What Are Payroll Cards and How Do They Work?

What Is a Payroll Card?

A payroll card is a prepaid debit card that allows employees to access their paychecks and receive wages directly on the card. You can use the card like any other debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash.

But just because your employer offers you a payroll card doesn't mean you're required to accept payment that way. Legally, your employer must provide you with at least one alternative to a payroll card. For example, some employers offer a choice of having your pay deposited directly onto a payroll card or into your bank account. Other employers might only let you choose between receiving a paper check and getting paid on a prepaid card. Your local law decides what choices your employer is required to offer you.

There are both pros and cons to using a payroll card:

Pros

• Convenient and easy to use with immediate access to funds
• Can be used anywhere most major cards are accepted
• You don't have to have a bank account to use it
• Safer than carrying a large amount of cash
• Could offer access to your earnings before your usual payday

Cons

• May charge fees that can quickly add up
• Can get lost or stolen (and then you'll need to wait for a replacement card to access your money)
• No ability to earn interest
• Can deter building savings
• You might be unable to use it for "open-ended" transactions (like paying at the pump for gas) to prevent overdrawing/overdrafts

What Fees Are Associated With Using a Payroll Card?

While there are some benefits to using a payroll card, most payroll cards come with a variety of fees that can quickly add up, including:

• Monthly account maintenance fee: Some cards charge a fee to keep the account open.
• Inactivity fee: You might be charged if you don't use the card for a certain amount of time.
• Activation fee: You may be charged when activating your account.
• Lost or stolen card replacement fee: This is what you'd pay to replace your payroll card.
• ATM balance inquiry fee: Some cards charge for viewing your account balance at the ATM.
• Cash reload fee: If you add money to your card balance beyond what your employer adds, you may get charged a fee.
• Transaction fee: Sometimes called a point-of-sale fee, this is a fee for each time the card is swiped or used.
• Out-of-network fee: You might get charged for using an ATM that's not in the car issuer's network.
• Bill pay fee: Some cards charge a fee for paying a bill through the card's bill-pay website.

Some employers offer payroll card programs that try to limit fees. For example, they might choose cards with apps that allow employees to view balances and manage money without going to the ATM. But generally, using payroll cards involves paying fees.

The fees might seem small, but over time they can add up to take a big chunk out of your take-home paycheck. For example, for one month, you might get charged $2 to withdraw from an ATM, $5 to add more cash to the card and $2 each for every 10 transactions you make. That could easily add up to hundreds of dollars in fees over the course of a year. And if your card gets lost or stolen, or you make more than the allowed number of transactions in any given month, your fees can climb even higher.

Most state laws require that employees be allowed to take out their entire paycheck (either at a bank or by courtesy check) without any fees every pay period. If you did that, you could deposit your paycheck with a bank or credit union that doesn't charge fees when you access your money or request a new card.

How to Use a Payroll Card Without Losing Too Much Money

Payroll cards can involve a lot of fees, but by following these tips, you can help minimize those costs and enjoy the convenience offered by payroll cards without breaking the bank:

• Budget for your expenses. Make a plan for your money using a budgeting strategy that works for you. There are several approaches to budgeting, including a two-account plan, zero-based budgeting and the envelope system.
• Know how to avoid fees. For example, look into whether your payroll card is affiliated with a specific bank; if so, you may get fee-free withdrawals at certain ATMs or banks.
• Read the fine print. Make sure you understand all the fees associated with the payroll card before signing up for one. If you don't like the sound of a payroll card, get some clarity on the other options your employer offers.

Alternatives to Payroll Cards

If you're not comfortable using a payroll card, there are several other options available to you. One of the most common alternatives is direct deposit, which allows you to have your wages deposited directly into your bank account.

If you've never had a bank account, or have had negative experiences with banks in the past, you might:

• Open a bank account if you haven't already.
• Improve your banking record so you'll be allowed to open an account.
• Investigate second-chance bank accounts.
• Cash your paycheck at the branch of the bank that issued the check.

The Bottom Line

Payroll cards can be a convenient way to access your paycheck, but they often come with unexpected costs. Getting your paycheck through a checking account may connect you with more tools to manage your money, and selecting a checking account with perks that align with your goals can help your money work harder for you.

For example, consider the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card. It automatically links to Experian Boost^®ø to give you credit for eligible bill payments, which can help you build credit without debt. Other benefits you probably won't get with a payroll card include no monthly fees^¶, access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide^** and the potential to receive your paychecks up to two days early when you enroll in direct deposit^†.

You can get an Experian Smart Money Digital Checking Account through a free or paid Experian membership, which also gives you access to your FICO^® Score^☉ , Experian credit report and more. See terms at experian.com/legal.