Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

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 2 business days or within 30 minutes for a fee
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 $5,000
As soon as the same business day
160% - 195% APR
Not available in: CO, CT, GA, IA, MD, MA, NY, SD, VT, WV. Comes with the option to change your due date so you won’t fall behind on repayments.
Finder score
$50 to $750
Up to 3 days or within an hour for a fee
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.
Go to site
Varo logo
Finder score
Up to $500
Instant, once qualified
No membership fee, instant transfer fee up to $40
Varo Advance (VA) is a small dollar line of credit. Initial limits range from $20-$250. Work your way up to $500 over time. Fees range from $1.60 - $40 based on loan amount.
Cleo logo
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 24 hours 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.
loading

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 453 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal finance
  • Banking
  • Auto loans
  • Insurance
  • Cryptocurrency and NFTs
More resources on Finder

Ask a question

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

323 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    KaylaNovember 12, 2018

    Can I get a cash loan with a check from my bank

      Default GravatarFinder
      JoshuaNovember 18, 2018Finder

      Hi Kayla,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      Yes, that’s possible especially if you have a checking account. On this page, you will a table that allows you to conveniently compare your options. Once you found the right lender, click on its “Go to site” green button.

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

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    PatsyNovember 10, 2018

    I need a small loan till payday I don’t have a checking account but I get direct deposit with a local bank debit

      Default GravatarFinder
      JoshuaNovember 18, 2018Finder

      Hi Patsy,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      If you have a bank account, you may be qualified with the loans mentioned on this page. You can use our table to compare options. Once you find the right lender for you, click on the corresponding “Go to site” green button.

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

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    JimmyOctober 29, 2018

    Where can I get loan with a prepaid debit card only?

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloOctober 29, 2018

      Hi Jimmy,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      You can get payday loan on a prepaid debit card by checking out the table above. Simply enter your state of residence and finder will automatically sort lenders specific to you. Once you have decided on the suited loan for your needs, you may click on the green ‘Go to site’ button to submit your application or know more about the loan offer.

      Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    CynthiaOctober 4, 2018

    What online loan companies can I use for bad credit no checking account only a debit card

      Default GravatarFinder
      johnbasanesOctober 5, 2018Finder

      Hi Cynthia,

      Thank you for leaving a question.

      You may want to review our article on “Bad credit and need a loan? You have options”. Depending on the state that you are in, there may be providers that have online applications where you get the results in minutes. Kindly review and compare your options on 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 the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.

      Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

    Default Gravatar
    DavidSeptember 27, 2018

    How long does my checking account have yo be open to get a payday loan the same day in Wisconsin?

      Default GravatarFinder
      CharisseSeptember 27, 2018Finder

      Hi David,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Generally, the checking account is a way for the lenders to verify your income and your permanent address however, there is no specific information on any duration requirement that the checking account should be open. You need to contact the lender directly for further information on this.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

More guides on Finder

Go to site