Do you drive for Lyft and are looking for an easy way to get paid?
Do you wish you had the option to get paid instantly?
If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, you’re in luck.
The Lyft debit card is an excellent way for Lyft drivers to get paid instantly and with ease.
What is a Lyft Debit Card?
The Lyft debit card is a card that Lyft drivers can apply to use for everyday purchases while earning cashback rewards.
Depending on the pay period, the typical American in today’s workforce has to wait anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks to receive their hard-earned paycheck.
With this debit card, Lyft drivers receive payment directly into their wallet after every ride providing an easy and quick platform for you as a driver to receive your hard-earned cash.
This debit card is made possible through a partnership with Payfare and Stride Bank.
The Lyft debit card is an exciting opportunity that removes the hassle of dealing with an outside bank as users can manage their account right in the Lyft Direct app.
This card is used like any other debit card and is a noble choice for drivers looking for an instant way to receive payment from driving for Lyft.
This debit card gives you the same advantages as any other debit card while providing a platform for instant payments to Lyft drivers who qualify.
Features of the Lyft Debit Card
The Lyft debit card provides a variety of benefits and features to users to help make life easier.
Below are some of the key features and how they benefit users.
- Access to No-Fee ATMs – ATM fees can add up quickly for a lot of debit card users. Thankfully, the Lyft debit card provides access to over 20,000 ATMs where no ATM charge for use. Talk about convenience!
- Discounts on Car-Related Costs – No doubt using your vehicle for work puts some wear and tear on it. By using the Lyft debit card, drivers have access to various discounts at car service centers like Jiffy Lube, National Tire and Service Center, Pep Boys, and more.
- Saving Program – Through the option to automatically set aside a percentage of your paycheck, the Lyft direct debit card allows users to reach savings goals. This is a convenient option for those looking to save up money for a specific purchase or for a cushion in times of need.
- Instant Payouts – Did we mention that using the Lyft debit card means you have instant access to your earnings? Likely the most convenient feature of the Lyft debit card is the instant payments to your online account.
This means that once you drop off your rider at their destination, you can use those earnings to grab a snack before picking up your next rider.
Lyft Debit Card Fees & Rewards
While the benefits mentioned above make this card more than attractive, the most convenient benefits that make your life as a Lyft driver so much easier is the lack of extensive fees and benefits of the cashback rewards program.
Fees: Costs to Use the Card
Fees for using the Lyft debit card come in at a minimum as there are no low-balance fees, maintenance fees or transfer fees.
Although there are no low-balance or maintenance fees, there are several small fees associated with this card.
These fees include a $1 fee for personal checks, a $2.50 fee on select ATMs, a 3% foreign exchange fee, and a $5 card replacement fee.
Rewards: Ways to Earn with the Card
The Lyft debit card provides a cash back rewards program.
This is very similar to the Lyft Rewards program offered to riders and drivers.
This program offers rewards categories such as 1% cash back at gas stations and grocery stores, 4% cash back on select dining, and an additional 1% cash back on a rotating bonus category.
Insights are provided on the rotating categories to ensure you are prepared to spend and earn rewards.
All this to say, by using your Lyft debit card on everyday purchases like gas and groceries, you are earning additional cash.
It’s as simple as that!
How to Apply for a Lyft Debit Card
So how do you apply for a Lyft debit card?
It’s just about as easy as earning your instant Lyft earnings.
If you are not already a Lyft driver, you will start by creating an account by setting your username and password then applying to become a Lyft driver.
Once your application is accepted and your Lyft account is created, download the Lyft app and navigate to ‘Payment Info’ on the menu bar.
Eligibility is determined by driving history and whether or not you have a valid drivers license.
Tap the option to apply for Lyft Direct and complete the application process.
Once this application receives approval by Payfare, you will receive a notification informing you of the approval status.
You have now successfully applied and received approval for the Lyft debit card!
To manage your account and view account activity, create a Lyft direct account by downloading the Lyft Direct app.
This app is essentially your online bank account for Lyft that shows your current balance and helps you stay on track of your spending, and earnings and is required to utilize your debit card.
How to Activate a Lyft Debit Card
You have successfully received approval for the Lyft debit card, now what?
Once Lyft accepts you into the program, you will receive your debit card in the mail in approximately 10 business days.
Before you can use the debit card, you must complete the activation process.
How to Activate a Lyft Debit Card: Video Overview
How to Activate a Lyft Debit Card: Step-by-Step Tutorial
To activate, open the Lyft Direct app that you previously downloaded and navigate to ‘Manage Card’ from the dropdown menu.
Select ‘Active Your Card’ and enter your card details.
There is also the option to scan the provided QR code for quick activation without the hassle of entering the card info.
Once you have completed entering the card details, you will create a unique PIN for your Lyft debit card.
After the activation process is complete, it is imperative to turn on automatic payments.
To turn these automatic payments on, open the Lyft driver app and navigate to ‘Payment Info’ and then ‘Manage Card’.
From here you can turn on automatic payments.
If you manage to misplace your Lyft debit card or it is stolen, you can apply for a new one and cancel the old one.
From the ‘Manage Card’ screen, select ‘Report a lost or stolen card’.
After reporting this issue, you can expect to receive a new card in 5 -10 business days.
How to Use a Lyft Debit Card
Now that you have received and activated your Lyft debit card, it’s time to start using your card to earn cashback rewards!
Using the Lyft debit card is simple.
Once you receive funds into your account via customer payments, you are ready to start using your card like you would any other debit card.
Remember, the automatic balance on your Lyft debit card is what you earn driving for Lyft.
Therefore, the more you drive, the higher your balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about this program.
Can I add money to my Lyft Card?
Yes. You can certainly add money to your Lyft card.
This is completed through additional credit or debit card, prepaid card, bank account transfer, and digital or retailer gift cards.
Unsupported platforms to transfer money to your Lyft card include commuter cards, gift card, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Paypal.
There is also an automatic ‘auto fill’ option to transfer funds from one of the approved methods to your Lyft debit card when your remaining balance falls under $15.
Can I overdraft my Lyft Debit Card?
No. If you attempt a purchase using the Lyft debit card and there is not enough money in your account to cover the balance, the transaction will decline.
This means there are no overdraft fees associated with the Lyft debit card as there are with other fee bank accounts.
Does Lyft pay daily?
Yes. You do have the option to receive payment daily when driving for Lyft.
The default payment method for Lyft is on a weekly basis where payments are made every Tuesday.
Updates can be made to receive daily payments if desired.
Does Lyft pay Instantly?
Yes. With the Lyft debit card drivers get paid on the spot and have immediate access to your cash once passengers make a payment with no service delays through express pay.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are attracted to the Lyft debit card because of the instant payments or the minimal fees, it proves an admirable option for those looking for a convenient way to get paid and reap the benefits of cashback rewards through purchases on everyday items and select restaurants.
The application process is easy and activation is straightforward.
You don’t have to jump through any hoops to get up and running once you have received approval for the Lyft debit card.
If you meet the requirements for the Lyft debit card and have made the decision it’s time to move forward and receive instant payments, apply today on the Lyft driver mobile app and discover what you’re missing out on.
How do I delete Lyft Priority Pick-Up and go back to Standard?
Overall, I love the simplicity and benefits of the LyftDirect card, but I frequently encounter difficulties with it being recognized as a valid means of either paying online, or being paid. Most recently, my auto insurer offered to pay out my claim to my Master Card-branded debit card (as the LyftDirect card is), but wouldn’t accept the card as one it could send the funds to. I’ve had similar issues receiving money on apps like PayPal and Venmo. It just seems like the LD card is a little “funky” to some entities that would otherwise accept other banks’ debit cards.