Most prepaid cards do not have routing numbers, but some do
A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells banks where to send money when you receive a direct deposit or transfer. Most prepaid cards do not have routing numbers because they are not connected to a bank account the way a checking account is. However, some prepaid cards issued by banks or credit unions do come with routing numbers — it depends on how the card is set up behind the scenes.
The difference matters if you need to set up direct deposit for a paycheck or receive a transfer from another bank. If your prepaid card does not have a routing number, you cannot use those methods. You would need to load money onto the card a different way, such as through a retail location, a mobile app, or a cash transfer service.
Key Takeaways
- Most prepaid cards do not come with routing numbers because they are not traditional bank accounts.
- Some bank-issued prepaid cards do have routing numbers and can receive direct deposits, but you have to ask the card issuer to find out.
- If your prepaid card does not have a routing number, you can still load money through retail locations, ATMs, or mobile transfers.
- The card's terms and conditions or customer service line will tell you whether your specific card has a routing number.
How prepaid cards work differently from checking accounts
A checking account is held at a bank or credit union and is insured by the FDIC or NCUA. The account has a routing number and an account number. When you get direct deposit, your employer's bank uses the routing number to find your bank, then uses the account number to put the money in your specific account.
A prepaid card is usually issued by a card company and backed by a bank, but the money sits in a general account, not in your name alone. The card company holds the funds and moves them when you swipe or use the app. Because the money is not in a dedicated account under your name, there is no routing number to direct deposits to.
Some prepaid cards are issued directly by banks or credit unions and work more like checking accounts. These cards may have routing numbers. The only way to know is to contact the card issuer or check your card documents.
Which prepaid cards might have routing numbers
Prepaid cards issued by actual banks or credit unions are more likely to have routing numbers than cards issued by card companies. Examples include prepaid cards from banks like Chime, LendingClub, or some regional banks, and credit union prepaid cards. These cards are sometimes called prepaid debit cards or reloadable prepaid cards and function more like traditional accounts.
Even among bank-issued prepaid cards, not all have routing numbers. Some banks issue prepaid cards without routing numbers as a way to keep costs down or to serve people who cannot open a traditional account. You cannot assume a bank-issued card has a routing number — you have to verify with the issuer.
If you need direct deposit, ask the card issuer directly: "Does this card have a routing number?" If they say yes, ask them to provide it in writing. If they say no, ask what other ways you can load money onto the card.
How to learn about your prepaid card has a routing number
The fastest way is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Tell them you need to know if the card has a routing number because you want to set up direct deposit. They will tell you yes or no, and if yes, they will provide the number.
You can also check your card's terms and conditions, which are usually available on the issuer's website or came with your card when you opened it. Search the document for "routing number" or "direct deposit." If the card has one, it will be listed there.
Some card issuers show the routing number in your online account or mobile app under account details or settings. Log in and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Direct Deposit," or "Transfer Details."
What to do if your prepaid card does not have a routing number
If your card does not have a routing number, you have other ways to load money. Most prepaid card issuers offer at least two or three of these options: loading cash at a retail location (like Walmart or CVS), transferring money from another bank account through the card's mobile app, receiving a transfer from another person through a money transfer service, or depositing cash at an ATM that accepts deposits.
Some employers will let you split your direct deposit between two accounts. If your prepaid card does not have a routing number, you could ask your employer to deposit part of your paycheck into a checking account at a traditional bank and the rest onto your prepaid card through one of the other loading methods.
If you need direct deposit specifically and your current prepaid card does not support it, you may want to look into a different card or a basic checking account at a bank or credit union. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and those accounts will have routing numbers.
Prepaid cards versus checking accounts for direct deposit
If direct deposit is important to you, a checking account is usually more straightforward than a prepaid card. A checking account always has a routing number and an account number. You can set up direct deposit in minutes, and the money arrives on payday automatically.
Prepaid cards can work for direct deposit only if they have routing numbers, and even then, some employers' payroll systems do not recognize prepaid cards the way they recognize bank accounts. A checking account is the safest choice if direct deposit is your main need.
That said, prepaid cards have advantages in other areas. They do not require a credit check, they do not report to credit bureaus, and they are easier to open if you have had banking problems in the past. If you do not need direct deposit, a prepaid card can be a good option for managing money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a prepaid card for direct deposit if it does not have a routing number?
No. Direct deposit requires a routing number and an account number. If your prepaid card does not have a routing number, you cannot receive direct deposit on it. You would need to load money another way, such as through a mobile app transfer or a retail location.
Do all bank-issued prepaid cards have routing numbers?
No. Some banks issue prepaid cards without routing numbers. You have to contact the issuer to find out. Do not assume a card has a routing number just because a bank issued it.
What if my employer's payroll system will not accept my prepaid card information?
Some payroll systems are set up to accept only traditional bank accounts. If that happens, you may need to open a checking account at a bank or credit union. Many offer free accounts with no minimum balance. You could also ask your employer if they allow split deposits to multiple accounts.
Is a prepaid card safer than a checking account if I do not need direct deposit?
Both are safe in different ways. Prepaid cards are not insured by the FDIC, but the money is usually held in a bank account behind the scenes. Checking accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. If safety is your main concern, a checking account is the stronger choice.
Can I get a routing number added to my prepaid card later?
No. A routing number is built into how the card is set up when it is issued. You cannot add one after the fact. If you need a routing number, you would need to switch to a different card or account that has one.