If you’re still waiting for your Economic Impact Payments, you might be getting a debit card instead of a check in the mail. This, of course, is the money that’s meant to give relief due to the Coronavirus pandemic. You may have already gotten your payment by direct deposit or by check. But if you’re still waiting, watch your mailbox for either a check or a VISA debit card. And know that the government will never, ever call, text, email, or ask you to click on a link they sent to activate your card or get your money.
Here’s what to know if your payment comes in the form of a debit card.
- Look for the prepaid card (and its envelope) in the mail. The envelope will be from “Money Network Cardholder Service.” Inside will be a VISA-branded prepaid card issued by MetaBank. This card will give you access to your economic impact payment.
- Activate the card immediately. The mailer will give you instructions on how to activate the card, but here’s the deal: You can activate your card by calling 1-800-240-8100 or visiting USdebitcard.gov and clicking on the EIP card link. To activate your card, though, you’ll have to give them your Social Security number. Once you activate your card, you can get cash or use it anywhere that accepts VISA debit cards. There are no fees associated with transferring the money from the card to your personal bank account. Keep in mind that EIP cards will expire after three years. When that happens, the bank will send any money left on the card to you.
- Questions about the card? Money Network has a 24-hour call center: 1-800-240-8100. You can call to check your card balance or just ask questions. There’s also more information and a quick video from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to answer questions you might have.
Most important, remember: unless you’ve asked for assistance, no one will ever call you about the EIP card. And no one will text, email, or ask you to click on a link they sent to activate this card or to get your money. If someone does, stop. It’s a scammer. Don’t give them your Social Security or debit card number, or any other information. Then report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
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In reply to seriously who thought this by tc
In reply to seriously who thought this by tc
In reply to Well we got one this week. It by Kimoncape
In reply to I’m still waiting too!! No by Jmcamc
In reply to How is the amount determined? by deborahyl
You can check your balance, get cash, and transfer money to your personal account with no fees. Read this article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to learn how.
In reply to I mistakenly shredded the by Paul H.
The information at eipcard.com says: Call Customer Service at 1.800.240.8100 (TTY: 1.800.241.9100) and select the “Lost/Stolen” option. Your card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it and a new replacement card will be ordered. Your first reissued card will be free. A $7.50 fee will be applied for each additional reissued card. Please refer to the material in your Welcome Packet or see your Cardholder Agreement online at EIPCard.com for more information.
In reply to The information at eipcard by FTC Staff
In reply to I mistakenly shredded the by Paul H.
In reply to I did the same thing and have by Bob Don't use …
In reply to Do you guys do refils by User 29253
You can't add money to the EIP card. This article from the CFPB has information about using the card.
In reply to It looks like I have to give by FTC Economic I…
The Economic Impact Payments come from the Treasury Department.
There are several ways to get cash without paying a fee or going to a bank.
This article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains much more.
In reply to I was to receive direct by march52
In reply to Card received today. I had by JettHead
In reply to This was my reaction as well- by sarahfa
There are several ways to get cash without paying a fee or going to a bank.
The information that came with the card and this article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explain how.
In reply to There are several ways to get by FTC Staff
In reply to You did not respond to the by Stabletaxper
The Economic Impact Payment Cardholder Agreement, Updated January 4, 2021, Paragraph 2. About Your Card says, in relevant part:
"If you do not agree to your funds being held by us at MetaBank, N.A. or placed by MetaBank, N.A. as custodian at a specific MetaBank Program Bank, please ... contact Customer Service above to cancel the Card and request your funds in the form of a paper check."
In reply to The Economic Impact Payment by FTC Staff
In reply to This was my reaction as well- by sarahfa
In reply to Card received today. I had by JettHead
In reply to I received and activated my by NP
Money Network has a 24-hour call center: 1-800-240-8100. You can call to check your card balance or just ask questions.
In reply to Money Network has a 24-hour by FTC Staff
In reply to Money Network has a 24-hour by FTC Staff
In reply to There is no way to speak to a by Human??
In reply to Money Network has a 24-hour by FTC Staff
In reply to This is a way to keep people by BJ NYC
There should be information in the envelope with your card. They explain how to get money, and if there are fees for different activities.
This article from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains more.
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