A loan transaction for a pre-paid card is approved for a borrower so that release of the loan proceeds is pending an activation of a pre-paid card. A pre-paid card transaction computer activates a pre-paid card responsive to an activation request on behalf of the borrower. The pre-paid card transaction computer indicates the activated pre-paid card is to be used with a loan transaction pending the activation of the pre-paid card. The pre-paid card transaction computer loads the pending loan proceeds to the pre-paid card so that the loan proceeds are released to the approved borrower and are immediately available to thereby convert the pre-paid card into a loan delivery apparatus.