These days, most lenders deposit your loan funds directly into your checking account. But a few lenders can load a payday loan (or similar) onto an existing debit card. Or, as one alternative, some cash advance providers may be able to deposit advances onto your debit card or offer their own cards to fund.
However, like other short-term loans, debit card loans are best used as a last resort, as they can come with rates of 400% or more. Plus, some lenders may require you to visit a physical location, not all debit cards are eligible and you typically need an open and active checking account to qualify.
5 lenders that offer debit card loans
These lenders will load a payday loan onto your personal debit card or prepaid card that you can swipe at stores or use online.
- Best for larger loan amounts: Advance America Payday Loan
- Best for fully online process: ACE Cash Express Short-term Loans
- Best for wider state availability: Speedy Cash Short-term Loans
- Best for non-internet users: Check Into Cash Installment Loans
- Best for online bank accounts: LendNation
Cash advance apps that include debit cards
Cash advance apps can be a good alternative to payday loans, with lower fees, more favorable terms and features and the ability to use a debit card for quick access to funds.
Looking for other options? Check out these similar products.
How we picked theseWhat 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.
How does a debit card loan work?
A debit card loan is any type of loan where the funds are deposited onto a debit card instead of into your bank account (or disbursed as cash or a check). The debit card could come from your regular bank, an online bank or it could be a prepaid debit card.
In general, payday lenders are the only ones who offer debit card loans, but they may also deposit funds from other loan types, too, like installment loans or title loans. Payday debit card loans are typically due on your next pay date, but some loan options offer longer loan terms.
Pros and cons of a prepaid debit card payday loan
Payday loans come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Easy access to funds. Once your lender transfers your money to your card, you can use it to shop at stores or online, pay your bills or 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 debit card providers allow you to earn cash back or other 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, although some extend up to 30 days. 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 debit card loan
Applying for a prepaid debit card payday loan is similar to other types of loans, except it may not require a hard credit check.
- Check requirements. You’ll likely 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. Most payday lenders don’t check your credit score, although they might if you opt for a larger loan.
- Gather documents. You’ll likely need your SSN, valid identification, pay stubs, employer information and proof of address.
- Apply. If you apply online, you could receive a lending decision within minutes. Payday lenders often have fast turnaround times, and some may even fund your debit card within 30 minutes.
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 there is a very real risk of falling into a cycle of debt if you borrow money between paychecks often.
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.
Alternatives to debit card loans
With high fees associated with debit card loans, you may want to consider other options.
- Personal loan. You can borrow as little as $1,000 with a personal loan, and you’ll have longer to pay it back at a lower rate than a payday loan. However, you may need good credit to qualify.
- Installment loan. Payday lenders often provide installment loans, too, but these lenders may have better rates and more favorable loan terms.
- Cash advance apps. It’s typically easy to qualify for a cash advance app. They’re cheaper than debit card payday loans, and funding is practically instant for a small fee.
- Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps. If you don’t need cash, a BNPL app is an easy way to make larger purchases and pay over time. And you may not even be charged interest.
Bottom line
A 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.
Frequently asked questions
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Unfortunately, most lenders that offer debit card loans require a bank account. Check out our guide of no bank account lenders to see potential lending options.
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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. But you may be able to withdraw money from your prepaid debit card and pay the lender directly.
Lacey Stark is a freelance personal finance writer for Finder, specializing in banking, loans, investing, estate planning, and more. She has 20 years of experience writing and editing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications. A word nerd from childhood, Lacey officially got her start reporting on live sporting events and moved on to cover topics such as construction, technology, and travel before finding her niche in personal finance. Originally from New England, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and completed a postgraduate journalism program at Metropolitan State University also in Denver. She currently lives in Chicagoland with her dog Chunk and likes to read and play golf. See full bio
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Im self emplyed, i do hair out of my house and recieve cash. I make a couple hundred dollars on wkds and own my house its paid off. Credit not great, how can i get a small loan?
Hi Jeannette,
Thank you for contacting Finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
While having a poor credit score may affect your chances of getting approved for a loan, if you have the ability to repay, there are bad credit personal loans you can compare to find lenders that might be willing to work with you.
Before applying, please make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and review the loan terms and conditions to see whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
Every site I have applied at asks for bank information when I specifically requested a payday loan with no bank account required. In reality, is there such a thing?
Hey Susan,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
As of this writing, the lenders featured on this page do require a valid checking account upon application.
It’s possible that there would be lenders that do not require a bank account. However, they may need additional requirements to be presented in order to verify your source of income. These type of loans tend to have higher fees or rates. It would be best to confirm the details from the lenders directly.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
I have a Rushcard debit. Can I use that to get a loan?
Hello Sonya,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Rushcard prepaid debit card can be funded through cash loading, direct deposit, check cashing and bank or PayPal transfers. If your chosen lender will be funding your loan using these methods, then yes.
Please take note that some payday lenders may have their preferred method and some fees involved, which will be disclosed prior the transaction.
You can reach out to your chosen lender for further assistance.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have a job that pays weekly, however i dont have a bank account. I do have a netspend Western Union prepaid debit card. I need some cash for car repairs fast. Is there any way A lender would work with me on thoae terms
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The lenders that could possibly offer you a loan are the ones listed above. You may contact them to confirm and discuss your eligibility and options. Please also note that in some states, payday loans are not legal. I would suggest that you check in the map above to find out whether or not the payday loan is legal where you live.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
I have no job and i am need of cash to pay some bills is there away i can get cash today? Also i have a netspend prepaid card is there away i could use that to get and get cash put on the card
Hi Heather,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
You are on the right page. You may review and compare the offers available on the table. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle