The basic path: most virtual Mastercards don't transfer directly
A virtual Mastercard is a card number that exists only in digital form—no plastic, no magnetic stripe. It's tied to an account somewhere: a fintech app, a payment service, a prepaid account, or sometimes a traditional bank. To move money from that card to your bank account, you almost never transfer the card itself. Instead, you move money from the account behind the card to your bank.
The method depends on what service issued the virtual card. A virtual card from your own bank works differently than one from PayPal, Square Cash, or a prepaid app. The first step is knowing which service holds your money. Once you know that, you have two main routes: transfer the money within the app or service that issued the card, or use the card to withdraw cash and deposit it. The first is faster and cheaper. The second works when the first isn't available, but costs time and sometimes fees.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual Mastercards are issued by a service or app, and you transfer money from that service to your bank, not from the card itself.
- Most fintech apps and payment services let you link your bank account and transfer money directly within their platform, which takes one to three business days.
- If direct transfer isn't available, you can use the card to withdraw cash at an ATM, then deposit it at your bank, though this may incur ATM fees.
- Some virtual cards can be used to pay bills or send money to other people, but cannot send money back to a bank account—check your card's rules first.
- Transfer speed and fees vary by the service that issued the card; some offer when ready transfers for a small fee, others charge nothing but take longer.
Transferring money within the app or service that issued your card
Most virtual Mastercards come from a service that has its own app or website. PayPal, Square Cash, Wise, Revolut, Chime, and most fintech banks all let you move money from your account to a linked bank account. This is the fastest and cheapest method. The process is the same across most services: open the app, find the transfer or withdrawal section, select your bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. You'll need to have linked your bank account first—this usually requires your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your bank's app.
Transfer time varies. Some services offer when ready transfers for a fee (usually $0.50 to $2). Standard transfers typically take one to three business days. A few services, like some prepaid cards, may take longer or charge a flat fee per transfer. Check your service's fee schedule before you transfer, because the cost can add up if you move money frequently. If you've lost access to the app or service that issued the card, or if it no longer exists, you may not be able to transfer money this way. In that case, you'll need to use the card itself to withdraw cash.
Using the card to withdraw cash at an ATM
If the app or service isn't available, or if you prefer not to use it, you can use the virtual Mastercard to withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Mastercard. Most ATMs in the United States do. You'll need the card number, expiration date, and CVV, which you can find in the app or service that issued the card. Some virtual cards don't work at ATMs—this is set by the issuer, not by Mastercard itself. Check your card's rules or contact the service that issued it before you try.
If the card does work at ATMs, you can withdraw up to the daily limit set by your service, which is often $500 to $1,000 per day. Once you have the cash, deposit it at your bank's ATM or branch. This is free at your own bank but may cost money at another bank's ATM. The cash is in your account when ready if you deposit it at a branch, or by the next business day if you use an ATM. The downside: ATM withdrawal fees charged by the ATM operator (usually $2 to $3), plus any fee your virtual card service charges for ATM withdrawals (which varies). If you're moving a small amount, these fees can be significant.
When the virtual card can't send money back to a bank
Some virtual Mastercards are designed only to spend money, not to move it. These cards can pay for purchases and sometimes send money to other people, but cannot transfer funds back to a bank account. This is common with corporate cards, gift cards, and some prepaid cards. If your card falls into this category, your only option is to spend the money or withdraw it as cash. You cannot transfer the balance to your bank.
Check your card's terms or contact the service that issued it to confirm whether transfers are allowed. If you have money on a card that can't transfer and you no longer want to spend it, some services will close the account and send you a check for the remaining balance. This takes several weeks. Others will let the balance sit indefinitely. Ask the issuer what happens to unused balances.
Transfers from specific services: what to expect
The speed and cost of moving money vary significantly depending on which service issued your virtual card. PayPal offers standard transfers in one to three business days for free, or when ready transfers for $0.25 to $2. Square Cash and Wise both transfer for free in one to three business days. Revolut transfers when ready to one business day for free to $1. Chime, which is a full bank, transfers between your Chime account and linked banks in one to two business days at no cost.
Generic prepaid cards vary widely. Some let you transfer through an app for a fee; others only allow ATM withdrawal. Check your specific card's documentation or contact the issuer before you try to transfer. These timelines and fees change, so verify your service's current terms before you move money. Some services offer promotional periods with no fees or faster transfers.
| Service | Transfer method | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Link bank account in app, transfer to bank | 1–3 business days (standard); when ready for fee | Free standard; $0.25–$2 when ready |
| Square Cash | Link bank account in app, transfer to bank | 1–3 business days | Free |
| Wise | Link bank account in app, transfer to bank | 1–3 business days | Free |
| Revolut | Link bank account in app, transfer to bank | when ready to 1 business day | Free to $1 |
| Chime | Transfer between Chime and linked bank | 1–2 business days | Free |
| Generic prepaid card | ATM withdrawal or app transfer (if available) | Varies | $2–$3 ATM fee; transfer fees vary |
Timing and what happens if the transfer fails
When you initiate a transfer from your virtual card's service to your bank, the money leaves the service's account and enters the banking system. This is where the one- to three-day wait comes from: the banks are moving the money through the Federal Reserve's clearing system, not because the service is slow. If a transfer fails, the most common reason is a mismatch between the account number or routing number you entered and what your bank has on file. The money will be returned to your virtual card account, usually within one to three business days.
Check the account number and routing number again—you can find both on a check or in your bank's app—and try again. If the transfer succeeds but the money doesn't appear in your bank account after three business days, contact your bank, not the service that issued the card. Your bank can trace the transfer and tell you where it is. Keep the confirmation number from the transfer so you can reference it.
Avoiding common mistakes
The biggest mistake is trying to transfer money from the card itself instead of from the account behind it. A virtual Mastercard is a payment tool, not a bank account. You can't move money from the card number—you move money from the service that issued the card. The second mistake is entering the wrong bank account details. Double-check your routing number and account number before you confirm. A single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail and delay your money by several days.
The third is not checking whether your virtual card service charges fees for transfers. Some don't, but others charge per transfer or per when ready transfer. If you move money often, these fees add up. Compare the cost of a transfer within the app to the cost of an ATM withdrawal plus a bank deposit, especially if you're moving a small amount. Finally, don't assume your virtual card works at ATMs. Some don't, and trying to use one that doesn't will trigger a decline and may lock the card temporarily. Check your card's rules first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from a virtual Mastercard to someone else's bank account?
Not directly from the card. You would need to transfer the money to your own bank account first, then send it from there to someone else. Some services like PayPal and Square Cash let you send money to another person's email or phone number directly from the app, which is faster than a bank transfer.
What if my virtual card service shut down or I can't access the app?
If the service is still operating but you've lost access, contact their support team to regain access or request a transfer. If the service has shut down, you may be able to withdraw cash at an ATM if the card still works, or contact the company to request a check for the remaining balance. This can take weeks.
Does transferring money from a virtual card to my bank account count as income?
No. Moving money from your own virtual card account to your own bank account is not income—it's moving your own money. Income is money you receive from someone else or from work. If you're unsure whether a specific transaction counts as income for tax purposes, consult a tax professional.
Why does my transfer say it's pending for more than three business days?
Transfers occasionally get stuck in the banking system, especially if there's a mismatch in account details or if your bank is processing a high volume of transfers. Contact your bank with the transfer confirmation number. They can look up the transfer and tell you whether it's still in progress or has failed.
Can I transfer money from a virtual Mastercard to a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Most services let you link any bank account you own, whether it's checking, savings, or money market. The process is the same—you'll need the routing number and account number for the savings account. Transfers take the same amount of time regardless of account type.