Yes, but the method depends on your card type and what you're trying to do
You can move money from a Mastercard to a bank account in most cases, but it is not as straightforward as a regular transfer between two bank accounts. The path you take depends on whether your Mastercard is a credit card, a debit card, or a prepaid card—and what you mean by "transfer." If you want to move your own money that is sitting on the card, the process is different from paying down a credit card balance.
The most common scenario is a credit card holder who wants to move available credit (not their own money) into a bank account. That is a cash advance, and it costs you money in fees and interest. If you have a debit card or prepaid card with your own funds on it, you have faster, cheaper options. This guide walks through each type and what actually happens when you initiate the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- A debit card or prepaid Mastercard can transfer funds to a bank account through ATM withdrawal, online banking, or a direct transfer request to the card issuer, with no fees in most cases.
- A Mastercard credit card cannot transfer available credit to a bank account without taking a cash advance, which charges a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and starts accruing interest when ready.
- Some card issuers allow you to request a transfer from your card to a linked bank account through their mobile app or website, but this option is rare for credit cards.
- The fastest method for debit or prepaid cards is usually an ATM withdrawal or a call to your card issuer to request a direct transfer.
- If you are trying to pay off a credit card balance, you transfer money from your bank account to the card, not the other way around.
Debit cards and prepaid Mastercards: your own money
If your Mastercard is a debit card or prepaid card, the money on it belongs to you, and moving it to a bank account is straightforward. You have three main routes, and most cost nothing.
ATM withdrawal is the simplest: find an ATM that accepts Mastercard, withdraw cash, and deposit it at your bank. This works when ready and has no fees unless your ATM charges a surcharge (which your bank may or may not refund). The downside is you are handling cash and limited by daily withdrawal limits, which vary by card issuer but often sit at $500 to $1,000 per day.
Online transfer through your card issuer is faster if available. Log into the card issuer's app or website, look for a "transfer funds" or "move money" option, and link your bank account. You provide your bank's routing number and your account number, and the issuer moves the funds directly. This usually takes one to three business days and has no fee. Not all issuers offer this, so check your account first.
Calling the card issuer is the backup route. Phone the number on the back of your card, confirm your identity, and ask if they can transfer funds to a linked bank account. Some will do it over the phone and complete it within one to two business days. Others will mail you a form or direct you to their website.
Mastercard credit cards: cash advances and their cost
A Mastercard credit card does not hold your money—it holds your available credit, which is the bank's money that you borrow. You cannot transfer available credit to a bank account without taking a cash advance, and cash advances are expensive.
A cash advance works like this: you go to an ATM, use your credit card, and withdraw cash. The amount you withdraw is added to your credit card balance as a loan. You are charged a cash advance fee, usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn (so a $500 withdrawal costs $15 to $25 upfront). Interest starts accruing when ready—credit cards do not give you a grace period on cash advances the way they do on purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is often higher than your regular purchase rate.
Once you have the cash, you can deposit it into your bank account. But you are now paying interest on that money from day one, which makes this an expensive way to move funds. If you need money in your bank account, it is almost always cheaper to use a personal loan, a line of credit, or a transfer from another source.
Some credit card issuers allow balance transfers to a bank account, but this is rare and usually only available to customers with excellent credit and a long history with the bank. Even then, a balance transfer fee (typically 3 to 5 percent) applies. Ask your card issuer directly whether this option exists for your account.
What happens when you request a transfer through your card issuer
If your card issuer offers a direct transfer option, the process is usually this: you log in, select the bank account you want to transfer to (you may need to verify it first by confirming two small deposits the bank sends), enter the amount, and submit. The issuer then sends the money via ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is the same system banks use to move money between accounts.
ACH transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you request on Friday evening will not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. The issuer will show the transfer as pending in your card account, and your bank will show it as incoming. Once it settles, the money is in your bank account and you can use it.
If the transfer fails—usually because you entered an incorrect account number or routing number—the issuer will reject it and the money stays on your card. You will get a notification, and you can try again with the correct information.
Daily and monthly limits on transfers
Most card issuers set a daily limit on how much you can transfer out of your account. For debit and prepaid cards, this is often $500 to $2,500 per day, depending on the issuer and your account type. For credit cards offering transfers (which is rare), the limit is usually lower or the transfer is not offered at all.
These limits reset each day, so if your limit is $1,000 per day, you can transfer $1,000 today and another $1,000 tomorrow. Some issuers also set a monthly cap—for example, $10,000 per month—but this is less common. Check your card issuer's terms or call them to find out what your specific limits are.
If you need to move more than your daily limit, you can make multiple transfers over consecutive days. This takes longer but works. If you need to move a large amount quickly, call your issuer and ask whether they can raise your limit temporarily or process a transfer manually.
Fees and timing compared
| Method | Card Type | Fee | Timing | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal | Debit or prepaid | None (unless ATM surcharge) | when ready | You need cash now and do not mind handling it |
| Online transfer via issuer | Debit or prepaid | None | 1–3 business days | You want the money in your bank account and can wait a few days |
| Phone transfer via issuer | Debit or prepaid | None | 1–2 business days | Online transfer is not available or you prefer to speak with someone |
| Credit card cash advance | Credit card | 3–5% of amount plus interest | when ready (cash) or 1–3 days (if deposited) | You have no other option and understand the cost |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my Mastercard to someone else's bank account?
No, not directly. You can only transfer money from your Mastercard to your own linked bank account. If you want to send money to someone else, withdraw cash from an ATM or transfer funds to your bank account first, then use your bank's bill pay or transfer service to send it to them.
What if my bank account is not linked to my Mastercard?
You can link it through your card issuer's website or app by providing your bank's routing number and your account number. Most issuers verify the account by sending two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your bank, which you then confirm in your card issuer's system. This takes a few days. Once verified, you can transfer. Alternatively, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself.
Will transferring money from my Mastercard hurt my credit score?
For debit and prepaid cards, no—there is no credit involved. For credit card cash advances, yes, it can. A cash advance increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score. It also shows up on your credit report as a cash advance, which some lenders view less favorably than regular purchases.
How long does it take to transfer money from my Mastercard to my bank account?
ATM withdrawals are when ready. Online or phone transfers through your card issuer take one to three business days via ACH. If you are depositing cash you withdrew, add the time it takes your bank to process the deposit, which is usually one business day.
Can I reverse a transfer if I change my mind?
If the transfer is still pending (has not settled yet), you may be able to cancel it by contacting your card issuer before the money leaves. Once it settles in your bank account, you cannot reverse it through the card issuer—you would need to transfer the money back to your card or use it as you intended. For cash withdrawals, there is no reversal option once you have the cash.