Push-to-card
A payout sent over card networks to a recipient's debit or prepaid card, so funds can arrive in near real time rather than in days.
What push-to-card is
Push-to-card is a way to send money using a card number instead of bank account details. The sender's bank pushes funds through services such as Visa Direct or Mastercard Send to an eligible debit or prepaid card. The card's issuer then credits the cardholder. It is common for payouts that need speed.
How it works
The payer collects the recipient's card number, and its bank sends a credit message, such as Visa's original credit transaction, through the card network. Funds are usually available quickly, though timing depends on the receiving issuer. Payouts are typically prefunded, and network limits apply to each transfer.
- 01 · COLLECT The payer gets the recipient's eligible debit or prepaid card details.
- 02 · PUSH Its bank sends the payout as a credit transaction over the card network.
- 03 · CREDIT The card's issuer credits the cardholder, often in near real time.
| Rail | What the payer needs | Typical speed |
|---|---|---|
| Push-to-card | An eligible debit or prepaid card number | Near real time |
| RTP or FedNow | Account and routing number at a participating bank | Seconds |
| Same-day ACH | Account and routing number | Same business day |
Actual timing also depends on the receiving bank or card issuer.
When businesses use it
- Gig and creator platforms offering fast cash-out
- Earned wage access and payroll payouts
- Insurance claims, refunds and loan disbursements
- Person-to-person transfers and digital wallet loads
Cross River sends push-to-card payouts in near real time to Visa and Mastercard debit and prepaid cards. It connects directly to Visa Direct and Mastercard Send and supports international disbursements, subject to network availability. See push-to-card at Cross River.