How to Get Car Insurance Online With a Checking Account (2025)

How to pay for car insurance without a credit card

“Most insurance companies will accept alternative forms of payment,” Cunningham says. He recommends speaking with an independent agent if you’re concerned about paying for car insurance without a credit card.

Here are some ways to get car insurance online without a credit card.

Check (paper, electronic, or cashier’s)

Writing a check isn’t as common as it used to be, but it’s a safe and convenient way to pay for your car insurance. A check is a document promising someone they’ll receive payment from you.

You can mail a paper check, send an electronic check through your online banking software, or have your bank issue you a cashier’s check. Just make sure to mail your check early to avoid any late payments.

Debit card

When you open a checking account at a bank or credit union, you’ll typically receive a free debit card. Although it looks like a credit card, a debit card takes money directly from your bank account when you use it to make a payment. Credit cards offer a revolving line of credit that users pay back after they spend with the card.

If you pay your premium with a debit card, your insurer may keep the card number on file and automatically charge you each month. That way, you don’t have to worry about missing a payment or lapses in coverage.

Electronic funds transfers

An electronic funds transfer (EFT) lets your insurance company receive the money electronically instead of you writing a paper check.^[1] When you sign up for car insurance, you’ll give your insurance company your checking account and routing numbers. Then, the insurance company deducts the funds from your account each month when your payment is due.

EFT is one of the safest forms of payment. By setting up auto pay, you’ll never have to worry about your policy lapsing or canceling due to non-payment. Some insurance companies even offer discounts for using auto pay.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay allows you to store your card information in a mobile wallet on your phone.^[2]

Some insurers accept Apple Pay, including Progressive, State Farm, GEICO, and USAA. Your insurer may also give you the option to add your insurance card to your Apple Wallet so you always have it on hand.

PayPal or other mobile payment services

PayPal allows you to send and receive payments online using its website or mobile app. Most car insurance companies don’t accept PayPal, but some do. For example, Progressive accepts PayPal — and Google Pay.

Prepaid cards

Prepaid cards aren’t linked to a bank account. Instead, you load money onto the card and can only spend up to the amount you’ve loaded. Prepaid debit cards usually have reload fees or monthly maintenance fees. This makes them an expensive way to store and use money.

And, if you lose your prepaid card or it gets stolen, you have no way to get that money back. You should only use a prepaid card as a last resort to pay your car insurance premium.

Money orders

Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers are a few companies that accept money orders as a form of payment. You can buy money orders to pay a business or another person as an alternative to a check.

You can buy a money order at:

• Banks

• Credit unions

• Most post offices

• Grocery stores

• Gas stations

• Retailers like Walmart

If you don’t have a checking account, a money order is a safer option than cash. But you may pay a fee each time you buy one.

In-person cash payments

Some insurance companies still accept cash payments at their local offices. Ask your insurance company if it accepts cash as a payment option. If it doesn’t take cash, you could buy a money order or use a prepaid card instead.