If you have a NetSpend account, you might be interested to know about any cash advance apps that work with NetSpend. In this guide, we answer this common query with the details of the payday apps and their compatibility with NetSpend.
Cash advance apps (also called payday apps) help you access funds to cover any short-term emergency expenses, against your future paychecks. These apps lend you in advance of your payday to take care of any expenses that fall between 2 pay cycles.
They serve as a pocket-friendly option compared to bank overdrafts that can burn a hole in your pocket with their heavy fees. Some popular names in this space include Dave, MoneyLion, Cleo, Empower, Klover, Chime Spot Me, etc.
Let’s now get straight to the core question:
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Do Cash Advance Apps work with NetSpend?
No, you will not be able to use your NetSpend account with most of the cash advance apps. This is because the NetSpend card is classified as a prepaid card that is not supported by these apps, mainly due to technical issues in verifying the earning details.
If you have the NetSpend All Access Account, you can try your luck to connect your NetSpend account (if you see it on the list) as a bank account with Plaid. However, the chances are slim. This is even though you may have a running direct deposit on your NetSpend card.
You can use alternative online banking apps like Chime that connect with a few of these payday apps, as they come with a debit card linked to FDIC insured bank account.
Payday apps require you to link your bank account or debit card, where you receive your direct deposits. This helps them get clear visibility of your paycheck amount and payday details to decide your eligibility.
So in short, you have 3 options:
- Connect another supported external bank debit card
- Connect an external bank account through a third-party service like Plaid, where you are required to log in with your online banking credentials.
- Open a spending account with these apps and move your direct deposit there
For this purpose, these apps prefer traditional banks or even online banks that support Plaid. Now with the growth of fintechs, each bank is building its own ecosystem promoting its native overdraft product.
Even online banks like Varo, Chime, etc. compete with these apps by offering their own overdraft or cash advance product. So even such online banks are not supported by many of these payday loan apps
Let’s zoom in on the specifics of each of these apps and explore their reasons for not supporting NetSpend, along with alternatives.
Does Dave work with NetSpend
No, the cash advance app Dave does not sync with NetSpend prepaid cards. The app is, however, known to support a number of other banks, that include online banks like Chime and Varo.
You can check on the Dave App, which displays the list of banks which are usually those supported by Plaid. Any banks that are not visible there may not work.
To connect or reconnect your bank account:
- Download and install Dave App on your phone
- Set up an account
- In your Profile tap Linked Banks and Card
- Tap Change
- Select Change bank
Dave is a highly-rated app that has a good reputation for syncing seamlessly with many bank accounts. But unfortunately, the same cannot be said for this case i.e. NetSpend.
Does Earnin work with NetSpend
As per the Earnin website, they do not support prepaid cards and payment cards including NetSpend prepaid cards, Cash App, and Venmo cards among others.
The reason cited for this is that the app can’t work with prepaid cards because they are not able to track the earnings reliably in such cases.
Some well-supported banks recommended by Earnin include the traditional banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.
Earnin was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in California.
Does MoneyLion work with NetSpend
MoneyLion is another popular cash advance app that is known to support a number of banks. However, it does not support prepaid cards, credit cards, or Paypal as a way to fund your account.
You can, however, use MoneyLion with online banking apps like Chime, Varo, etc.
MoneyLion was launched in 2013 in New York and offers lending, financial advisory, and investment services to consumers.
Does Albert work with NetSpend
Albert is another popular payday advance app. As per Albert’s website, they do not support most prepaid cards explicitly mentioning NetSpend in the list.
If you receive your paycheck on a prepaid card provided by your employer, you won’t be able to use Albert Instant because these types of cards don’t have the required verification functionality.
Albert has been around since 2015. Created by two college roommates, the app helps you with access to financial tools, and financial advice and offers cash advance as one of its many features.
Does Cleo work with NetSpend
Cleo, another popular advance app that offers a cash advance if you subscribe to the Cleo Plus membership. However, the Cleo website has clearly listed that this service is not compatible with prepaid cards.
So you cannot expect to use your NetSpend card with Cleo.
However, Cleo works well with online banks like Chime and Varo.
Does Brigit work with NetSpend
Brigit is another paycheck advance app that does NOT link up with a NetSpend bank account. The reason cited for this non-compatibility is their inability to sustain a connection with such accounts. They also do not support Chime and Varo.
On the flip side- Brigit surprisingly works with Walmart Moneycards by Green Dot. So it is a rare case of a payday advance app working that supports a prepaid card. They also offer a huge list of 6000+ banks and credit unions, that you can look up on their app.
Does Branch work with NetSpend
Branch is another payday app that does not support NetSpend.
Alternatives to NetSpend for Using Cash Advance Apps
NetSpend card is not ideal as it is a prepaid card, which is not compatible with most payday advance apps. Add to that, NetSpend cards always come with monthly maintenance fees which makes it an expensive option overall.
You can consider alternatives like Chime and Varo, which have online banking apps and offer a debit card courtesy of their banking partners.
For e.g. Chime has no monthly fees, and offers its own fee-free overdraft Chime SpotMe, if you set up a direct deposit of $200 or more with them. You can also use your Chime checking account with other cash advance apps.
You can also connect your Varo account with a few of the payday apps.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, NetSpend does not support most payday advance apps as is the case with most prepaid cards. There are better and cheaper alternative options available like Chime, Varo, etc. which have a better record of compatibility and also offer their own pay-advance products. Do let us know your experience in the comments section.
References
- https://support.dave.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001436131
- https://help.albert.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041602433-How-do-I-qualify-for-Albert-Instant
- https://help.earnin.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033747993-Can-I-use-a-prepaid-card-or-a-paycard
- https://faqs.meetcleo.com/en/articles/4342265-why-won-t-cleo-accept-my-card-and-bank-details-for-cleo-plus
