How to disburse funds to a prepaid debit card for unbanked clients

Overview

Confido's push-to-card (instant transfer) feature works with reloadable prepaid debit cards. This gives you a path to disburse settlement funds — including same-day access to part of the money — for clients who are unbanked.

The key thing to understand: prepaid cards have variable transfer limits, typically much lower than traditional debit cards. The tested ceiling for a reliable instant push is around $2,500 per transaction. For larger disbursements, you'll use a combination of push-to-card and ACH.


Step 1: Have the Client Get a Reloadable Prepaid Card in Advance
 
Recommend a Netspend reloadable prepaid debit card, available at Walgreens, CVS, or Dollar General. This must be a reloadable card — not a gift card. The packaging will say "not a gift card." Gift cards are not supported. Typical cost: ~$20 load + ~$3 card fee, which must be paid in cash. 

Step 2: The Client Registers the Card

Registration does not require a credit check. Netspend supports alternative ID options — a green card number can be used in place of an SSN. Once registered, the card can receive instant push-to-card payments.

Step 3: Structure the Disbursement as a Split Payment

• Part 1 — Instant via Push to Card: Up to ~$2,500 per transaction. Multiple transactions can be sent in sequence if you want to push more than $2,500 up front.
• Part 2 — Remainder via ACH: Netspend cards come with a routing number and account number. Use those for the remainder — ACH supports higher amounts and avoids card network limits.
• Hard balance limit: Netspend cards cannot hold more than $15,000 regardless of method.

Setting Client Expectations
Let your client know upfront: they'll get instant access to ~$2,500 per transaction immediately, and the rest arrives via ACH in 4–6 days. They must register the card before any funds can be sent.

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Draft Client Instructions (template for firms to send):

Hi [Client Name], we're getting your disbursement ready. Since you don't have a bank account, here's what we recommend:

 Step 1 — Pick up a Netspend reloadable card at Walgreens, CVS, or Dollar General (~$20–$23). It should say "not a gift card" on the package.

 Step 2 — Register the card using the instructions inside. No credit check required.

 Step 3 — We'll send the first portion of your funds instantly via push-to-card (usually within minutes).

 Step 4 — Your Netspend card also has a routing/account number (found in the app). We'll send the remaining balance via ACH, which typically arrives within 4-6 days.