At most retail stores, you can use a personal check to purchase a prepaid card or gift card as long as the store typically accepts checks for general merchandise.

, allow you to snap a photo of a check in their app to deposit it.

Some stores may allow you to use the funds immediately, while others may place a hold on the card's balance until the check clears.

Retailers like Walmart or grocery stores like Kroger often have specific verification steps for high-value transactions involving checks. Loading an Existing Card with a Check

If you already own a reloadable prepaid card, there are several streamlined ways to add check funds without going to a cashier: Many cards, such as the Netspend Visa Prepaid Bluebird by American Express

You can have payroll or government benefit checks sent directly to cards like the Walmart MoneyCard American Express Serve