Yes, you can transfer money from a prepaid card to a bank account, but the method depends on which prepaid card you have

Most prepaid cards let you move money to a linked bank account, though not all of them do. The speed and cost vary widely — some transfers are free and when ready, others take a few business days or charge a fee. The simplest route is usually the prepaid card's own app or website, where you can often set up a transfer in minutes. If your card doesn't offer that option, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank, though that takes more steps and may cost you ATM fees.

The key is knowing what your specific card allows. A prepaid card issued by a major bank (like Chime, NetSpend, or Varo) typically has more transfer options than a generic gift card or a prepaid card you bought at a convenience store. Before you try to transfer, check your card's app, website, or the back of the card for customer service information.

Key Takeaways

  • Most mainstream prepaid cards let you transfer money to a linked bank account through their app or website, usually for free and within one business day.
  • Some prepaid cards charge a fee for transfers, so check your card's terms or contact customer service before you move money.
  • If your prepaid card doesn't offer transfers, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank, though ATM fees may explore.
  • You will need your bank account number and routing number to set up a transfer from your prepaid card.
  • Transfers from prepaid cards to bank accounts are not the same as transfers between two bank accounts — the rules and timing depend on the prepaid card issuer.

How to transfer through your prepaid card's app or website

Most prepaid card companies have built a transfer feature directly into their mobile app or online portal. Open the app, look for a menu option called "Transfer," "Move Money," "Send to Bank," or "Withdraw." You will be asked to enter your bank account number and routing number — the same information you would use to set up direct deposit. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; your bank account number is usually 10 to 12 digits.

Once you've entered your bank details, you can usually choose the amount and confirm the transfer. Most transfers process within one business day, though some cards offer when ready transfers for a small fee (usually $1 to $3). After the transfer is sent, you should see the money in your bank account by the next business day, or sometimes the same day if the transfer is marked as when ready.

If you don't see a transfer option in your app, check the card issuer's website directly. Some companies hide the feature in a "Settings" or "Account" menu. If it's still not there, your card may not support transfers — in that case, you'll need to use a different method.

Transferring through your bank instead

Some people find it easier to initiate the transfer from their bank's side rather than the prepaid card's side. Log into your bank's app or website and look for an option to "Add External Account" or "Link Account." You'll enter your prepaid card number and the card issuer's routing number (not your bank's routing number). Your bank will then send two small deposits to your prepaid card — usually $0.01 and $0.02 — to confirm you own the account.

Once those deposits appear on your prepaid card (usually within a few business days), you go back to your bank and confirm the amounts. After that, you can transfer money from your prepaid card to your bank account through your bank's interface. This method works even if the prepaid card company doesn't have a built-in transfer feature, but it takes longer to set up because of the verification step.

Using ATM withdrawal and bank deposit

If your prepaid card doesn't support transfers and you don't want to wait for the bank verification process, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank. This is the slowest method and may cost you money in ATM fees, but it always works. Find an ATM that's part of your bank's network (or a shared network like Allpoint or MoneyPass) to avoid out-of-network fees, which can range from $1 to $3 per withdrawal.

Once you have the cash, deposit it at your bank's ATM or at a teller window. ATM deposits usually post within one business day; deposits made at a teller window may post the same day. Keep your receipt until the money shows up in your account, in case there's a problem.

Fees and timing to expect

Most prepaid card companies don't charge a fee to transfer money to a linked bank account, but some do — usually $1 to $2.50 per transfer. A few cards charge based on how fast you want the transfer: standard transfers (one to three business days) might be free, while when ready transfers cost $1 to $3. Check your card's fee schedule before you transfer, or contact customer service to ask.

Timing varies by card and by your bank. A standard transfer usually takes one to three business days. when ready transfers, if your card offers them, typically post within minutes to a few hours. Transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday may not process until the next business day. If you're moving money to pay a bill, plan for the slower timeline to be safe.

What information you'll need

To transfer money from your prepaid card to your bank account, have these details ready: your bank account number (usually found on a check or in your bank's app), your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code your bank can give you, or you can find it on your bank's website), and the amount you want to transfer. Some prepaid card companies will also ask for your name and address to confirm your identity.

If you're setting up the transfer through your bank instead, you'll need your prepaid card number and the prepaid card issuer's routing number. This is different from your bank's routing number — it's the routing number for the company that issued the prepaid card.

Prepaid cards that don't allow transfers

Not all prepaid cards support transfers to bank accounts. Generic gift cards (like Visa or Mastercard gift cards you buy at a store) usually don't have this feature. Some specialty prepaid cards, like those issued for a specific purpose (payroll cards, benefits cards, or cards you received as a gift), may also not allow transfers. If your card doesn't support transfers, your only option is to withdraw cash and deposit it at your bank.

If you're unsure whether your card supports transfers, call the customer service number on the back of the card. They can tell you what options are available and walk you through the process if you need help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from a prepaid card to a bank account?

Standard transfers usually take one to three business days. Some prepaid card companies offer when ready transfers that post within minutes to a few hours, though these may charge a fee. Transfers started on weekends or holidays may not process until the next business day.

Will I be charged a fee to transfer money from my prepaid card?

Most prepaid card companies don't charge a fee for transfers to a linked bank account, but some charge $1 to $2.50 per transfer. when ready transfers, if available, typically cost $1 to $3. Check your card's fee schedule or contact customer service to confirm.

What if my prepaid card company doesn't have a transfer feature?

You can set up the transfer through your bank instead by adding your prepaid card as an external account, or you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at your bank. Both methods work, though the bank method takes longer to set up initially.

Do I need to have my bank account verified before I can transfer?

If you're transferring through your prepaid card's app, usually not — you just enter your account number and routing number. If you're setting up the transfer through your bank, your bank will send two small deposits to your prepaid card to verify you own it, which takes a few business days.

Can I transfer money from a gift card to my bank account?

Most generic gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards) don't support transfers to bank accounts. Your only option is to spend the balance or withdraw cash at an ATM if the card allows it. Some branded gift cards have different rules, so check the card issuer's website or call customer service to be sure.