Get $50 when you register your email with us and take your first cash advance through EarnIn.
Finder members get a $50 digital Visa gift card when they open their first EarnIn account and complete a Cash Out. Offer ends on May 15, 2026.
Separate T&Cs and limits apply.
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.
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.
We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked these
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.
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
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.
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
Hi need a loan only have a green dot debit card with direct deposit
Finder
HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder
Hi Bless,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you currently have a green dot card you can reach out to customer service for Green dot to discuss your available options. Or compare other debit card loan options above.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
PatriciaJuly 24, 2017
I ask for payday loans without bank accounts. After I fill everything out, the last page wants bank account information. Waste of time been doing this 2 days now, it’s a load of crap.
Finder
HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I understand your frustration. Sorry to hear the lender you found did not work out for you.
If you do not have a checking account, there are lenders that offer no bank account loans that you can consider applying with. However, please note that these loans will likely charge higher fees and some lenders may require collateral.
As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan Terms and Conditions before applying and making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
ConnieJuly 23, 2017
I have a netspend card and am in the process of repairing my credit but need an emergency payday loan, can I get one in Washington State with a netspend card?
AshAugust 1, 2017
Hello Connie,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Your approval for a loan would depend on the lender’s assessment of your overall financial situation. There are lenders who might approve you if you meet their criteria. Please refer to this page for the list of lenders – https://www.finder.com/bad-credit-payday-loans. Best that you contact them first to discuss your options before submitting your application.
I hope this information helps.
Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.
Cheers,
Ash
DarleneJuly 23, 2017
Don’t have a checking account, would like to apply for a loan.
I recently was robbed for my wallet that was in my vehicle which was stolen so have no money, no access to money in anyway, no ID. Is there anything I can apply for online?
Finder
HaroldJuly 24, 2017Finder
Hi Jose,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I am sorry to hear that you were robbed. I understand that this must be a tough time for you.
There lenders that offer online loans, however, typically require at least two forms of government-issued identification and other documents to apply for a loan with them.
If you have lost your driver’s license during the robbing incident, you can use other forms of IDs such as birth certificates and utility bills that are also usually, accepted by most lenders. If you do not have other acceptable forms of ID you can use, speak with your lender to discuss your options. Better yet, consider getting a replacement for all the IDs you have lost.
As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan terms and conditions before applying and making a to see whether it is right for you.
Check City offers payday loans and installment loans to people looking for money quickly regardless of credit score. Read about other similar providers.
Spotloan provides next day funding when you need money fast, but it is a tribal lender with sky-high APRs. Find other providers with similar services but much better rates and terms.
OpenCashAdvance.com specializes in what is known as cash advance loans, which are payday cash loans. Learn more about them here.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Hi need a loan only have a green dot debit card with direct deposit
Hi Bless,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you currently have a green dot card you can reach out to customer service for Green dot to discuss your available options. Or compare other debit card loan options above.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
I ask for payday loans without bank accounts. After I fill everything out, the last page wants bank account information. Waste of time been doing this 2 days now, it’s a load of crap.
Hi Patricia,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I understand your frustration. Sorry to hear the lender you found did not work out for you.
If you do not have a checking account, there are lenders that offer no bank account loans that you can consider applying with. However, please note that these loans will likely charge higher fees and some lenders may require collateral.
As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan Terms and Conditions before applying and making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
I have a netspend card and am in the process of repairing my credit but need an emergency payday loan, can I get one in Washington State with a netspend card?
Hello Connie,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
Your approval for a loan would depend on the lender’s assessment of your overall financial situation. There are lenders who might approve you if you meet their criteria. Please refer to this page for the list of lenders – https://www.finder.com/bad-credit-payday-loans. Best that you contact them first to discuss your options before submitting your application.
I hope this information helps.
Let us know if there is anything else that we may assist you with.
Cheers,
Ash
Don’t have a checking account, would like to apply for a loan.
Hi Darlene,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you don’t have any bank account information you may want to consider loans that don’t require a bank account. On the other hand, if you have a prepaid debit card you might be interested in a prepaid debit card loan.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
I recently was robbed for my wallet that was in my vehicle which was stolen so have no money, no access to money in anyway, no ID. Is there anything I can apply for online?
Hi Jose,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I am sorry to hear that you were robbed. I understand that this must be a tough time for you.
There lenders that offer online loans, however, typically require at least two forms of government-issued identification and other documents to apply for a loan with them.
If you have lost your driver’s license during the robbing incident, you can use other forms of IDs such as birth certificates and utility bills that are also usually, accepted by most lenders. If you do not have other acceptable forms of ID you can use, speak with your lender to discuss your options. Better yet, consider getting a replacement for all the IDs you have lost.
As a reminder, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the loan terms and conditions before applying and making a to see whether it is right for you.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold