How to Use Prepaid Cards to Link With Accounts

1. Access the website for your prepaid card. The website usually is listed on the back of your card or was given to you when your card was mailed to you. You may need to register with the site in order to access your account online. If for any reason you can't find the website, call the customer service number on the back of your card to get the web address.
2. Find a section on the prepaid card website that provides direct deposit information. It will send you to a printable form that gives the card's bank routing number and the checking account number that corresponds to your card. You won't need to print this form out, but keep the routing and checking account numbers on hand.
3. Access your checking, savings or PayPal account online. Look for links that say 'Add a checking account.' Using the checking and routing numbers you have on hand from logging into your prepaid card account, enter your card as a checking account to link your two accounts. In some cases, you may receive notification that your bank will make one or two small deposits into your prepaid card. It typically takes two business days for these deposits to show up.
4. Access your prepaid card account online and check the deposits. Within a week of linking your card with your bank or PayPal account, you should see the small deposits made into your account. These deposits will be less than $1.00. Keep the exact amounts on hand.
5. Access your bank account online. You should immediately be notified that you need to verify the deposits. Enter the deposit amounts exactly as they are seen in your prepaid card's deposit log. Once the amounts you have entered are verified, you have successfully linked the two accounts, and can now transfer money between them. Transfers typically take two business days to complete.