You can start a GoFundMe campaign without a bank account, but you will need one before you can receive the money

GoFundMe does not require a bank account to create a campaign or accept donations. You can set up the campaign page, write your story, upload photos, and share the link with friends and family without ever connecting a bank account. However, the moment someone donates money, GoFundMe needs a place to send those funds. That destination is a bank account—either yours or someone else's who is willing to receive the money on your behalf.

If you do not have a bank account when you launch your campaign, you have time to open one while donations come in. Most people who use GoFundMe without a bank account set one up within the first few weeks of fundraising, once they know the campaign is generating real support. The platform will not release any money to you until you provide valid banking information, so there is no rush to do it before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create and share a GoFundMe campaign without a bank account, but you cannot withdraw donations without one.
  • GoFundMe requires a valid U.S. bank account, savings account, or certain prepaid cards to receive funds—the account must be in your name or belong to an authorized representative.
  • If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at most banks or credit unions in a few days, or use a prepaid card account that GoFundMe accepts.
  • Someone else can receive the money on your behalf if they have a bank account and you authorize them, though this adds a step and requires trust.
  • GoFundMe holds donations for a short period before releasing them, giving you a window to set up banking information if you do not have it yet.

What GoFundMe needs from you to withdraw money

When you are ready to withdraw donations, GoFundMe will ask for a bank account in your name, a savings account, or a prepaid card account that meets their requirements. The account must be tied to your Social Security number or tax ID, and you will need to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID and confirming your address. This is standard fraud prevention—GoFundMe processes millions of dollars and has to confirm that the person withdrawing money is actually the person who created the campaign.

The account does not have to be a checking account. A savings account works just as well. Some prepaid card services like Green Dot or NetSpend are also accepted, though not all prepaid cards may have access to. If you are unsure whether your card will work, you can contact GoFundMe support before you need to withdraw, or you can straightforward try to add it during the withdrawal process and see what happens.

Opening a bank account if you do not have one

If you do not have a bank account and need one to receive GoFundMe donations, you have several fast options. Most banks and credit unions can open an account in one business day if you go in person with a government-issued ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from a government agency). Some banks let you open an account online in minutes, though you may have to wait a few days for the account to be fully active before you can add it to GoFundMe.

If you do not have a government ID, a credit union is often more flexible than a bank. Bring whatever ID you have—a state ID, passport, or tribal ID—plus proof of address. If you have no ID at all, some credit unions will work with you using alternative documents, though the process takes longer. Call ahead to ask what they accept.

Opening an account costs nothing at most banks and credit unions. Some charge a small monthly fee if you do not keep a minimum balance, but many offer free checking accounts with no minimum. Shop around before you choose—some institutions waive fees for low-income customers or students.

Having someone else receive the money for you

If you cannot or do not want to open a bank account, you can authorize someone else—a family member, friend, or trusted person—to receive the donations on your behalf. That person will need to connect their own bank account to your GoFundMe campaign and verify their identity. GoFundMe will send the money to their account, and then they can transfer it to you however you both agree.

This arrangement works, but it adds a step and requires you to trust that person completely. Money sent to their account is legally theirs until they give it to you, so if the relationship breaks down or there is a dispute, you may have trouble recovering it. Make sure you have a clear agreement in writing about what happens to the money and when they will transfer it to you. If the person is a family member or close friend, this is usually straightforward. If it is someone you do not know well, think carefully before proceeding.

How long GoFundMe holds your money

GoFundMe does not release donations to your bank account when ready. The platform holds funds for a short period—usually a few business days to a week—to process the transaction and confirm there is no fraud. During that time, you have a window to add your banking information if you have not already. Once GoFundMe releases the money, it goes directly to the account you specified.

If you receive a large donation or many donations in a short time, GoFundMe may hold the funds longer while they verify the transactions. This is not a penalty—it is a safety measure. You will see the donations in your GoFundMe account and know they are coming, even if the actual money has not hit your bank account yet.

What happens if you withdraw before opening a bank account

You cannot withdraw money from GoFundMe without providing banking information. The platform will not let you request a withdrawal, and it will not send you a check or prepaid card instead. Your only options are to connect a bank account, savings account, or accepted prepaid card, or to have someone else receive the money on your behalf. There is no workaround.

If you have raised money and still do not have a bank account, opening one is the fastest path forward. Most accounts are ready to use within a few days. In the meantime, your donations are safe in your GoFundMe account and will not disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card instead of a bank account?

Some prepaid cards work with GoFundMe, but not all. Green Dot and NetSpend are commonly accepted. Check your card's terms or contact GoFundMe support to confirm yours will work before you rely on it. If your prepaid card is not accepted, opening a bank account is usually faster than finding an alternative card.

What if I do not have a government ID to open a bank account?

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about ID requirements. Call ahead and ask what documents they accept. Some will work with a passport, tribal ID, or other government-issued ID. If you have none of those, some credit unions will accept alternative documents, though the process takes longer.

Can I use someone else's bank account without telling them?

No. GoFundMe requires the account holder to verify their identity and authorize the connection. Using someone else's account without their knowledge is fraud and can result in criminal charges. The account holder must knowingly agree to receive the money.

How long does it take to get money from GoFundMe once I add my bank account?

GoFundMe typically releases funds within a few business days to a week after you connect your account. Once released, the money takes one to three business days to appear in your bank account, depending on your bank's processing speed. Large donations or many donations at once may take longer.

What if my bank account gets closed after I connect it to GoFundMe?

If your account closes, GoFundMe will not be able to send money to it. You will need to update your banking information with a new account. Contact GoFundMe support to change your account details. Any funds that were supposed to go to the closed account will be held until you provide a new one.