How does a payroll debit card work?

For employees who want to be paid by debit card, their paycheck funds load directly to a reloadable paycard. The card can be used to make purchases and payments just like a regular debit card. For you, it’s exactly the same as paying an employee by direct deposit.

How can an employee with a payroll card withdraw cash?

Payroll cards can usually be used at ATMs, retailers, or online shops, just like a normal debit card. There may be withdrawal fees, depending on the type of card they choose and which ATM they use.

Why are payroll debit cards a smart option for employers to offer?

Paycards are an accessible, flexible payment option for unbanked employees. They are a great alternative to direct deposit or check payments, which require the worker to have a bank account — or to pay 10% or more in check cashing fees. Offering payroll through debit cards saves employees time and expenses associated with check cashing services. It also reduces your administrative hassle of writing and tracking transactions through paper checks.

Are there any fees associated with paycheck cards?

Reloadable cards are available from many financial institutions, typically for a few dollars a month. Employees will typically obtain their own card. There are often some small setup fees and charges associated with paycheck cards, but they are usually much cheaper than check-cashing fees for unbanked employees. And OnPay charges no fees to deposit payroll onto a debit card.

Payroll on prepaid debit cards: An easy way to pay your team

OnPay

Payroll Software

Prepaid Debit Card Payroll

PAY BY DEBIT CARD

Payday done your way

OnPay gives you the power to save time and money with payroll that does it all. Add funds directly to workers’ paycards, use direct deposit, or cut physical checks. You get unlimited monthly pay runs and schedules, and we automate all of the taxes for you. It’s even mobile-friendly so you can run payroll on the go.

NO BANK ACCOUNT REQUIRED

Great for employees without a bank account

Make payday more accessible to your team, even if they don’t have a bank account. With a payroll card, workers can use their paycheck instantly, and they can avoid expensive check-cashing fees. It’s secure, fast, and won’t cost you anything extra.

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Best for Up to
100 Employees

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Best for Small
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CNBC

Best for Small
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PAYROLL AND HR SOFTWARE

It’s all part of our top-rated payroll and HR

Not only will you be able to pay workers with debit card ⁠— OnPay gives you everything you need to simplify payroll and HR. With employee self-onboarding and self-service, workers can manage how they want to get paid. Plus, built-in HR and integrated benefits help you take great care of everyone.

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FLEXIBLE WAYS TO PAY WORKERS

Loved by small businesses

“OnPay has so many options for payroll, allowing me to pay employees and contractors through one system. Having that flexibility makes all the difference for my business and keeps reporting extremely accurate.”

– Sasha, Rivvly

PRICING

$40 + $6 per worker each month

Clear, simple pricing with no additional fees.

Pay workers by paycard at no extra cost
Choose direct deposit or physical checks if you prefer
Get our help with setup and data migration
Automated tax filings, payments, W-2s and 1099s
Employees self-onboard and e-sign important docs

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Your first month is free, and we’ll take care of any data migration needed to get you started.

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Payroll debit card FAQs

How does a payroll debit card work?
For employees who want to be paid by debit card, their paycheck funds load directly to a reloadable paycard. The card can be used to make purchases and payments just like a regular debit card. For you, it’s exactly the same as paying an employee by direct deposit.
How can an employee with a payroll card withdraw cash?
Payroll cards can usually be used at ATMs, retailers, or online shops, just like a normal debit card. There may be withdrawal fees, depending on the type of card they choose and which ATM they use.
Why are payroll debit cards a smart option for employers to offer?
Paycards are an accessible, flexible payment option for unbanked employees. They are a great alternative to direct deposit or check payments, which require the worker to have a bank account — or to pay 10% or more in check cashing fees. Offering payroll through debit cards saves employees time and expenses associated with check cashing services. It also reduces your administrative hassle of writing and tracking transactions through paper checks.
Are there any fees associated with paycheck cards?
Reloadable cards are available from many financial institutions, typically for a few dollars a month. Employees will typically obtain their own card. There are often some small setup fees and charges associated with paycheck cards, but they are usually much cheaper than check-cashing fees for unbanked employees. And OnPay charges no fees to deposit payroll onto a debit card.

PREPAID DEBIT CARD PAYROLL