What the Loft Card is and how to pay it
The Loft Card is a closed-loop prepaid card issued by Loft, a financial services company. Unlike a credit card, you load money onto it first, then spend what you've loaded — you cannot carry a balance or go into debt. Payments go directly to Loft, not to a third-party processor, and the methods available depend on which Loft product you hold.
The most common way to pay your Loft Card is through automatic transfers from your bank account. You can also load funds at participating retailers, through bank transfers, or via the Loft mobile app if your card type supports it. The speed and fees vary by method, so knowing your options before you need to load money saves frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Loft Card payments are made by loading money onto the card, not by paying a bill to Loft — the card itself holds your funds.
- The fastest way to load money is usually through the Loft app or your online account, which can be when ready or take one business day depending on your bank.
- Bank transfers and ACH payments from your checking account are free but may take one to three business days to appear on your card.
- Retail reload locations like CVS or Walmart let you add cash when ready, but typically charge a fee of $2 to $5 per transaction.
- Setting up automatic recurring loads can help you avoid running out of funds, though you should monitor your account to catch errors.
Loading money through the Loft app or online account
The Loft mobile app and the online account portal are the most direct ways to load funds. Log in with your username and password, select "Add Money" or "Load Funds," and choose your bank account as the source. Loft will ask you to verify a small deposit to that account first if it is your first time linking it — this usually takes one to two business days.
Once your bank account is verified, transfers are typically free and can post when ready or within one business day, depending on your bank's processing speed. Some banks treat Loft transfers as ACH payments, which take longer; others process them faster. If you need money on your card the same day, check whether your bank offers real-time payments or Zelle integration, which Loft may support for your account type.
Bank transfers and ACH payments
You can also transfer money to your Loft Card using your bank's bill-pay system or by initiating an ACH transfer directly. To do this, you will need your Loft account number and routing number, which you can find in your online account under "Account Details" or "Transfer Information." Contact Loft customer service if you cannot locate these numbers — they are not the same as your card number.
ACH transfers are free but typically take one to three business days. This method works well if you plan ahead and do not need the money when ready. Some banks charge a fee for outgoing ACH transfers, so check your bank's fee schedule before you start. Once the transfer arrives, the funds sit in your Loft account and are available to spend on your card right away.
Retail reload locations and cash payments
If you prefer to load money in person or do not have a bank account linked to Loft, you can reload at participating retailers. Common locations include CVS, Walmart, Family Dollar, and some grocery store chains. Walk into the store, go to the customer service desk, and tell them you want to reload a Loft Card. Bring your card and the cash you want to load.
Retail reloads are when ready — the money appears on your card within minutes. However, most retailers charge a fee between $2 and $5 per transaction, which comes out of the amount you load. For example, if you load $50 and the fee is $3, your card receives $47. This method is useful for emergencies or if you do not have online access, but the fees add up quickly if you reload often.
Setting up automatic recurring loads
Many Loft accounts let you set up automatic recurring loads so money transfers to your card on a schedule you choose — weekly, biweekly, or monthly. This prevents you from accidentally running out of funds and removes the need to remember to load money manually. Set this up in your online account under "Automatic Transfers" or "Recurring Payments."
Choose an amount that covers your typical spending and a date that aligns with when you receive income. For example, if you get paid every two weeks, set the load for the day after payday. Monitor your account for the first few months to make sure the transfers are posting on time and the amounts are correct. If you notice an error, you can pause or cancel the recurring load when ready through your account settings.
Fees and limits you should know
Loft Cards do not charge a fee to load money through the app, online account, or bank transfer — those methods are free. Retail reloads and some third-party payment services do charge fees, which vary by location and provider. There is usually no fee to spend the money once it is on your card, though some merchants may charge a surcharge for prepaid cards (this is rare and not Loft's doing).
Most Loft Cards have a daily spending limit and a maximum balance you can hold on the card at one time. These limits vary by account type and are shown in your account settings. If you hit your daily limit, you can still load more money onto the card, but you cannot spend it until the next day. Check your account to see what your specific limits are before you load a large amount.
What to do if a load fails or takes too long
If you initiated a transfer and it has not appeared on your card after the expected time, first check your bank account to confirm the money actually left your bank. If it did, the transfer is likely in process and should arrive within one to two more business days. If the money is still in your bank account after three business days, contact Loft customer service with the date and amount of the transfer.
If a retail reload did not work, ask the cashier for a receipt showing the transaction. The receipt will have a confirmation number. If the money does not appear on your card within 24 hours, contact Loft with the receipt and confirmation number. Loft can trace the transaction and either complete it or refund the money back to the retailer. Keep all receipts until you see the funds on your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I load my Loft Card with a credit card or another prepaid card?
Most Loft accounts do not allow you to load from a credit card or another prepaid card — only from a bank account, cash at retail, or bank transfer. This is a fraud prevention measure. If you do not have a bank account, retail reload is your option, though it carries a fee.
What happens if I load money but do not spend it?
The money stays on your card until you spend it or close the account. Loft does not charge a monthly fee to hold funds on most card types, but check your account terms to be sure. If you close your account, you can withdraw the remaining balance by transferring it back to your bank account or requesting a check.
Is there a limit to how much I can load at one time?
Yes — most Loft Cards have a maximum daily load amount and a maximum balance you can hold on the card. These limits vary by account type and are shown in your account settings. Retail reloads sometimes have lower limits than online loads. If you need to load more than your limit allows, you can load again the next day.
Do I get charged if I load money but then change my mind?
No — once money is on your Loft Card, you can keep it there as long as you want without a fee. If you loaded through the app or online, there is no fee to reverse the load if you catch it within a few minutes before it processes. For retail reloads, the fee is non-refundable once the transaction completes, so ask the cashier to confirm before you hand over cash.
Can I load my Loft Card from someone else's bank account?
No — Loft requires that the bank account used to load the card be in your name. This is a compliance requirement. If someone else wants to send you money, they can do so through their own bank transfer to your bank account, and then you load your Loft Card from there.