Can I Get A Debit Card Without a Bank Account?

Debit cards can be an important part of your daily financial needs. Whether it’s ATM withdrawals, online shopping or sending and receiving money you need a card that makes your life easier. If you have a bank account it is usually no problem, however, what if you don’t?

Debit Cards You Can Get Without a Bank Account

Most banks or credit unions do require you to have an account with that specific financial institution in order to link a debit card to your money, however, if you don’t have a bank account fear not as there are other options available. Here are a few ways you can get a debit card without a bank account.

1. Prepaid debit cards

2. Venmo debit cards

3. Cash Card debit cards from Cash App

1. Prepaid Debit Cards

A prepaid debit card is essentially a payment card that you preload with cash in order to use it for in-store purchases or other transactions. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Prepaid debit cards are a great workaround if you don’t have a checking account or can’t use your current account due to such occurrences as fraudulent behavior or identity theft.

• You can buy prepaid cards like you could a cash card or gift card from a store or online and then load it with cash.

• These cards can act as physical debit cards or be accessed through apps, websites or other electronic forms of payment.

• You want to look for prepaid card options that have low or no monthly fees, give you a variety of ways to withdraw cash and have convenient access points to add money.

• Though some prepaid cards do charge a fee, they will vary so make sure to shop around for the best terms and conditions before you make the card purchase.

GOBankingRates Recommended Prepaid Debit Cards

2. Venmo Debit Cards

Not only does the Venmo debit card let you spend the money from your Venmo balance everywhere Mastercard is accepted, it also doesn’t require a bank account, such as a checking or savings account. You can keep track of your activity and any cashback you’ve earned right from the app. Your venmo account can act like a debit card in many ways plus the added perk of cashback with all qualifying purchases.

Keep in mind that debit card transactions associated with payment platforms such as Venmo often take a few business days to clear and are not connected to accounts that the FDIC insures. Cash withdrawals can also be tricky, but this card does offer convenience and trademarks of Mastercard International.

3. Cash Card Debit Card from Cash App

Cash App also offers an alternative option with its Cash Card which is a Visa debit card. You can use the Cash Card like you would any other debit card while shopping in stores or online. This is a great option to add to your purchasing power as the funds are withdrawn directly from your Cash App balance so no need to link a bank account.

Digital debit payments are made all the more convenient as you can add your Cash App account information to Apple Pay or Google Pay to make transactions directly from your phone.

Final Take To GO: Making Alternative Debit Cards Work For You

Sometimes you want to forgo the rigamarole of credit checks or bank accounts in order to just go about your day getting groceries or shopping online. Make sure you research any fees or other restrictions for certain cards, but in general prepaid debit cards or cards linked to your mobile payment platform account are a great alternative.

FAQ

Here are a few answers to frequently asked questions about how you can get a debit card without a bank account.

• Can I apply for a debit card without a bank account?

  • Yes, there are a couple of debit card options available to you if you don't have a bank account. One option is you can get a prepaid debit card which is a card that you load with cash before using. Another option is debit cards that are linked to your mobile payment apps such as Cash App, Venmo, PayPal or MoneyPass ATM cards.

• What is a prepaid debit card?

  • A prepaid debit card is a card you use for online shopping or cash withdrawals that is not linked to a bank, credit union or other financial institution. To use the card you load money onto the card as it essentially acts like a gift card. The cash you put on the card is the money you have to spend.

• What are the requirements to get a debit card?

  • If you don't have a bank account you can get an alternative such as a prepaid debit card or card linked to a mobile payment platform such as Venmo or Cash App. If you do have a bank account you typically need any of the following information to get a debit card:

    • Social security card or number

    • Birth certificate

    • Government issued photo ID or driver's license or passport

    • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

    • Proof of address

• Can I get a new debit card without going to the bank?

  • If you already have an account with the bank, you can generally go through the website or app to order a new debit card. If your card has been lost or stolen make sure to contact customer service right away to avoid fraudulent charges and get your new card expedited.

• How can I get a Visa card without a bank account?

  • If you are looking for a Visa card but don't have a bank account you can get the Cash Card from Cash App as it is a Visa debit card.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Can I Get A Debit Card Without a Bank Account?