You can transfer money from a prepaid Mastercard to a bank account, but the method depends on what features your card has
Not all prepaid Mastercards let you move money to a bank account directly. Some cards have a transfer feature built in; others don't. The fastest way to find out is to log into your card's app or website and look for an option called "transfer funds," "move money," or "send to bank." If you don't see it, you have other routes — but they're slower or cost money.
The card issuer controls what you can do. A Mastercard issued by NetSpend, for example, has a different set of features than one from Chime or Green Dot. Before you try anything, check your card's terms or call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask directly: "Can I transfer my balance to a bank account?"
Key Takeaways
- Some prepaid Mastercards have a built-in transfer feature that moves money to your linked bank account in one to three business days at no cost.
- If your card doesn't have a transfer feature, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself, but you'll pay an ATM fee.
- A third-party money transfer service like PayPal or Square Cash can move the money, but you'll need to add your prepaid card as a payment method first.
- Writing a check to yourself from a prepaid card that offers check-writing is possible but slow — checks take five to ten business days to clear.
- The card issuer's website or app is the first place to look; if the feature exists, it will be there.
How to transfer directly from your prepaid card's app or website
Log into your prepaid card's app or go to the issuer's website. Look for a tab or menu option that says "Transfer," "Move Money," "Send to Bank," or "Withdraw." Click it. You'll be asked to enter your bank account number and routing number — the same information you'd give to set up a direct deposit.
Once you've linked your bank account, you can enter the amount you want to transfer. The money usually arrives in one to three business days. There is no fee for this if your card issuer offers it as a standard feature. Some cards limit how much you can transfer at once or how many transfers you can make per month — check your card's terms or the app for those limits.
If you don't see a transfer option in the app or website, it doesn't exist for your card. Move on to another method.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing it yourself
This works with any prepaid Mastercard, but it costs money. Use your card at an ATM to withdraw cash. Most prepaid cards charge a fee per ATM withdrawal — typically $1.50 to $3 — unless you use an in-network ATM. Check your card's fee schedule to see which ATMs are free.
Once you have the cash, go to your bank and deposit it into your account. The deposit will show up in your account the same day or the next business day, depending on when you deposit and your bank's processing schedule. You lose money to the ATM fee, but the process is fast and doesn't require any setup.
Using a third-party money transfer service
PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, and similar services can move money from your prepaid card to your bank account, but you have to go through the service as a middleman. Add your prepaid Mastercard as a payment method in the app. Then transfer money from the card to your PayPal balance (or the equivalent in that service). Finally, transfer from that balance to your bank account.
This takes longer than a direct transfer — usually three to five business days total — and some services charge a small fee to move money from a card to your account. Check the service's fee schedule before you start. This method is useful if you already use the service for other reasons, but it's not the fastest or cheapest route if your card has a built-in transfer feature.
Writing a check from your prepaid card account
Some prepaid cards, particularly those from NetSpend and Chime, offer check-writing. If yours does, you can write a check to yourself and deposit it into your bank account. This is free but very slow — checks take five to ten business days to clear, and you won't have access to the money until the check has been processed.
To use this method, you need to have ordered checks from your card issuer. If you haven't, you'll have to order them first, which takes another week or two. This is the slowest option and should only be used if you have no other choice.
What happens if your prepaid card is closed or frozen
If your card issuer closes your account or freezes your card, you can still get your money out, but the process is different. Contact customer service and ask how to retrieve your balance. Most issuers will either mail you a check, transfer the money to a bank account you provide, or let you withdraw it at an ATM before the card stops working.
If your card is frozen due to suspected fraud, the issuer may hold your money for a period while they investigate. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Ask the issuer for a timeline and what you need to do to speed up the process.
Fees and limits to watch for
Direct transfers from your card to your bank account are usually free, but ATM withdrawals, third-party services, and check deposits all have costs. ATM fees are the most common — $1.50 to $3 per withdrawal — and they add up if you make multiple withdrawals. Some prepaid cards also limit how much you can transfer per day or per month. Check your card's fee schedule and terms before you move money.
If you're moving a large amount, ask your card issuer whether there are daily or monthly transfer limits. Some cards cap transfers at $500 or $1,000 per day. If you need to move more than that, you may have to make multiple transfers over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from a prepaid Mastercard to a bank account?
Direct transfers through your card's app or website usually take one to three business days. ATM withdrawals are instant, but you have to physically deposit the cash. Third-party services like PayPal take three to five business days. Checks take five to ten business days to clear.
Will I be charged a fee to transfer money to my bank account?
Direct transfers are free if your card issuer offers them. ATM withdrawals cost $1.50 to $3 per withdrawal unless you use an in-network ATM. Third-party services may charge a small fee to move money from your card to your account — check their fee schedule first.
What if my prepaid card doesn't have a transfer feature?
You can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself, use a third-party service like PayPal, or write a check if your card offers check-writing. The ATM method is fastest but costs a fee per withdrawal. The other methods are slower but may be free or cheaper depending on your card and the service.
Can I transfer money if my prepaid card is closed?
Yes. Contact the card issuer and ask how to retrieve your balance. Most will mail you a check, transfer the money to a bank account you provide, or let you withdraw it at an ATM. If your card is frozen due to fraud investigation, the issuer may hold your money while they investigate — ask for a timeline.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer?
Some prepaid cards limit daily or monthly transfers to $500, $1,000, or another amount. Check your card's terms or contact customer service to find out your limits. If you need to move more than the daily limit, you can make multiple transfers over several days.