How to Transfer Money From a Plasma Card to a Bank Account

Transferring funds from a prepaid or payroll card to a traditional bank account can provide greater financial flexibility. While often called a “plasma card,” this term is not standard in the financial industry. This guide provides practical steps for moving money from these cards to your bank account.

Identifying Your Card and Issuer

The term “plasma card” typically refers to a payroll card, a general-purpose reloadable prepaid debit card, or a card issued by a specific payment service. Transfer capabilities are determined by the issuing financial institution. Identify your card’s issuer by looking for a logo or name printed on the card, such as NetSpend, Green Dot, or Wisely by ADP. If the issuer is not clear, your employer or the card provider can offer this information. Knowing who issued your card is fundamental, as they set the specific policies and services for fund transfers.

Preparing for Your Transfer

Before initiating a transfer, gather your bank account number and the corresponding nine-digit routing number. The routing number identifies your bank for electronic transactions, such as ACH payments, and can be found on a paper check, in your mobile banking app, or through your bank’s online portal. Check your card’s current balance to ensure sufficient funds are available. Most prepaid cards have daily, weekly, or monthly transfer limits, and card issuers may charge fees for bank transfers. These fees and limits are usually detailed in your cardholder agreement or on the issuer’s website.

Common Transfer Methods

The most common way to transfer funds from a prepaid card to a bank account is through the card issuer’s online portal or mobile application.

Online Portal or Mobile App

After logging into your account, navigate to a section often labeled “Transfer” or “Send Money.” Select the option to transfer to a bank account, input your bank account and routing numbers, specify the amount, and confirm the transaction. Many card issuers offer mobile applications that mirror the functionality of their online portals, providing a convenient way to manage and transfer funds.

ATM Withdrawals

Some cards also allow cash withdrawals at ATMs, which can then be physically deposited into your bank account. This method typically incurs ATM fees, including potential charges from the ATM owner and your card issuer, and daily withdrawal limits may apply.

Third-Party Payment Services

For certain cards, linking to third-party payment services like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App may be an option. Once linked, you can transfer funds from the prepaid card to the third-party service, and then from that service to your bank account. These services may impose their own fees or limits. Transfers typically process as ACH transactions, which generally take one to three business days to clear, though some issuers may offer expedited, same-day transfers for an additional fee.