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

You can move money from most prepaid cards to a bank account, but the method depends on which card you have and which bank you use. The most common ways are a direct transfer through the prepaid card's app or website, an ATM withdrawal followed by a deposit, or a transfer to another card. Some prepaid cards charge a fee for transfers, and some don't — it varies by card issuer.

Before you start, you'll need the routing number and account number for the bank account you're transferring to. You can find these on a check, by logging into your bank's website or app, or by calling your bank's customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • Most prepaid card companies let you transfer money through their app or website by entering your bank's routing and account numbers.
  • Withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing it at your bank works with any prepaid card but takes longer and may cost ATM fees.
  • Some prepaid cards charge $1 to $3 per transfer, while others offer free transfers — check your card's fee schedule before you move money.
  • Transfers typically take one to three business days, though some cards offer faster options for an extra fee.

Transferring through your prepaid card's app or website

Most prepaid card companies have a built-in transfer feature in their mobile app or on their website. Log in, look for a section called "Transfer," "Move Money," "Send to Bank," or "Withdraw," and select the option to transfer to an external bank account.

You'll be asked to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your account within that bank. After you enter these details, you'll usually see a confirmation screen showing the amount, the receiving account, and the expected arrival date. Confirm the information is correct before you submit — mistakes in the account number can send money to the wrong place.

The money typically arrives in one to three business days. Some card issuers offer a faster option, sometimes called "when ready transfer" or "next-day transfer," which may cost $1 to $3 extra.

Withdrawing cash and depositing it yourself

If your prepaid card doesn't have a transfer feature, or if you prefer to handle the move in person, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank. This method works with any prepaid card that has a Visa, Mastercard, or network logo on it.

Find an ATM that's part of your prepaid card's network — most cards are linked to a large ATM network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which have thousands of machines nationwide. Withdraw the amount you want to transfer. Then go to your bank's branch or ATM and deposit the cash into your account. Keep your ATM receipt and your bank deposit receipt until the money shows up in your account, in case there's a problem.

This method is slower than a direct transfer because you have to make two separate trips, and it may cost you money — your prepaid card issuer might charge an out-of-network ATM fee if you don't use their preferred ATM, and your bank might charge a deposit fee (though most don't for cash deposits). The money will be available in your bank account within one business day of deposit, though some banks hold cash deposits for a day or two.

Transferring between prepaid cards or to a debit card

Some prepaid card companies let you transfer money to another prepaid card or debit card you own. This is useful if you have money on one card and want to consolidate it onto another, or if you're moving to a different prepaid card and want to bring your balance with you.

The process is similar to transferring to a bank account — you log into your card's app or website, select the transfer option, and enter the card number of the card you're sending money to. Transfers between cards usually take one to three business days and may or may not have a fee depending on your card issuer.

Understanding prepaid card transfer fees

Not all prepaid cards charge the same fees for transfers. Some cards offer unlimited free transfers to bank accounts, while others charge $1 to $3 per transfer. A few cards charge different amounts depending on how fast you want the money to arrive — a standard three-day transfer might be free, while a next-day transfer costs $2.

Check your card's fee schedule before you transfer. You can usually find this on the card issuer's website, in the app, or by calling customer service. If you plan to transfer money regularly, a card with free transfers will save you money over time.

What to do if the transfer fails or takes too long

If you've submitted a transfer and it hasn't arrived after the promised number of business days, contact your prepaid card company's customer service. Have your confirmation number ready — this is the reference number the card company gave you when you submitted the transfer. They can tell you whether the transfer is still processing, whether it was rejected, or whether there was an error.

If the money was sent to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank when ready. Your bank can sometimes reverse the transfer or trace where the money went. The faster you report the problem, the better your chances of recovering the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does transferring money from a prepaid card to a bank account hurt my credit?

No. Moving money between your own accounts doesn't affect your credit score. Your credit score is based on borrowing and repayment history, not on transfers between accounts you already own.

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

Most prepaid cards only let you transfer to an account in your own name. If you want to send money to someone else, you'll need to withdraw cash or use a money transfer service. Check your card's terms to be sure.

What if my prepaid card doesn't have a transfer feature?

Withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank. This works with any prepaid card, though it may take longer and could cost ATM fees. You can also contact the card issuer to ask if they offer transfers by phone or mail.

How long does a transfer usually take?

Most transfers take one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer submitted on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday. Some card issuers offer faster transfers for a fee.

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

Yes, most prepaid cards let you add money from a linked bank account. Log into your card's app or website, look for "Add Funds" or "Load Money," and follow the prompts to transfer from your bank to your card.