> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.helioscard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.helioscard.xyz/the-helios-card/funding.md).

# Funding your card

Before you can spend, you fund your card. On Helios, funding the card **borrows against your collateral** (your credit line) and loads that spending power onto the card. The card then spends from its own funded balance.

## How to fund

1. Go to **Card**.
2. Choose to fund (top up) your card.
3. Enter the amount, or fund the maximum available.
4. Confirm. The amount is borrowed against your collateral and added to your card's spending power.

You can fund more at any time, up to your borrowing limit. See [Borrow limits & tiers](/credit-line-and-borrowing/limits-and-tiers.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Because funding the card uses your credit line, a funded balance is a borrowed balance — it accrues interest until repaid. See [How the credit line works](/credit-line-and-borrowing/how-it-works.md).
{% endhint %}

## Frequently asked

### Can I spend straight from my wallet without funding?

No. The card spends from its **funded balance**, which you load by funding the card. It doesn't spend a stablecoin balance directly.

### Where does the money come from?

Funding borrows against your collateral. You're not spending your deposited assets — you're borrowing against them, and repaying later. See [Repaying your balance](/credit-line-and-borrowing/repaying.md).

### Can I fund automatically?

Yes — turn on **Auto increase credit** in Settings to borrow up to your limit automatically when you deposit. See [How the credit line works](/credit-line-and-borrowing/how-it-works.md#automation-optional).

### Why was my card declined?

The most common reason is an insufficient funded balance. Other reasons include the card being frozen or a spending limit. See [Managing your card](/the-helios-card/managing.md).


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