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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 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)

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.

Product Finder Score Max. amount per pay period Turnaround time Costs
Finder score
Up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays
1 to 3 business days or within minutes for a fee starting at $2.99 per transfer
Free to use or within minutes with a fee as low as $2.99 per transfer
Access up to $150 per day, with a max of $750 between paydays. Subject to EarnIn terms & conditions.
Finder score
$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.
Finder score
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 logo
Finder score
Up to $500
Within 2 days or $2 for instant transfers
No subscription fees
Access up to $500 of your pay before payday fee-free within 24 hours. See Chime terms and conditions.
Current
Current logo
Finder score
$50 to $750
Get instant access to your paycheck in advance for a fee, or get it fee-free within 3 business days
Free
Get up to $750 before payday, once you qualify. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product. Subject to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.
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What is the Finder Score?

The Finder Score crunches 3+ types of short-term loans across 65+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.

To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best short-term loans for all credit types, you can see how each short-term loan stacks up against other short-term loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.

Read the full Finder Score breakdown

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.

Bethany Hickey's headshot
Written by

Banking editor

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

Bethany's expertise
Bethany has written 435 Finder guides across topics including:
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323 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    SusanFebruary 27, 2019

    Can I get a loan on SSI?

      Default GravatarFinder
      JhezelynFebruary 28, 2019Finder

      Hello Susan,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, there are lenders who consider people on SSI. See the page and compare the loan products available for you.

      Kindly enter your state in the box found on the page and click Show me my Options. You can now compare the lenders and click the Go to Site or Apply Now button to apply.

      Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    LynetteFebruary 18, 2019

    My question is can I use my pay xard thru my job

      Default GravatarFinder
      johnbasanesFebruary 19, 2019Finder

      Hi Lynette,

      Thank you for reaching out to finder.

      Apart from using a prepaid card to have the funds transferred to you, you can also opt on using a bank account under your name like a personal bank account or a bank account for your salary for the funds to be transferred to. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    RoseFebruary 11, 2019

    How can I apply prepaid card and loan?

      Default GravatarFinder
      JhezelynFebruary 12, 2019Finder

      Hello Rose,

      Thank you for your comment.

      To apply for a prepaid card, please check first our guide that explains how it works. On the same page, you’ll get to compare the cards’ fees and benefits. After comparing, please click the Go to Site button if you think that the card is right for you. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of this account to help consider whether the product is right for you.

      To apply for the loan, please compare the loans available in your state first, by entering your state above. Then compare the loans and click the Go to Site button to apply. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    TammyFebruary 5, 2019

    I need to know if I can get a $500 loan and I do not have a checking account. I need this loan until I receive my income tax return. I filed my taxes on Jan 18th 2019.

      Default GravatarFinder
      JhezelynFebruary 6, 2019Finder

      Hi Tammy,

      Thank you for your comment.

      Yes, you may be considered for a loan even without a checking account, however, the process may not be as easy as those with bank accounts. Learn about getting a loan without bank accounts and see how it works. One of the things that the lenders will be checking is your credit score and financial ability to pay back the loan.

      You will see a comparison table on site. Check on the loan type, how it works, eligibility, and the cost. Kindly review and compare your options in the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to their website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have. Consider calling ahead to make sure you can qualify without a bank account.

      Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

    Default Gravatar
    GaishaJanuary 21, 2019

    How do I apply?

      Default GravatarFinder
      JhezelynJanuary 22, 2019Finder

      Hello Gaisha,

      Thank you for your comment.

      If you’re referring on how to apply for the payday loan, first, you’ll need to compare or shop around for a payday loan product. The lenders listed above offer payday loans, just enter your zip code and click show me my options and you’ll get personalized loan options in your location. After comparing the products, please click the Go to Site button to be redirected to your preferred lender.

      Please be advised that Payday Loan Requirements may vary from lender to lender so it’s important to meet the requirements, as well as the eligibility criteria before submitting an application for the loan.

      Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

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