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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
    stephanieJune 18, 2018

    I have a prepaid visa netspend card. can I use it

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoJune 19, 2018

      Hi Stephanie!

      Thanks for your message and for visiting finder.

      You can use prepaid card as long as its a visa or mastercard.

      Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Nikki

      Default Gravatar
      LaahawnJuly 9, 2018

      Hello I’m trying to see can I get a loan with low credit score I need help

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloJuly 10, 2018

      Hi Laahawn,

      Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

      Having poor or bad credit — one that’s below 580 — can make it more difficult to qualify for a personal loan, but not impossible. You might have to pay higher interest rates than other borrowers, and you’ll probably need to apply with a lender that looks at more than your credit score to qualify.

      Please look through our guide to find the top online loans for bad credit borrowers.

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Default Gravatar
      MichaelAugust 6, 2018

      I have a net spend card who is a good lender that will put money on my card an not have a bank account my checks r deposited on my card so I don’t need a bank

    Default Gravatar
    ChristieJune 4, 2018

    Can you put a loan on my green dot card iam in nebraska

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaJune 5, 2018Finder

      Hi Christie,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      The answer to your question is yes. You can use your Green Dot Debit Card to receive your payday loan. However, Please note that we don’t represent any company we feature on our site and so you need to directly get in touch with them when applying for a loan.

      On this page, you will see a table that allows you to conveniently compare your options. Once you find the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more or initiate your application.

      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
    BsoardMay 25, 2018

    I have a prepaid walmart card that has my name on it can i get a payday loan on that without a banl account

      Default Gravatar
      AshMay 26, 2018

      Hi Bsoard,

      Thank you for visiting finder.

      For the Cash Central payday loan, the approved loan amount is credited to a Green Dot® prepaid card. With regards to Speedy Cash, they offer 3 types of Opt+® debit cards which are Monthly Card, Direct Deposit Card and Pay as You Go Card.

      Unfortunately, Walmart Prepaid Card is not accepted by both Lenders.

      I hope this helps.

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

      Cheers,
      Ash

    Default Gravatar
    MMarch 20, 2018

    I get Social Security and my money gets deposited onto my card from the Social Security Administration can I get a payday loan without having a checking account only having that card that they put my check on to

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaMarch 28, 2018Finder

      Hi M Pinner,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      The answer to your question is yes. You can get a payday loan without having a checking account and by just having a prepaid debit card. Of course, you still need to check other requirements and eligibility criteria of each lender.

      Feel free to explore your options using our table on this page. Compare your options and click on the “Go to site” green button to initiate your application.

      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
    RLJanuary 30, 2018

    How can I get a payday loan without a bank account ?

      Default Gravatar
      LoriMarch 23, 2018

      Can I get a loan on my prepaid card cause I can’t get a traditional bank account or I was able to get an account with Varo online so can I get a loan deposited with them

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaMarch 26, 2018Finder

      Hi Lori,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      Yes, it is possible for you to get a loan on your prepaid card. As what this page suggests, you’ll find short-term lenders combining access to fast cash with the convenience of a prepaid debit card. These debit cards are typically branded with Visa or Mastercard, offering the flexibility to pay bills or swipe for necessities at retailers nationwide.

      As for your options, please explore our table on this page. You’ll be able to conveniently compare your options by using our table. After deciding which lender you want to go with, just click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more.

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

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      AvatarFinder
      HaroldFebruary 27, 2018Finder

      Hi RL,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      The lenders that offer loans to people with no bank account are listed above. If you have a prepaid debit card, they can transfer the funds to your card once you are approved. You may further review the guide on how you can compare your options above. Then contact the lender directly to discuss your options and eligibility. If you also wish to visit their main page, just click on the green ‘Go to site’ button.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

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