You can transfer money from a prepaid card to your bank account, but the method depends on what kind of prepaid card you have

Most prepaid cards do not let you transfer funds directly to a bank account the way you would move money between two checking accounts. Instead, you have a few concrete options: withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself, use a third-party transfer service, request a check from the card issuer, or in some cases use a feature built into the card's app. Which one works for you depends on whether your card issuer offers that feature, how much money you need to move, and whether you want to avoid fees.

The fastest and cheapest route is usually an ATM withdrawal followed by a deposit at your bank. The most expensive is often a third-party money transfer service, which can charge 2 to 5 percent of the amount you send. Some card issuers—mainly the larger ones like NetSpend, Chime, and Green Dot—have started offering direct transfers to external bank accounts through their mobile apps, but this is not yet standard across all prepaid cards.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM withdrawal and bank deposit is free or nearly free and works with any prepaid card, but requires you to visit two locations and handle cash.
  • Some prepaid card issuers offer in-app transfers to external bank accounts, which is faster than cash but only available on certain cards.
  • Third-party money transfer services like MoneyGram or Western Union can move funds to your bank account but typically charge a percentage fee.
  • Requesting a check from your card issuer is free but slow, usually taking 7 to 14 business days.
  • Before attempting any transfer, confirm with your card issuer which methods they support, because options vary widely by card type and issuer.

ATM withdrawal and deposit at your bank

This is the most straightforward method for most prepaid cards. You withdraw cash from an ATM using your prepaid card, then deposit that cash into your bank account at a branch, ATM, or through mobile deposit if your bank offers it. The cost is usually just the ATM fee your prepaid card issuer charges per withdrawal—typically $1 to $3—plus any fee your bank charges for out-of-network ATM use, if applicable.

The main limitation is that you are handling physical cash, which means you need access to both an ATM and a bank location or mobile deposit capability. If your prepaid card is from a major issuer like Chime or NetSpend, they often have large ATM networks that reduce or eliminate out-of-network fees, which makes this route cheaper. If your card is from a smaller issuer, ATM fees can add up quickly if you do not have convenient access to their network.

In-app transfer to an external bank account

Some prepaid card issuers now allow you to link an external bank account and transfer money directly through their mobile app. Chime, NetSpend, Green Dot, and a few others offer this feature. The transfer usually appears in your bank account within one to three business days and costs nothing. This is the fastest and cheapest option if your card issuer supports it.

To use this method, open your prepaid card's app, look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" option, and follow the prompts to add your bank account. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. The card issuer will typically verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your bank account, which you then confirm in the app. After verification, you can transfer funds. Check your card's app or contact the issuer's customer service to confirm whether this feature is available on your specific card.

Money transfer services like MoneyGram or Western Union

You can use a prepaid card to send money through MoneyGram or Western Union, and have it deposited into your bank account. Both services allow you to initiate a transfer online or at a physical location, and the money can be sent directly to your bank account instead of being held for pickup. This method works with almost any prepaid card, but it is expensive.

Fees typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the amount you transfer, depending on the service and the transfer speed you choose. A $500 transfer might cost $10 to $25. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. This option makes sense only if you need to move money quickly and your card issuer does not offer in-app transfers, or if you are already using one of these services for another reason.

Requesting a check from your card issuer

Many prepaid card issuers will issue a check for your remaining balance if you request it. This is free, but it is slow. The check usually arrives in 7 to 14 business days, and you then need to deposit it into your bank account. Once deposited, your bank's check clearing process adds another 1 to 5 business days before the funds are available.

Contact your card issuer's customer service—usually through the phone number on the back of your card or their website—and ask whether they offer check requests. Some issuers have discontinued this option, so it is worth confirming before you count on it. This method is best if you are not in a hurry and want to avoid fees entirely.

What to know before you transfer

Check whether your prepaid card issuer charges a fee for the method you choose. Some cards charge a flat fee for transfers, while others charge a percentage. Some charge nothing. Your card's terms and conditions or the issuer's website should list these fees, though you may need to call customer service to get a clear answer.

Also confirm that the transfer method you want is actually available on your card. Not all issuers support all methods. For example, some smaller prepaid cards do not offer in-app transfers or check requests. Knowing this before you start saves you time and frustration.

If you are transferring a large amount, be aware that your bank may place a hold on the deposit while they verify the funds, especially if you are depositing cash or a check. This hold typically lasts 1 to 5 business days. Your bank's deposit policies should be in your account agreement or available on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from a prepaid card to a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. The transfer method does not change based on the type of bank account. Whether you are using ATM withdrawal, in-app transfer, or a check, you can direct the funds to any bank account you own—checking, savings, or money market. Just make sure you have the correct routing number and account number for the account you want to fund.

What if my prepaid card does not have enough money to cover a transfer fee?

Most issuers will not charge a fee if your balance is too low to cover it. However, some may decline the transfer entirely if the fee would exceed your balance. Contact your card issuer before attempting a transfer if your balance is very low. ATM withdrawal is usually your safest bet in this situation, since you can withdraw whatever amount is available and only pay the ATM fee.

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

It depends on the method. ATM withdrawal and deposit can be done the same day. In-app transfers usually take one to three business days. Money transfer services typically take one to three business days. Checks take 7 to 14 business days to arrive, plus 1 to 5 business days for your bank to clear them. Weekends and holidays extend all of these timelines.

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

Yes, but the process is usually different from transferring out. Most banks allow you to set up a transfer to an external account if you have the prepaid card's routing and account number. Some prepaid card issuers also let you link your bank account in their app and pull funds from it. Check with both your bank and your card issuer about their specific process.

What happens if the transfer fails or the money goes to the wrong account?

If you used an in-app transfer or money transfer service and the funds went to the wrong account, contact your card issuer or the transfer service when ready. They can sometimes reverse the transaction, but this is not may provide. If you withdrew cash and deposited it yourself, the responsibility is on you to may support you deposited it into the correct account. Always double-check account numbers before confirming any transfer.