TBG Products is a payroll card company, not a bank

TBG Products issues prepaid debit cards that employers use to pay workers who do not have traditional bank accounts. The card functions like a debit card — you can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check your balance — but the money comes from your employer's payroll system, not from a bank deposit account you own.

TBG Products cards are sometimes called payroll cards or employer-sponsored prepaid cards. They are most common in industries with high turnover, seasonal work, or workforces that include many unbanked or underbanked workers. Construction, hospitality, retail, and temporary staffing are frequent users.

The card itself is issued by TBG Products under a program your employer has set up. Your employer transfers your wages to TBG Products, which loads them onto your card. You then access that money through ATM withdrawals, debit purchases, or transfers to a bank account if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • TBG Products cards are prepaid debit cards funded by your employer's payroll, not bank accounts you control.
  • Fees vary by card and employer agreement, and may include ATM withdrawal fees, balance inquiry fees, and monthly maintenance charges.
  • Your employer chooses whether to use TBG Products, so you cannot switch to a different payroll card company on your own.
  • Money loaded onto a TBG card is not FDIC-insured the way bank deposits are, though TBG Products maintains trust accounts to protect customer funds.
  • You can usually transfer money from your TBG card to a personal bank account if you want to move your wages elsewhere.

How money gets loaded onto your TBG card

On payday, your employer sends your wages to TBG Products instead of to a bank account. TBG Products receives the payroll file, matches it to your card account, and loads your net pay (after taxes and deductions) onto the card within one business day, usually by the next morning.

You do not need to do anything to receive the deposit. Once your employer has enrolled you in the TBG Products payroll program and you have activated your card, deposits happen automatically with each paycheck. The card will show your available balance, and you can spend or withdraw that money immediately.

If your employer uses direct deposit to a bank account as the default, you may need to opt into the TBG Products card program during onboarding or through your employer's payroll portal. Some employers offer it as an alternative; others require it for all employees.

Fees and costs you should know about

TBG Products charges fees that vary depending on which specific card product your employer has chosen. Common fees include ATM withdrawal fees (often $1.50 to $3.00 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs), balance inquiry fees, monthly maintenance fees, and fees for expedited transfers to a bank account.

Some employers negotiate fee waivers or reduced fees as part of their payroll card agreement, so the fees you pay may differ from another company's employees. Ask your employer's HR or payroll department which fees apply to your specific card and whether any are waived.

In-network ATM withdrawals are usually free or low-cost. TBG Products maintains a network of ATMs where you can withdraw without a surcharge. Using an ATM outside that network will trigger a fee. Debit purchases at stores typically have no fee.

Moving money from your TBG card to a bank account

Most TBG Products cards allow you to transfer money to a personal bank account you own. You can usually set this up through the TBG Products mobile app or website by linking your bank account and initiating a transfer. Transfers typically take one to three business days and may have a fee depending on the transfer method.

Some cards offer free transfers to a linked bank account once per pay period. Others charge a fee for each transfer. Expedited transfers (same-day or next-day) usually cost more than standard transfers. Check your card's terms or call the customer service number on the back of your card to confirm what transfers cost.

If you do not have a bank account, you can withdraw cash from an ATM instead, though ATM fees will apply if you use an out-of-network machine. Opening a bank account at a credit union or online bank is often cheaper than paying repeated ATM fees.

What happens if your employer stops using TBG Products

If your employer switches to a different payroll method or payroll card company, TBG Products will notify you and give you a window to withdraw your remaining balance or transfer it. You will not lose access to money already on the card, but you will not receive future paychecks on it.

Read any notice your employer sends about a payroll change carefully. It will explain the deadline for accessing your TBG card and what happens to any unclaimed balance. If you miss the deadline, you may need to contact TBG Products directly to recover the money, which can take longer.

FDIC insurance and account protection

Money on a TBG Products card is not FDIC-insured because TBG Products is not a bank. However, TBG Products is required by law to hold customer funds in trust accounts at FDIC-insured banks. This means your money is protected if TBG Products fails, but the protection is different from having your own bank account.

If you are concerned about the security of your wages, opening a bank account and asking your employer to direct deposit there instead is the most straightforward option. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and direct deposit to a bank account gives you full FDIC protection.

Disputing charges and getting help

If you see a charge on your TBG card that you did not make, or if a deposit is missing or incorrect, contact TBG Products customer service using the number on the back of your card. You can also report issues through the mobile app.

TBG Products has a dispute process similar to a bank's. You will need to report the problem within a certain timeframe (usually 60 days for unauthorized charges). TBG Products will investigate and either reverse the charge or explain why it is valid. Keep records of your paychecks and any communications with your employer about your pay to support a dispute.

If your employer made an error in your paycheck amount, contact your employer's payroll department first. They may need to issue a correction or adjustment. TBG Products can only move money that your employer has sent to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TBG card at any ATM?

You can use any ATM, but you will pay a fee at machines outside TBG Products' network. In-network ATMs are free or low-cost. Check the TBG Products website or app to find free ATMs near you before you withdraw.

What if I lose my TBG card?

Contact TBG Products immediately using the number on your statement or in the app. They will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and can issue a replacement. Money on the card is protected even if the physical card is lost.

Can I get my paycheck by direct deposit to my bank instead?

That depends on your employer. Some employers offer a choice between TBG Products and traditional direct deposit; others require the payroll card. Ask your HR or payroll department whether you can switch to bank direct deposit.

Do I have to pay taxes on money loaded onto my TBG card?

No. Taxes are deducted from your gross pay before the net amount is loaded onto the card, the same way they would be with any paycheck. Your employer reports your income to the IRS, and you receive a W-2 at year-end.

What if my employer loads the wrong amount onto my card?

Contact your employer's payroll department immediately with your pay stub or paystub details. They can investigate whether the error is in their payroll system or in how the amount was sent to TBG Products. Your employer is responsible for correcting payroll errors, not TBG Products.