Being financially savvy today often means keeping tabs on multiple payment methods, including cash received from a friend, a paper rebate check, and a digital deposit from a job. Having money coming in from these sources is a good problem to have, but it also requires a good system for adding it securely to your payment accounts and paying bills on time.
A Netspend® prepaid card can be a reliable tool for managing this money even without a traditional bank account. It’s flexible, accessible, and has multiple reload options,1 including in-person and virtually via the app.
Here are all the ways to fund a Netspend® card so you can shop, save, and budget responsibly for all your financial goals, including options for both online and offline users.
What is a Netspend® card and how does it work?
A prepaid card4 is a payment card that looks and feels like a traditional credit card. After you add cash1 to the card account, you can use the card at all the places you shop, including online and at retail locations. Netspend® cards are also used to pay bills. When you want access to more money, you just need to reload more money into the account.
Because you’re using your own funds to load the card and not borrow it from a lender, it’s not considered debt like when using a credit card. You can easily track your purchases, money loads, and payments through the Netspend® app. It can help you budget your cash so you have enough for the things you need and know when it’s time to reload with more money.
Where can you load your Netspend® card?
Using a prepaid card requires you to have funds on it to spend. Fortunately, it’s very easy to add more money in one of the following ways. Pick the one that meets your needs.
Retail reload network locations1
Funds can be added in person at participating prepaid card reload locations. Many retailers, such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, offer reload services for prepaid cards. To reload funds, just:
- Bring the amount of cash you want to add to the card account
- Provide the Netspend® card to the cashier
- Pay the cashier the money
You’ll also be charged fees, which vary by location. To see the closest participating retailer, search "Netspend reload locations near me" or use your app.
Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is a simple way to electronically load funds automatically each time you get paid by:
- Work paychecks
- Government benefits
To set up direct deposit, provide the payor with your routing and account number from your Netspend® prepaid card. You typically only have to provide it once, and then each time you get paid, it will go automatically to your card. As one of the Netspend® direct deposit benefits, funds may be available faster5 compared to paper checks, depending on the payer.
Direct deposit is a popular way to load funds, as it requires no in-person visits and can reduce or eliminate fee-based reload costs. For example, a user who receives biweekly pay can set up direct deposit so funds are added automatically without visiting prepaid card reload locations.
Mobile Check Load2
Users can submit checks for deposit using the mobile check load feature in the Netspend® app, provided by Ingo Money, Inc.2. To do this, just open the app and choose the deposit option. You’ll be prompted to take photos of the check and provide some additional information before submitting for review. Processing time varies, depending on the check type and amount. But once processed, the money will be available to spend.
Check load is useful when you receive personal checks as payment or gifts, or for occasional paychecks, settlement checks, or refund payments that can’t be directly deposited.
Bank Transfers3
ACH transfers are one of the most convenient ways to fund a prepaid card. You can also move money from a linked bank account to your card using ACH or electronic transfers. Here’s how it works:
- Link an existing checking, savings, or payment account using the Netspend® card app
- Initiate the transfer from the Netspend® or external bank dashboard
- Transfers are typically processed through ACH networks, and delivery times may vary depending on the banks, their internal processes, holidays, and other factors
This method may make sense for those who already maintain a traditional bank or payment account. It may be more secure to move larger sums, especially if you don’t want to carry around a lot of cash.
Card-to-card transfers3
When you send funds from one Netspend® cardholder to another, it’s considered a card-to-card transfer. Common reasons for using this method include:
- Support family members
- Share expenses, like rent
- Send money quickly between known parties
For example, a parent may transfer funds to a student’s card while they are away at college to pay for laundry or to help with food. The fees for transfers vary, and there are daily transfer limits you must not exceed. The amount of time it takes for cash to move from one card to the other varies, as well.
How to choose the best loading method
With several options to fund the card, you’ll want to consider your preferences for cost, timing, and convenience. What may be best in one situation may not be best in another. Things to keep in mind when deciding include:
- Cost — Some retail reload locations1 charge fees, while digital methods may reduce or eliminate them. Check your card terms for the full, up-to-date details of what each option costs.
- Speed and access — Direct deposits may work well for recurring and automated transitions. Like bank transfers, they follow the bank’s schedule for when to make money available. In-person reloads may be available soon after leaving the retailer. Mobile check deposit requires additional verification and can take longer to get access to the entire amount.
- Convenience and lifestyle fit — Digital options like mobile check load, direct deposit, and bank transfers can be completed remotely. Retail reload locations may be a better fit for those who prefer handling transactions in person.
- Reliability and consistency — Direct deposit often offers a more consistent way to receive a predictable income. But retail reload locations may be useful for converting cash into card funds when needed.
Managing your money after loading your card
One of the main benefits of a prepaid card is that you can easily track your transactions to see what you spend and earn. This can give you insight into your spending patterns, which you can then adjust to stay within your budget or even save for important goals.
For example, if you expect a biweekly direct deposit, you can align bill payment dates after your expected deposit date. Aligning your income and expenses can help you better manage your balance to cover upcoming payments.
You may also do larger, less frequent loads to save on any fees. Spacing out smaller loads may reduce repeated transaction fees you could have otherwise avoided.
Also, once your funds are loaded, you can mentally divide the balance into categories like groceries, bills, and entertainment with friends. This makes it easier to track where money is going, and can even be integrated with an online budget app tool for even more accountability.
While all the money stays in one Netspend® account, you’ve assigned each dollar a job for the month, such as paying for rent or putting fuel in your car. And since prepaid cards aren’t credit, you can be assured that you’re covering your expenses without adding to any debt you may have.
There's no one right way to load funds
There are multiple ways to load your Netspend® card, and it depends on your needs. Options range from physical prepaid card reload locations1 to fully digital methods that never require you to leave your job or home.
To know which is right for you, factor in the time you’ll spend, the fees you’ll pay, and your personal preferences around each option.
Are you a busy working parent with no time after work to head to the store with cash? You may be ideal for the direct deposit or mobile deposit options.
Do you enjoy getting out to shop and having a reload location in your neighborhood? You may find the in-store option a convenient way to add cash when you’re out and about, anyway.
Many cardholders pick and choose the method for the lifestyle they have now, but that can change! How you prefer to load your card today may not be what you choose tomorrow. And that’s OK. Financial success often depends on knowing your habits and preferences and then working them into your smart money choices.
Looking for additional prepaid debit card budgeting tips? See our money management resources for more ideas.