Can You Put Money on a Prepaid Card at an ATM?

Prepaid cards offer a way to manage money without a traditional bank account. They can be used for purchases, bill payments, and ATM withdrawals, but adding funds varies by card provider. Some allow cash deposits at ATMs, while others require reloading through retail locations.

Understanding how to load money onto a prepaid card at an ATM involves checking card requirements, finding a compatible machine, and being aware of fees or delays.

Checking Card Requirements

Before attempting a deposit, confirm whether your prepaid card supports ATM cash deposits. Not all issuers allow it, and those that do may have specific conditions. Reviewing the card’s terms on the issuer’s website or in the cardholder agreement can clarify deposit options. Green Dot and Netspend, for example, support cash deposits at select ATMs, while others require deposits at retail locations like CVS or Walmart.

Even if ATM deposits are allowed, they may be limited to specific networks. Many prepaid cards partner with networks like MoneyPass or Allpoint for deposits, and using an unsupported ATM can result in failed transactions or extra fees. Checking the card provider’s website or mobile app for a list of supported ATMs can help. Some prepaid cards also require users to register with personal information before enabling deposits due to anti-money laundering regulations.

Locating a Compatible ATM

Not all ATMs accept cash deposits, and even fewer support prepaid card transactions. Many machines are designed only for withdrawals and balance inquiries. To find a compatible ATM, check whether your card issuer partners with a network that allows deposits.

Some banks, such as Wells Fargo and Chase, only accept cash deposits for their own customers. Independent ATM operators have varying policies, so checking the ATM’s on-screen options before inserting cash can confirm if deposits are accepted.

The ATM’s design also matters. Machines that accept cash typically have a dedicated slot for bills and verify the amount in real time. Older ATMs that require envelope-based deposits may not work with prepaid cards, as these transactions usually require a linked bank account. Ensuring the ATM accepts cash directly can prevent failed transactions.

Cash Deposit Procedure

At a compatible ATM, insert or tap your prepaid card and enter your PIN. Select the “Deposit” or “Cash Deposit” option. Some ATMs may ask whether the deposit is for a prepaid card or a traditional bank account.

Insert cash into the designated slot. Most modern ATMs count and verify the bills, displaying the total on-screen. If there’s an error, some machines allow you to confirm or adjust the amount before finalizing the transaction. Using crisp, unfolded bills reduces the risk of rejection, as damaged or worn notes may not be accepted. Some ATMs also limit the number of bills per transaction, requiring multiple deposits for larger sums.

Potential Fees and Holds

Depositing cash onto a prepaid card at an ATM may come with fees, which vary by card issuer and ATM operator. Some prepaid cards charge a deposit fee, typically between $1 and $5 per transaction, while others allow free deposits only at specific ATMs. Independent ATM operators may impose additional service fees, which are often higher than those charged by bank-affiliated machines. Checking the card issuer’s fee schedule can help avoid unexpected charges.

Some issuers also limit the number of cash deposits allowed per month, with excess transactions incurring extra fees. If using an ATM outside the card’s network, a convenience fee may apply. Understanding these policies can help manage costs effectively.

Confirming Funds Availability

After completing a cash deposit, verify that the funds have been added to your prepaid card. Processing times depend on the card issuer, ATM network, and whether the deposit was made during business hours or on a weekend or holiday.

You can check your updated balance through the card provider’s mobile app, website, or customer service hotline. Some issuers offer text or email alerts when a deposit is processed. If the funds don’t appear within the expected timeframe, reviewing the transaction receipt for reference numbers can help when contacting customer support. Delays may occur due to additional verification procedures, especially for large deposits or if the ATM experiences technical issues.