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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
Go to site
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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
    MayleeSeptember 25, 2018

    I have no bank account an in need of an emergency loan!?!?

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloSeptember 25, 2018

      Hi Maylee,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      Without a checking or savings account, your loan options may come up short. But alternative services could be a way for you to bridge a financial gap without the need for your local bank. To compare from lenders who offers loan without a bank account.

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

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    AliceSeptember 14, 2018

    Iam recieving SSI. Every month my money is direct deposit on my Direct Express Debit card can i get a payday loan

      AvatarFinder
      CharisseSeptember 15, 2018Finder

      Hi Alice,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Yes, you can apply for a payday loan even if you are receiving SSI benefit. Generally, lenders offering payday loans require their applicants to have a steady source of income and most lenders consider SSI benefit as a form of income. These lenders do not always require the borrowers to have a bank account as well, so having a prepaid debit card will still suffice.

      However, before applying, it’s always good to check the lender’s eligibility criteria and also read relevant documents with the loan term agreement to help you decide if it best suits your needs.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

    Default Gravatar
    AngelaJuly 31, 2018

    How long does it take to get prove for a small loan

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloJuly 31, 2018

      Hi Angela,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      Most lenders can transfer your money by the next business day. If you’re a repeat borrower, you may already have the prepaid card to load your funds. Please send me a message if you need more help. :)

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    Ta-NaeJuly 24, 2018

    Can I get A payday loan without a checking account?

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloJuly 25, 2018

      Hi Ta-Nae,

      Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

      You can check out our no-bank account loans guide to compare available options. The lenders on this page require you to have a bank account. Once you have decided on a suitable 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.

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    RyanJuly 14, 2018

    I draw disability $853 a month I need to loan $500 my credit isn’t good and my money comes on a Direct Express Card can I still get a loan even though I don’t have a bank account and just comes on the card

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaJuly 24, 2018Finder

      Hi Ryan,

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

      The answer to your question is yes. It is still possible for you to obtain a loan by using your prepaid debit card. Since you mentioned you receive disability, then you may find our list of loans for people on pension helpful.

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

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

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