to $3 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal, and some charge even for in-network withdrawals if you exceed a certain number per month (often five to ten free withdrawals). If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can skip the trip to the branch—photograph the check or cash deposit slip and submit it through your bank's app, usually within minutes.

This method also takes longer because you're dependent on your bank's deposit processing time, which is typically one to two business days for mobile deposits and same-day for in-person deposits.

Linking your bank account directly to the prepaid card

Some prepaid cards let you add your bank account as a linked account within the card's app or website. Once linked, you can transfer money from the prepaid card to the bank account with a few taps. Chime, Varo, and some NetSpend accounts offer this feature.

To set it up, go to the transfer or linked accounts section of your prepaid card's app, select "add account," and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. The card issuer will verify the account—usually by sending two small deposits to your bank within one to two business days. Once verified, transfers are instant or take one business day, depending on the card.

This is the most convenient option if your card supports it, because you don't have to remember to do anything after the initial setup. However, not all prepaid cards offer this feature, and some only allow transfers to the account that originally funded the card.

Using money transfer services

If your prepaid card doesn't support direct transfers, you can use a third-party money transfer service like PayPal, Square Cash, or Wise. Link both your prepaid card and your bank account to the service, then request a transfer between them.

The trade-off is cost. Most money transfer services charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) or a flat fee ($1 to $5) per transfer. For a $500 transfer, that could be $5 to $15. The transfer typically takes one to three business days, the same as a direct card-to-bank transfer.

This method makes sense only if your prepaid card genuinely doesn't support transfers and you need to move money regularly. If it's a one-time transfer, the fee might be worth it to avoid multiple ATM trips.

Fees and limits to watch for

Prepaid card fees vary widely, and transfer costs can add up if you move money frequently. Some cards charge per transfer ($1 to $3), some charge a monthly fee if you transfer more than a certain number of times, and some charge nothing at all. A few cards charge a fee only for transfers to accounts outside their network.

Limits also vary. Daily transfer limits range from $500 to $5,000, and monthly limits from $2,000 to $25,000. Some cards have no stated limit. If you're moving a large amount, check your card's terms first or call customer service to confirm the limit applies to transfers (not just withdrawals).

ATM withdrawal fees are separate from transfer fees. Most prepaid cards include a set number of free ATM withdrawals per month (often five to ten), then charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal after that. Out-of-network ATM fees are usually higher than in-network fees.

What to do if your prepaid card doesn't support transfers

If your card issuer doesn't offer online transfers or account linking, your options narrow to ATM withdrawal or a third-party service. Before you settle on either, call the card issuer's customer service number—it's on the back of your card—and ask directly whether they support transfers to a bank account. Some smaller or older prepaid cards don't advertise the feature, but it may still be available.

If the answer is no, ATM withdrawal is usually the cheapest option, even with fees. A $2 to $3 ATM fee beats a 2 to 3 percent money transfer service fee on larger amounts. If you're moving less than $200, the percentage fee might be lower than the ATM fee, so do the math for your specific transfer amount.

As a longer-term solution, consider switching to a prepaid card that does support transfers—many newer cards, especially those tied to online banks like Chime or Varo, make transfers free and instant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from a prepaid card to a bank account?

Online transfers through the card issuer typically take one to three business days. Direct account linking can be instant or one business day. ATM withdrawal and deposit depends on your bank's processing time—same-day for in-person deposits, one to two days for mobile deposits. Money transfer services usually take one to three business days.

Will I be charged a fee to transfer money out of my prepaid card?

It depends on your card. Many prepaid cards charge $1 to $3 per transfer, while others charge nothing. Some charge only if you exceed a monthly transfer limit. Check your card's fee schedule or call customer service. ATM withdrawals may also carry separate fees if you exceed your monthly free withdrawal limit.

Can I transfer money from a prepaid card to someone else's bank account?

No. Prepaid card transfers go only to a bank account in your own name. If you need to send money to someone else, you'll have to withdraw cash or use a separate money transfer service like PayPal or Venmo, which are designed for peer-to-peer transfers.

What if the transfer fails or the money doesn't arrive?

Contact your prepaid card issuer's customer service immediately. Provide the transfer confirmation number (if you have it) and the date you initiated the transfer. They can track the transfer and tell you whether it's still processing or if there was an error. If the money was sent to the wrong account by mistake, the issuer may be able to recall it, but this depends on how far the transfer has progressed.

Can I transfer money back from my bank account to my prepaid card?

Yes, if your card supports account linking. You can usually initiate a transfer from your bank account to your prepaid card through your bank's app or website, or through the prepaid card's app. This typically takes one to three business days and may carry a fee depending on your bank and card issuer.