You are likely familiar with how to use a debit card, as they are now one of the most common payment methods for any number of transactions. But did you know that you could also send money to a debit card?
At Remitly, for example, we offer debit card deposits to many countries.
Our app makes it easy to send money to an individual’s debit card in many countries and continents, such as Asia, Africa, or South America. When using our app, if you don’t see “debit card deposit” as a delivery option, it’s not yet available in your intended destination.
Keep reading to learn more about how and why to send money to a debit card. Keep in mind that delivery options vary depending on the recipient’s location.
5 Steps for Sending Money to a Debit Card
Although sending money to a debit card can be straightforward, the actual steps for sending funds directly to a recipient’s debit card will vary based on the money transfer service you use. If you haven’t already, sign up for an account with Remitly.
1. Enter the amount to send.
This is a basic step. Make sure you check the transfer fees to ensure you’re not getting hit by any unexpected costs. Transfer fees will vary from service to service, and often vary based on the amount you are sending as well.
2. Choose a delivery method.
This means you must select the option for sending funds to a debit card. At this point, you’ll need to enter the info of the debit card you’re sending to. For example, if you’re sending to a Visa debit card, be sure to enter the 16-digit Visa debit card number.
Not all money transfer services will offer different options, and some might have more steps or require more information than others.
3. Enter your recipient information
The next step is to add your recipient details such as their first name, last name, phone number, etc.
4. Choose a funding source.
You’ll need to complete your profile before transferring money, which means entering your card account details such as your bank account number, phone number, or information for the debit card you’ll be sending the money from.
Even though funds will go directly to a debit card, you can use a bank account, credit card, or other funding source to send money.
5. Review and send.
Once you’ve entered all essential information, take a moment to ensure its accuracy. Funds won’t necessarily get lost if you enter something incorrectly, but it’s a hassle you can avoid.
Before you send, make sure it’s an option for you. For instance, the United States is one of the countries that restrict transfers to certain prepaid debit cards. You’ll also want to consider transfer times with the different services that are available to you.
Using Remitly to Send Money to a Debit Card
How it works.
When you’re sending your transfer, choose Debit Card Deposit as the delivery method, then enter your recipient’s debit card number and cardholder’s name. If this is your first transfer, and you need help, visit our guide on how to send your first transfer.
What are the benefits of using debit card deposit?
- Convenient: All you need is your recipient’s 16-digit debit card number.
- Fast: Debit card deposits arrive fast when paying with a debit or credit card.
- Secure: Sending to a debit card number is as secure as sending to a bank account number.
Which debit card types are supported?
Your recipient must have a Visa® debit card issued by a bank that allows debit card deposits. Ask your recipient to check with their service provider to find out if they allow debit card deposits.
The Benefits of Sending Money to a Debit Card
Traditional methods for domestic and international money transfers are still quite popular, but sending money via debit card has also become a simple and favored process in recent years. Nowadays, by just entering your card number and expiration date, you can make purchases or transfer money to family members around the world.
However, sending money to a debit card wasn’t always so simple. And, for a long time, sending funds directly to a debit card wasn’t the most widely available money transfer option. But it’s becoming more common. Whether you’re sending money from a credit card, bank account, or even your own debit card, the process is no longer as complex as it once was.
Before sending funds directly to a debit card number, you may wonder if there are any benefits of doing so, and why you would want to choose this method over other traditional methods. After all, these cards link directly to a person’s bank account.
As a result, you might assume that any fund transfer to such an account is the same as a bank deposit. In some ways, this is true, but there are also some important differences.
One of the main reasons for sending money directly to a debit card is convenience. As soon as the funds are available, your recipient can use that debit card to make payments, top up a wireless phone, and pretty much for any transaction that you would use a debit card for.
Also, cash pickup requires a trip for the recipient. Sending funds to a debit card is quicker and easier in most cases.
Sending Money to a Debit Card Internationally
If you want to transfer funds to a recipient’s debit card domestically, just check with your bank. They’ll be able to provide you with details about different payment methods and recommend which might be the best option for your needs.
When sending to a debit card abroad, you’ll have to follow the same regulations that apply to any international money transfer and use a service that specializes in cross-border payments. This could be a bank, of course, or it could be a money transfer app like Remitly.
Before sending money abroad, be sure to read up on exchange rates so that you understand the additional costs you may encounter.
Also, research the transaction fees and take the time to ask if there are any special offers for new customers.
Money Transfers to Debit Cards: Other Considerations
One of the major issues with sending money to debit cards? This option may not always be available. Beyond that, consider:
- Types of cards: When sending money to a debit card, find out what type of card is accepted (e.g. Visa or another brand). Not all transfer services will work with all types of cards.
- Bank allowances: Not all banks allow the transfer of funds to their customers’ debit cards. In these situations, expedited transfers to the bank account may still be available.
- Prepaid cards: You may be able to send money to prepaid debit cards if they’re obtained through a bank. Most anonymous and prepaid cards bought at stores, however, do not allow this.
About Remitly
Remitly is on a mission to make international money transfers faster, easier, more transparent, and more affordable. Since 2011, millions of people have used Remitly to send money with peace of mind. Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.