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Get a payday loan on a prepaid debit card

Need a quick debit card loan? Compare these four lenders and their requirements.

There are a few lenders that can load a payday loan onto an existing debit card, and some lenders offer their own debit cards to fund. However, like other short-term loans, prepaid debit cards loans are best used as a last resort — they can come with rates that top 700% APR.

4 lenders that offer prepaid debit card loans

These lenders will load a payday loan onto a prepaid debit card that you can swipe at stores or online.

LenderLoan amountType of loanRequirements
Ace Cash Express$100 to $1,500, varies by statePayday loans and short-term installment loansSteady source of income, checking or savings account, not currently in bankruptcy, ages 18+
Check Into Cash$50 to $1,500, varies by statePayday loanActive bank account, government-issued photo ID, proof of income, most recent bank statement, checking account and bank routing number and Social Security Number or ITIN (for Indiana residents only)
Speedy Cash$50 to $3,000, varies by statePayday loans and prepaid debit cardsMust be 18+ years old (19+ in AL) and have valid ID, proof of steady income, an open checking account and working phone number.
Check N’ Go$100 to $1,500Payday loans, installment loans and prepaid debit cardsActive bank account, regular income, US citizen or permanent resident, 18+ (varies by state)

Cash advance apps that include debit cards

These can be a good alternative to payday loans with lower fees and more favorable terms and features, including the ability to use a debit card to access funds.

Name Product USFSL Filter Values Max. amount per pay period Turnaround time Costs
Cleo
Finder Score: 4.1 / 5: ★★★★★
Cleo
Up to $250
3 to 4 days or instant for a fee.
$5.99 monthly membership fee to access cash advances
Automatically monitor your spending plus access cash advances up to $100 at a time.
Chime SpotMe®
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Chime SpotMe®
Up to $200
Instant
No fee
Access fee-free overdrafts up to $200 when eligible. Plus get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit. See Chime terms and conditions.
EarnIn
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
EarnIn
Up to $750 per pay period, but only $150 per day
1 to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Free to use or instant with a fee as low as $3.99.
No mandatory fees, no interest and no credit checks. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
OppLoans Installment Loans
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
OppLoans Installment Loans
$500 to $4,000
As soon as the same business day
160% - 179% APR
Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Sorbet
Not rated yet
Sorbet
Based partially on the amount of your accrued & unused PTO
Up to 5 business days for approval and 5 business days for funding, or faster for a fee
9.99% to 36% APR
Tap your unused PTO for a cash advance so you can access that money early. Loans made by Lead Bank. Select Go to site for more info.
Dave ExtraCash
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Dave ExtraCash
Up to $500
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Undisclosed
Borrow up to $100 to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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How does a prepaid debit card loan work?

You apply for the loan, and if you’re approved, your lender transfers your funds into an eligible loan account and gives you your debit card either in person or by mail. From there, you may need to register the card in your name.
Because most prepaid cards are either Visa or Mastercard, you can use it at retailers or to pay bills. You may even be able to withdraw cash from an ATM, although this might come with extra fees.

Can I repay a payday loan with a prepaid debit card?

It depends on the lender. Some may allow you to make payments with a prepaid debit card, but it could mean you pay an extra fee. Other lenders may only accept bank account transfers.
Keep in mind that cash is usually king — you may be able to withdraw money from your prepaid debit card and pay the lender directly.

Loans without a bank account

Unfortunately, most lenders that offer prepaid debit card loans still require you to have a bank account. Check out our guide of no bank account lenders to see potential lending options.

Pros and cons of a prepaid debit card payday loan

Payday loans come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

  • Easily access your funds. Once your lender transfers your money to your card, you can use it to shop at stores, pay your bills and even withdraw cash at an ATM.
  • Can set up your card for other deposits. Most prepaid cards can receive direct deposits, offering fast access to your paycheck, tax refund advances and government benefits.
  • Earn rewards with the right card. Some prepaid card providers allow you to earn cash rewards with your spending.
  • Multiple lenders to choose from. If you live in a state where payday loans are legal, you’ll find several lenders that offer this type of loan. Compare the ease of applying and turnaround to find the best option for your needs.

Cons

  • High fees. Payday lenders charge considerably higher fees than other types of lenders, which could get you caught in a cycle of debt.
  • Short repayment terms. As the name implies, your loan is typically due on your next payday. Make sure it won’t strain your budget too much before you apply.
  • Disreputable lenders. Plenty of shady lenders are out there trying to take advantage of people at their most vulnerable. Confirm that your lender is licensed and operates legally in your state before signing a contract.

How to apply for a prepaid debit card loan

Applying for a prepaid debit card payday loan is similar to other types of loans —- minus the credit check.

  1. Check requirements. You’re likely to need a steady source of income, be a US citizen or permanent resident, have an active bank account and be the age of majority in your state (often at least 18). Most payday lenders don’t check your credit score.
  2. Gather documents. You’ll likely need your SSN, valid identification, paystubs, employer information and proof of address.
  3. Apply. If you apply online, you’ll likely receive a lending decision within the day. Payday lenders often have a turnaround time less than three business days, and some may even fund the loan within one day.

Debit card cash advances vs. prepaid debit card loans

Debit card cash advances are not the same as a prepaid debit card loan. With some bank accounts, you can use your debit card to overdraw your account to access cash for an overdraft fee of around $34 per withdrawal. Some banks might also charge an extended overdraft fee of around $25 per week if your account is negative.
Since payday loans often cost around $15 per $100 borrowed, a debit card cash advance is generally more expensive. But once you top $300, it could cost you less — as long as you repay before the extension fees kick in.

What to watch out for

Before you apply for a prepaid debit card payday loan, consider how you’ll repay it. Among the most notorious types of lending, payday loans often come with high fees. Late or missed payments can lead to additional fees and stiff penalties. And defaulting can result in a lower credit score and long-term damage to your overall credit.
Prepaid debit card payday loans are governed by state regulations that limit how much you can borrow and for how long. These laws are designed to protect you against predatory lending. Carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific loan, and ask questions about anything you don’t understand before signing any contract.

Bottom line

A prepaid debit card can be a convenient way to receive your payday loan, but it comes with the same risks and costs as any other short-term loan. Before you commit to a lender, learn more about how payday loans work to ensure they’re the right fit for you.

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Written by

Editor, Banking

Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto. Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt. Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others. Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio

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323 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    shantaSeptember 18, 2017

    I have a prepaid debit card so how do I go by getting a payday loan funds loaded on my card and I need funds today

      AvatarFinder
      jhezelynandoySeptember 19, 2017Finder

      Hi Shanta,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Please refer to the details above on how to go about applying for a payday loan and receive it through a prepaid debit card and compare the lenders above that offer payday loan and make sure to meet the eligibility criteria before submitting an application. In addition to that, you also need to check if it’s available in your state.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    LisaSeptember 17, 2017

    What’s your opinion if any Payday loan site for a person on SSDI that’s legit in the state of NJ

      AvatarFinder
      MaySeptember 18, 2017Finder

      Hi Lisa,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Unfortunately, payday loans are prohibited in New Jersey, so I may not be able to provide you with a list of lenders for your options. Although that is the case, you may like to reconsider applying for an installment loan or short-term loan. Best to review the criteria of the loan and contact the lender to confirm your options and eligibility.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    BrianSeptember 17, 2017

    I have a prepaid check debit card .is there a pay day company that can just load funds on it ?? I need funds today

      AvatarFinder
      MaySeptember 17, 2017Finder

      Hi Brian,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      If you are looking for a lender that deposits the loan proceeds to your debit card, they are actually listed above. I would suggest that you review the criteria and contact the lender directly to discuss your options and eligibility.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      May

    Default Gravatar
    PatriciaSeptember 15, 2017

    How come it says you don’t need a bank account and after filling out so many loans at the end they ask for my account number and routing information I don’t understand

      Default Gravatar
      GruSeptember 16, 2017

      Hello Patricia,

      You don’t need to have a bank account to get a payday loan. Your options may be limited, but you can find lenders willing to work with you.

      You may also find this page helpful:
      https://www.finder.com/no-bank-account-loans

      Alternatively, you may contact the lenders directly so they may guide you.

      Cheers,
      Gru

    Default Gravatar
    ShaneSeptember 10, 2017

    Can I use a green dot prepaid card that I already have for a debit card loan

      Default Gravatar
      DanielleSeptember 10, 2017

      Hi Shane,

      Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.

      That would depend on the lender. You may review and compare the lenders available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

      Default Gravatar
      CierraSeptember 15, 2017

      I need a loan but they are asking for account number but my account number is my debit card number but they saying it’s wrong what do I do

      Default Gravatar
      GruSeptember 16, 2017

      Hello Cierra,

      Thank you for reaching out to us.

      Just to clarify, were you trying to sign up online or over the phone?

      Depending on the bank, there really would be instances when the debit card or credit card number is exactly the same as your account number.
      So if that would be the case, that should work for you.

      However, just to be on the safe side, it would still be best if you contact your bank directly to clarify this.

      You would also do well to check on your bank statement.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Gru

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