A prepaid card and a bank account are separate things, so you cannot add one to the other
A prepaid card is a card you load money onto in advance — like a gift card. A bank account is where a bank holds your money and lets you write checks, set up direct deposit, or transfer funds. They are two different products run by two different institutions, so you cannot literally add a prepaid card as an account holder the way you would add a person.
What you might actually want to do is move money between them, or use them together. Those are possible, but the steps depend on which direction you want the money to go and what kind of prepaid card you have.
Key Takeaways
- A prepaid card is not a bank account and cannot be added as an account holder, but you can transfer money between a prepaid card and a bank account.
- Most prepaid cards let you add your bank account as a funding source so you can reload the card when it runs low.
- You can also transfer money from a prepaid card back to a bank account, though the speed and fees vary by card issuer.
- Some prepaid cards are issued by banks and function more like checking accounts, which may have different linking options than standalone prepaid cards.
Linking your bank account to reload a prepaid card
Most prepaid card companies let you add your bank account as a way to put money onto the card when your balance gets low. This is called reloading. To do this, you usually log into the prepaid card's app or website, find the "Add Money" or "Reload" section, and enter your bank account number and routing number.
The prepaid card company will then pull money from your bank account and put it on the card. This normally takes one to three business days. Some cards charge a fee for reloading from a bank account — this fee varies widely, from nothing to a few dollars per reload. Check your card's fee schedule before you set this up, because the cost adds up if you reload often.
You will need your bank account number and your bank's routing number. You can find both on a check, or by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. Have these ready before you start the reload process.
Moving money from a prepaid card back to your bank account
If you want to transfer money the other direction — from the prepaid card to your bank account — the process depends on what kind of prepaid card you have. Some cards let you do this through their app or website by entering your bank details. Others do not allow transfers at all.
Check your prepaid card's website or call the customer service number on the back of the card to ask whether transfers to a bank account are possible. If they are, ask what the fee is and how long it takes. Some cards charge per transfer, and some take several business days to complete the move.
If your prepaid card does not allow direct transfers, you can sometimes withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it into your bank account, though this is slower and may cost you ATM fees.
Prepaid cards issued by banks work differently
Some prepaid cards are actually issued by banks — for example, some banks offer prepaid cards to people who are new to banking or rebuilding credit. These cards sometimes function more like regular checking accounts and may have different options for linking to other accounts.
If your prepaid card is issued by a bank, log into your account on that bank's website or app. You may be able to link it to another bank account you own, or set up transfers between the prepaid card and a savings account at the same bank. The steps will be clearer once you are logged in, because the bank's system will show you what is possible.
What you actually need if you want to add someone to your account
If your real goal is to let someone else use your money — for example, to give a family member access to funds — you do not need a prepaid card at all. You can add that person as an authorized user or joint account holder on your actual bank account. This is different from linking two separate products.
Go to your bank's website or visit a branch and ask about adding an account holder. You will need that person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bank will run a background check and then add them to your account. After that, they can use a debit card linked to your account to spend the money in it.
Fees and limits to watch for
Prepaid cards often charge more fees than bank accounts do. Common charges include monthly maintenance fees, reload fees, ATM fees, and fees to check your balance. These add up quickly if you use the card often. Before you link your bank account to a prepaid card, read the fee schedule to understand what you will pay.
Prepaid cards also have daily spending limits and daily ATM withdrawal limits. These are usually lower than what a bank account offers. If you plan to move large amounts of money, check whether your card's limits will work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my prepaid card number to set up direct deposit?
Some prepaid cards have routing numbers and account numbers that work for direct deposit, but not all. Check your card's website or call customer service to ask. If your card supports direct deposit, you can give your employer the card's routing and account numbers just like you would for a bank account.
What happens if I lose my prepaid card after I link it to my bank account?
Your bank account is separate and stays safe. Call the prepaid card company to report the card lost, and they will cancel it and issue a replacement. Your bank account will not be affected. The money in your bank account is protected whether or not the prepaid card is active.
Can I transfer money from one prepaid card to another prepaid card?
Most prepaid cards do not allow transfers to other prepaid cards directly. Your best option is usually to withdraw cash from one card and deposit it into a bank account, then reload the second card from that account. This takes longer and may cost you fees, so check both cards' policies first.
Do I need a bank account to use a prepaid card?
No. A prepaid card works on its own — you can load it with cash at a store or reload it with a debit card. You do not need a bank account to use a prepaid card, though linking one makes reloading easier and faster.