Yes, but the method depends on what kind of Mastercard you have
You can transfer money from a Mastercard to a bank account, but not directly. Mastercard is a payment network, not a bank — it doesn't hold your money or process transfers the way a bank account does. What you can do depends on whether your Mastercard is a debit card, a credit card, or a prepaid card.
If you have a Mastercard debit card, the money is already in your bank account — the card is just how you access it. If you have a Mastercard credit card, you're borrowing money from the card issuer, and moving that balance to your bank account means paying off the card with a bank transfer, not the other way around. If you have a Mastercard prepaid card, you can withdraw cash or transfer the balance, depending on what the card issuer allows.
The confusion usually comes from mixing up the card itself with the account behind it. Understanding which type you have is the first step to knowing what's actually possible.
Key Takeaways
- Mastercard debit cards are linked to a bank account that already holds your money — you cannot transfer from the card to the account because they are the same account.
- Mastercard credit cards let you pay off the balance by transferring money from your bank account to the card issuer, which is the reverse of what you are asking.
- Mastercard prepaid cards can sometimes be emptied by requesting a balance transfer or withdrawal, but the process varies by card issuer and may involve fees.
- ATM cash withdrawals are the most straightforward way to get money out of any Mastercard, though you will pay a fee if the ATM is out-of-network.
Mastercard debit cards: the money is already in your bank
A Mastercard debit card is connected to a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. When you swipe the card, you are spending money that is already in that account. There is no separate "Mastercard account" holding funds — the card is just a tool to access the account you already have.
If you want to move money from this account to a different bank account, you do not use the Mastercard at all. Instead, you log into your bank's website or app and initiate a transfer to the other account using the bank's transfer tools. You can also write a check, use a wire transfer, or set up an ACH transfer — none of these involve the Mastercard itself.
The card number and the account number are different things. Giving someone your Mastercard number does not give them access to your account; it only lets them process a payment through the Mastercard network. If you need to move money between accounts, go through your bank directly.
Mastercard credit cards: you would pay the card, not withdraw from it
A Mastercard credit card is a line of credit issued by a bank or credit card company. The money you spend is borrowed, not withdrawn from an account you own. You cannot transfer a credit card balance to your bank account — the card issuer would see that as you trying to take out a cash advance, which costs a fee and charges interest when ready.
What you can do is pay off the credit card using your bank account. Log into your credit card issuer's website, find the payment section, and link your bank account. Then transfer money from your bank to the card issuer to pay down the balance. This is the standard way to pay a credit card bill.
If you have a large balance and want to move it elsewhere, you can request a balance transfer to a different credit card (which may offer a promotional rate), but you cannot move the balance into a regular bank account. The credit card company is lending you money; they will not send that money to your bank account unless you are closing the card and requesting a refund of a credit balance — which only happens if you have overpaid.
Mastercard prepaid cards: withdrawal and balance transfer options
A Mastercard prepaid card holds money that you loaded onto it yourself. Unlike a debit card, it is not connected to a bank account. Unlike a credit card, you are not borrowing — you are spending money you already put there. This is the type where you might actually want to move money out.
Your options depend on the card issuer. Some prepaid cards let you request a balance transfer to a linked bank account, though this usually takes 3 to 5 business days and may cost $5 to $15. Others do not offer this feature at all. Check your card's terms or contact the issuer's customer service to ask whether balance transfers are available.
The easiest method is usually to withdraw cash at an ATM. Most prepaid cards allow unlimited ATM withdrawals at in-network ATMs (often free), though out-of-network withdrawals typically cost $2 to $3 per transaction. Once you have the cash, you can deposit it into your bank account at a branch or ATM. This is slower than a direct transfer but works with any prepaid card.
Some prepaid card issuers also let you use the card to pay bills directly or send money to other people through their app, which can be a way to move funds without withdrawing cash. Check what your specific card offers before assuming a feature is available.
ATM withdrawals: the method that works for almost any Mastercard
If you have a Mastercard debit or prepaid card, you can withdraw cash at any ATM that displays the Mastercard logo. This is the most straightforward way to get money out, though it comes with timing and fee considerations.
In-network ATM withdrawals are usually free, but "in-network" depends on your card issuer. A bank's debit card might have free withdrawals at that bank's ATMs and at ATMs in a shared network like Allpoint or MoneyPass. A prepaid card might have a smaller network. Out-of-network withdrawals typically cost $2 to $3 per transaction, charged by the ATM operator, the card issuer, or both.
Once you have withdrawn the cash, you can deposit it into your bank account at a branch, through an ATM, or using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it). Mobile deposit usually clears within one business day. ATM deposits may take longer depending on the bank and the time of day you deposit.
This method works but is inefficient if you are moving large amounts regularly, because you are paying fees and handling physical cash. For regular transfers, use your bank's transfer tools instead.
Wire transfers and third-party payment apps
If your Mastercard is a debit card, you can use your bank account to send a wire transfer to another bank account — the Mastercard is not involved in this process. Wire transfers move money in hours rather than days, but they cost $15 to $30 and cannot be reversed once sent.
Some people use payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash to move money between accounts. You can link your Mastercard debit card to these apps and transfer the balance to your bank account, though the process is indirect: the app pulls money from your card and holds it, then you transfer it from the app to your bank. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days and may involve small fees.
These apps are useful if you are already using them for other reasons, but they are not the fastest or cheapest way to move money between your own accounts. Your bank's built-in transfer tools are almost always simpler and free.
Fees and timing you should know about
The cost and speed of moving money from a Mastercard depend on the method. Here is what to expect:
| Method | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (debit card) | Free | 1–3 business days | Regular transfers between your own accounts |
| Wire transfer | $15–$30 | Same day or next day | Large amounts that need to move fast |
| ATM withdrawal | $0–$3 per transaction | when ready (cash in hand) | Small amounts or when you need cash |
| Prepaid card balance transfer | $5–$15 | 3–5 business days | Emptying a prepaid card |
| Payment app transfer | Free to $3 | 1–3 business days | If you already use the app |
Timing matters if you are counting on the money arriving by a specific date. Bank transfers usually post within one business day if you initiate them before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), but weekends and holidays add delays. Wire transfers are faster but cost more. ATM withdrawals are when ready but require you to physically deposit the cash afterward.
Fees add up if you are moving money frequently. A $3 out-of-network ATM fee on a weekly withdrawal is $156 a year. A $15 prepaid card balance transfer fee on a monthly move is $180 a year. If you are doing this regularly, it is worth finding a method with lower or no fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money directly from my Mastercard to someone else's bank account?
Not directly from the card. If your Mastercard is a debit card, you can initiate a transfer from your bank account (which the card accesses) to another person's account through your bank's website or app. If it is a credit card, you would need to pay off the balance first using your bank account, then that money is no longer on the card. Prepaid cards typically do not offer this feature.
What happens if I try to transfer a credit card balance to my bank account?
The credit card company will not allow it. If you request a transfer, they may interpret it as a cash advance request, which charges a fee (usually 3–5% of the amount) and starts accruing interest when ready. The correct way to move money is to pay the credit card bill from your bank account, not the other way around.
Is there a fee for withdrawing cash from my Mastercard at an ATM?
It depends on the ATM and your card issuer. In-network ATM withdrawals are usually free, but out-of-network withdrawals typically cost $2 to $3. Some prepaid cards charge a fee even for in-network withdrawals. Check your card's fee schedule or contact the issuer to know what you will be charged.
How long does a prepaid card balance transfer take?
Most prepaid card issuers that offer balance transfers complete them in 3 to 5 business days. Some may take up to 10 business days. The exact timeline depends on the issuer and whether the receiving bank account is at the same institution. Check your card issuer's website or contact customer service for their specific timing.
Can I use a payment app like PayPal to move money from my Mastercard to my bank account?
Yes, if your Mastercard is a debit card. Link the card to the app, transfer the balance to your PayPal or app account, then transfer from the app to your bank account. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days total and may involve small fees. It is less direct than using your bank's transfer tools but works if you already use the app.