Virtual cards don't hold money—they're just a payment method
A virtual card is a temporary card number linked to an existing funding source, usually a bank account, credit card, or prepaid account. When you use a virtual card to make a purchase, the money comes from that underlying account. You cannot withdraw money from a virtual card itself because the card has no balance—it's only a way to spend money you already have elsewhere.
If you have money sitting in a virtual card account (like a prepaid virtual card product), you move it back to your bank account by transferring it from the prepaid account to your linked bank account. The steps depend on which service issued the virtual card.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual cards are payment methods, not accounts that hold money—the funds live in the account the card is linked to.
- If your virtual card is issued by a prepaid card company, you can transfer the balance to your bank account through their app or website.
- Most prepaid virtual card services charge a fee to transfer money out, ranging from $1 to $5 per transfer.
- The transfer typically takes one to three business days, though some services offer instant transfers for an additional fee.
- If your virtual card is linked to a credit card or bank account, the money is already in that account and needs no transfer.
Identify what type of virtual card you have
The method to move money depends on what issued the card. Virtual cards come from three main sources: prepaid card companies (like Chime, Revolut, or Wise), banks offering virtual card numbers for their checking accounts, or credit card issuers offering virtual numbers for their credit lines.
If you opened a prepaid account and received a virtual card, that company holds your money in their system. If your bank issued a virtual card number for your existing checking account, the money is already in your bank account—there is nothing to transfer. If your credit card issuer gave you a virtual number, the money is on credit, not in an account you own.
Log into the app or website where you set up the virtual card. Look for the card details or account settings. The issuer's name appears on your statements or in your account dashboard.
Transfer money from a prepaid virtual card account to your bank
Most prepaid virtual card services let you transfer your balance to a linked bank account. Open the app or website, find the transfer or withdrawal option (often labeled "Move Money," "Transfer," or "Withdraw"), and select your linked bank account as the destination.
Enter the amount you want to transfer. The service will show you the fee (if any) and the expected arrival date. Confirm the transfer. The money usually arrives in one to three business days, though some services offer instant transfers for a higher fee—typically $1 to $3 extra.
Common prepaid virtual card services and their transfer options:
| Service | Transfer Method | Standard Fee | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chime | App or website to linked bank account | Free | 1–3 business days |
| Revolut | App to linked bank account | Free (standard) or $1–$2 (instant) | 1–3 business days or instant |
| Wise | App or website to linked bank account | $0.50–$2 depending on currency | 1–3 business days |
| Square Cash | App to linked bank account | Free | 1–3 business days |
| PayPal Debit Card | App or website to linked bank account | Free | 1–3 business days |
Check your specific service's terms, as fees and timelines vary by account type and location.
Link your bank account if you haven't already
Before you can transfer money out, the prepaid card service must have your bank account on file. In the app or website, go to settings or linked accounts and select "Add Bank Account" or "Link Bank." You'll need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your bank's app.
The service will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1) into your bank account within one to two business days. Once those deposits appear, you'll need to confirm the amounts in the prepaid card app to complete the link. Only after verification can you transfer money to that account.
If you already have a bank account linked, you can skip this step and proceed directly to the transfer.
What to do if the transfer fails or takes longer than expected
If your transfer doesn't arrive within the stated timeline, log back into the prepaid card service and check the transaction history. Look for the transfer status—it should show "pending," "processing," or "completed." If it shows completed but the money hasn't reached your bank, contact your bank's customer service and provide the transfer confirmation number from the prepaid card service.
Your bank may need one to two additional business days to post the transfer, especially if it arrived outside normal processing hours. If the transfer shows failed or cancelled, the money returns to your prepaid card account automatically, usually within one business day.
If you see an unexpected fee charged, review the prepaid card service's fee schedule. Some services charge a fee for transfers to accounts at certain banks or for transfers above a certain amount. Contact the prepaid card company's support team if the fee was not disclosed before you confirmed the transfer.
Avoid common mistakes when transferring virtual card money
Double-check the bank account number and routing number before confirming any transfer. A mistake in either number sends the money to the wrong account, and recovering it takes time and effort. Copy and paste the numbers from your bank's official app or website rather than typing them by hand.
Do not assume a transfer is instant unless you paid for an instant transfer option. Standard transfers take one to three business days, and weekends and holidays do not count. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
Be aware that some prepaid card services limit how much you can transfer per day or per month. Check your account settings or the service's terms to see if a limit applies to you. If you need to move a large balance, you may need to make multiple transfers over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw virtual card money as cash from an ATM?
Yes, if your virtual card is issued by a prepaid card company that offers ATM access. Most prepaid services let you withdraw from ATMs that accept their card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), though they usually charge a fee per withdrawal ($1 to $3). Transferring to your bank account is usually cheaper if you don't need cash immediately.
What if my bank account is at a different bank than where I opened the virtual card?
That does not matter. You can link any bank account to your prepaid virtual card service, as long as the account is in your name. The routing and account numbers work across all U.S. banks. Just make sure you enter them correctly.
Does transferring money from a virtual card to my bank account affect my credit score?
No. Transferring money between your own accounts has no effect on your credit. Credit scores only change based on credit activity—borrowing, payments, and account age. Moving prepaid money to a bank account is not a credit transaction.
How long does it take to link a new bank account to my virtual card service?
Verification usually takes one to two business days. The service deposits two small amounts into your bank account, and you confirm the amounts in the app. After confirmation, the account is linked and ready to use for transfers. Some services offer instant linking if you provide your online banking login, though this is less common.
Can I transfer money from a virtual card issued by my bank to a different bank?
If your bank issued the virtual card as a number for your checking account, the money is already in your bank account. You would transfer it using your bank's standard transfer tools (bill pay, external transfer, or wire), not through the virtual card service. Contact your bank for instructions on how to send money to another bank.