- Netspend does not offer loans or cash advances itself.
- Lenders that accept prepaid accounts can deposit to Netspend using the card account’s routing and account number.
- Expect fewer lenders, smaller amounts and higher prices than with a bank account.
Does Netspend give loans?
No. Netspend is a reloadable prepaid debit card program. Cards are issued by partner banks, and the card account holds money you load or have deposited. Netspend does not make personal loans or payday loans.
When people search for "Netspend loans", they usually mean loans that can be paid onto a Netspend card. Some Netspend cards also offer optional overdraft protection for a fee. Check your cardholder agreement to see whether yours does and what it costs.
How a lender can pay into Netspend
- Find your direct deposit details. In the Netspend app or online account, look for the routing number and account number used for direct deposit. They are different from the 16-digit card number.
- Apply with a lender or network that accepts prepaid accounts. Many lenders only accept checking accounts, so say up front that you are using a prepaid card.
- Make sure the name matches. Deposits are often rejected when the name on the loan does not match the name on the card account.
- Plan the repayment. The lender will usually debit the same card on your due date. Keep enough money on the card to cover it.
Need $100–$1,000 before payday?
- One free request, many lenders
- Bad credit and benefit income considered by many lenders
- See the APR and total cost before you sign
PaydayEase is not a lender. Requests go to lenders in our network; approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Rates & fees
Netspend vs. a bank account for borrowing
| Prepaid card (Netspend) | Checking account | |
|---|---|---|
| Lenders that accept it | Fewer | Most |
| Typical loan sizes | Smaller | Wider range |
| Account verification | Harder; some lenders cannot link prepaid accounts | Usually automatic |
| Risk of fees when a payment fails | Lender fees, plus any card fees | Lender fees, plus possible bank NSF fees |
Prepaid cards can charge monthly, ATM and reload fees. Add a payday loan fee on top and a small loan gets expensive fast. Use our cost calculator to see the real price.
Cheaper ways to cover a short gap
- Get paid early. Netspend and many employers offer early direct deposit. Getting your paycheck a day or two sooner may avoid a loan entirely.
- Ask your employer about earned wage access, which lets you take part of pay you have already earned, often for a small fee.
- Open a low-cost bank or credit union account. It opens up credit union payday alternative loans capped at 28% APR. See payday alternative loans.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Can I get a payday loan on my Netspend card?
Some lenders accept prepaid accounts and can deposit to Netspend using the account’s routing and account number. Fewer lenders accept prepaid cards than checking accounts.
Does Netspend have a cash advance?
Netspend does not offer cash advances. Some Netspend cards have optional overdraft protection with fees. Check your cardholder agreement.
Where do I find my Netspend routing number?
In the Netspend app or online account, under direct deposit information. Use those numbers, not the 16-digit card number, when a lender asks for account details.