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.
These lenders will load a payday loan onto a prepaid debit card that you can swipe at stores or online.
| Lender | Loan amount | Type of loan | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Cash Express | $100 to $1,500, varies by state | Payday loans and short-term installment loans | Steady source of income, checking or savings account, not currently in bankruptcy, ages 18+ | |
| Check Into Cash | $50 to $1,500, varies by state | Payday loan | Active 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 state | Payday loans and prepaid debit cards | Must 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 $1,500 | Payday loans, installment loans and prepaid debit cards | Active bank account, regular income, US citizen or permanent resident, 18+ (varies by state) |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Payday loans come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Applying for a prepaid debit card payday loan is similar to other types of loans —- minus the credit check.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for quick funds? Discover if MoneyMutual’s network can meet your emergency needs.
A review of WithU Loans, a tribal lender that charges triple-digit APRs and has a pattern of complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
A review of Arrowhead Advance, a tribal lender that charges interest rates up to 830% and has numerous bad reviews.
Top picks for loans like Lendumo, with more competitive rates and a range of options for borrowers of all kinds.
A review of Lendly personal loans, a lender offering fast cash to all credit types, but with steep APRs.
A review of Lendumo, a tribal lender that charges interest rates well into the triple digits.
Need emergency funds? Find out if CreditCube’s fast loans are worth the high cost.
A review of Crane Finance, a tribal lender that charges outrageous interest rates and isn’t transparent about how much its loans cost.
OppLoans features installment loans with varying repayment terms. Find other providers like them.
A review of OppLoans, a lender that offers personal loans up to $4,000 to borrowers with poor credit.
Trying to get a loan
Hi Thelma,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You are on the right page. You may review and compare the offers 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
can I qualify for a cash advance in direct express
Hi Len,
Thanks for reaching out to us!
Since we are a comparison based website, we can’t qualify you for a cash advance from Direct Express. But, we can give you some information that may be helpful. Most cash advance loans only take a few minutes to fill out the application. Some in-store lenders may be able to get your loan within the day and an online lender should likely disburse the loan the next business day. Learn more about your options here: https://www.finder.com/cash-advance-loans
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Kyle
Hi…I’m trying to get a loan for $900 and it’s an emergency but I don’t have a bank account. All I got is a netspend card… please help me
Hi Jasmine,
Thank you for your inquiry. You may want to read our page on how to apply for a loan without a bank account.
Best,
Adrienne
How do I ask for the loan
Hey Micheal,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
In the comparison table found above, you can select the state of your residence to show your loan options.
After which, you may click on the “Go to site” button on the right to be directed to the lender’s website and apply for the loan.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
Hi im out of my home state on some family business, and my harley got impounded and i need 1500 by Monday to get it out and get home.. All i have on me is a green dot prepaid debit card.
Hi Kaleb,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You are on the right page. You may review and compare the offers 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