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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 logo
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.
EarnIn
Finder Score: 4.7 / 5: ★★★★★
EarnIn logo
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 logo
$500 to $4,000
As soon as the same business day
160% - 179% APR
Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WA, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Dave ExtraCash
Finder Score: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★
Dave logo
Up to $500
Up to 3 business days or instant for a fee
Undisclosed
Borrow up to $100 to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
Wisely
Not rated yet
Wisely logo
Undisclosed, based on earned wages
Instant to Wisely card
No fees for early direct deposit
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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
    AndreaAugust 1, 2017

    How do I apply ?

      AvatarFinder
      AnndyAugust 2, 2017Finder

      Hi Andrea,

      Thanks for your question.

      Before you apply, kindly review the eligibility criteria as well as the terms and conditions of the loan product you are interested in before submitting your application.

      You can apply by clicking the “Go to site” button. When you are on the lender’s website, you may have to fill-out an online form so that the lender can process your application.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    BillJuly 31, 2017

    I need a small loan ASAP.

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 31, 2017Finder

      Hi Bill,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      If you wish to apply for payday loan you would need to meet the following eligibility criteria.
      – Be a US citizen or permanent resident
      – Live in a state that allows payday loans
      – Meet the age requirements of the state you’re living in (usually 18-21)
      – Have steady income

      Please note that your chance of approval may vary depending on the lender and how they see you can repay the loan.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    QuelJuly 31, 2017

    I would like to know, do you guys do it in city North Carolina and I have no bank account?

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 31, 2017Finder

      Hi Quel,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      If you are looking for a loan and you do not have a bank account, there are lenders that offer no bank account loans that you can consider applying. You may still be approved as long as you meet the lender’s eligibility requirements. However, please note that these loans will most likely cost you more than the average personal loans so please read through the loan terms and conditions before making a decision on whether it is right for you.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    LyndaJuly 27, 2017

    Hello I have a question I receive ssi monthly and I do not have a bank account its automatically deposited on a card can I still get a loan

      AvatarFinder
      AnndyJuly 27, 2017Finder

      Hi Lynda,

      Thanks for your question.

      The lenders we feature above consider borrowers who do not have a bank account.

      Kindly check the eligibility criteria of the loan to see which lenders will consider you, given that you are also receiving SSI. You may also directly get in touch with these lenders to discuss your eligibility and chance of approval.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    DarleneJuly 26, 2017

    How do I apply?

      AvatarFinder
      JasonJuly 27, 2017Finder

      Hi Darlene,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      If you want to apply for a loan from the lenders above, please click the name of your preferred lender to find out the details and the minimum eligibility of the lender. You may then click the green ‘Go to site‘ button to submit your loan application online.

      Please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the lender and make sure to read the details, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the loan option before making a decision and consider whether the product or option is right for you.

      Kind regards,
      Jason

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