How to get a debit card without a bank account

How can you get a debit card without a bank account?

You cannot get a debit card without a bank account. Debit card must link to your bank to withdraw funds and guarantee the money. However, you can purchase a prepaid card at most major retailers.

Having a prepaid card for purchases is extremely beneficial. You have all the benefits of having a debit card, but the money isn’t linked to your bank account.

Prepaid cards are more secure for making purchases than a debit card.

Luckily for you, I’m going to show you if it is possible to get a debit card without a bank account. I’ll even show you how to send and receive money if you don’t have a bank account. The easiest thing to do is get a bank account, but you don’t need a bank account to live.

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Can I get a debit card without a bank account?

You cannot get a debit card without a bank account. A debit card withdraws money directly from your checking account, so a bank account is required. However, you may purchase a prepaid card at most major retailers which works like a debit card.

How to get a debit card without a bank account?

You can’t get a debit card without a bank account, but you can purchase a prepaid Visa gift card. Prepaid gift cards can be purchased at most major retailers in the gift card section or online. There is a fee associated with purchasing a prepaid gift card.

For example, you can purchase a $100 Visa prepaid gift card at Target for $106. Your gift card is accepted anywhere Visa is accepted.

As you can see, you’re being charged $6 or 6% in gift card fees! So using a prepaid gift card isn’t the most ideal option because you’re losing $6 for every $100.

Is it possible to live without a bank account?

It is possible to live without a bank account, but not having a bank account is very limiting. Traditionally, paying for expenses like bills are paid via your credit or debit card which requires a bank account. Secured credit cards may make it easier to live without a bank account.

A secured credit card requires you to pay a deposit to guarantee the money is available. Typical required deposits range from $50 to $200. The deposit protects the creditor in case you default.

A big downside to secured credit cards is their high interest rates. Secured credit cards often have APR’s of over 20%. You’ll also have a small credit limit, which means you can’t make any big purchases.

However, a secured credit card can help you build credit, so you can apply for other credit cards later.

How can I receive money without a bank account?

Wire transfer and check cashing are options to receive money without a bank account. Services like Walmart’s money services allow you to send money from Walmart to Walmart. Alternatively, you can receive a check and have it cashed.

Check cashing is available at banks, grocery store service centers, cash advance stores, and gas station travel centers. You will often be charged a fee to cash a check if you don’t have a bank account.

What information do you need to get a debit card?

Typically, you’ll be able to request a debit card when you have a checking account open with a financial institution. To open a bank account, you’ll need two forms of identification and money to deposit. Your bank will have specific instructions for opening a bank account and receiving a debit card.

Forms of identification include social security cards, driver’s license, proof of address, and bills with your name and address.

Most banks will have minimum deposits or a minimum amount of cash to keep in your account. You’ll need to keep this minimum in your account at all times and some banks charge a fee if you drop under. Minimum deposits are usually small, around $5.

Summary: How to get a debit card without a bank account

As you can see, you can’t get a debit card without a bank account. Debit cards withdraw money from your checking account, so a bank account is required. However, you can purchase prepaid Visa gift cards which cost a fee, but work like debit cards.

Prepaid gift cards are available at your local retailers or online. The fee is small, but it will add up if you’re purchasing multiple gift cards.

You don’t need a bank account to live, but it makes life more convenient. The best thing you can do is open up a bank account. Secured credit cards can help pay your bills if you can’t open a bank account.

Receiving money can be done through wire transfer or check cashing. You can use services like Walmart to Walmart money transfer. Alternatively, you can get checks and cash them for a fee.

Again, the easiest thing for you to do is open a bank account and debit card. You’ll need two forms of identification and the minimum deposit to open a bank account.

John is the founder of TightFist Finance and an expert in the field of personal finance. John has studied personal finance for over 10 years and has used his knowledge to pay down debt, grow his investment portfolio, and launch a financial based business. He is committed to sharing content related to personal finance based on his experience in his career, investing, and path towards reaching financial independence.