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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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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
    BlessJuly 24, 2017

    Hi need a loan only have a green dot debit card with direct deposit

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Bless,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      If you currently have a green dot card you can reach out to customer service for Green dot to discuss your available options. Or compare other debit card loan options above.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    PatriciaJuly 24, 2017

    I ask for payday loans without bank accounts. After I fill everything out, the last page wants bank account information. Waste of time been doing this 2 days now, it’s a load of crap.

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Patricia,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      I understand your frustration. Sorry to hear the lender you found did not work out for you.

      If you do not have a checking account, there are lenders that offer no bank account loans that you can consider applying with. However, please note that these loans will likely charge higher fees and some lenders may require collateral.

      As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan Terms and Conditions before applying and making a decision on whether it is right for you.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    ConnieJuly 23, 2017

    I have a netspend card and am in the process of repairing my credit but need an emergency payday loan, can I get one in Washington State with a netspend card?

      Default Gravatar
      AshAugust 1, 2017

      Hello Connie,

      Thank you for reaching out to us.

      Your approval for a loan would depend on the lender’s assessment of your overall financial situation. There are lenders who might approve you if you meet their criteria. Please refer to this page for the list of lenders – https://www.finder.com/bad-credit-payday-loans. Best that you contact them first to discuss your options before submitting your application.

      I hope this information helps.

      Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.

      Cheers,
      Ash

    Default Gravatar
    DarleneJuly 23, 2017

    Don’t have a checking account, would like to apply for a loan.

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Darlene,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      If you don’t have any bank account information you may want to consider loans that don’t require a bank account. On the other hand, if you have a prepaid debit card you might be interested in a prepaid debit card loan.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

    Default Gravatar
    JoseJuly 23, 2017

    I recently was robbed for my wallet that was in my vehicle which was stolen so have no money, no access to money in anyway, no ID. Is there anything I can apply for online?

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder

      Hi Jose,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      I am sorry to hear that you were robbed. I understand that this must be a tough time for you.

      There lenders that offer online loans, however, typically require at least two forms of government-issued identification and other documents to apply for a loan with them.

      If you have lost your driver’s license during the robbing incident, you can use other forms of IDs such as birth certificates and utility bills that are also usually, accepted by most lenders. If you do not have other acceptable forms of ID you can use, speak with your lender to discuss your options. Better yet, consider getting a replacement for all the IDs you have lost.

      As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan terms and conditions before applying and making a to see whether it is right for you.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

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