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The US Department of the Treasury and the IRS are working hard to get a second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to people. You might have already gotten your payment direct deposited into your bank account. That started on December 29th. You might have gotten a check in the mail. But, like last time, some people will get their payment in the mail on an EIP VISA debit card. Don’t be surprised if the way you get this second round of payments is different than the first time. Whichever way you get your payment, it’s all money the government wants you to have, and quickly. So: if you qualify for an Economic Impact Payment, look at your bank account for a direct deposit, keep an eye out for a check in the mail, or watch your mailbox carefully this month for an EIP Visa debit card.

With checks, you know the drill: get the check, deposit the check. Since you might not have gotten money on a VISA debit card before, here’s a bit more info. The EIP VISA debit card will come in an envelope that looks like this:

The debit cards are managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A., and will look like this:

If you got an EIP VISA debit card in the mail, here’s what to do.

  • Activate the EIP VISA debit card right away by calling 1-800-240-8100. To activate your card, you’ll have to give the last six digits of your Social Security number. Once the card is activated, you can use it anywhere that accepts VISA debit cards, including online or in a store, or at an ATM to get cash. You also can transfer the money from the card to your personal bank account without fees. Keep in mind that the EIP debit cards will expire after three years. If that happens, call customer service to request the funds be sent to you as a check.
  • Got questions about the EIP card? Call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-240-8100. You can also visit EIPCard.com for information on using your EIP card, like where to log in to see your card balance, or where to find an in-network ATM to get money out of the card at no charge.
  • Got more general EIP questions? The IRS also has an FAQs page in English, or in Spanish.

And one last thing. Like last time, scammers are at work trying to get your money and/or personal information. Remember that the government will never call, text, email, or ask you to click on a link to activate your EIP card or get your money. If anyone does, it’s a scam. Don’t give anyone your personal or financial information, like your Social Security or bank account numbers. And never pay anyone to get your EIP funds. Report any scam immediately to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Topics
Shopping and Donating
Littleman@
January 27, 2021
Someone use you as a dependent you didn't know what can you do about your money
Yams
January 23, 2021
I don't want the hassle associated with a card. Wished they would've sent the paper check instead. Now i have to activate it, set a PIN, provide part of my SSN for verification...How many elderly non tech savvy will be able to do this????? So, in other words the govt provided a non-govt company with my SSN and personal information....just what i need -- another possible security breach in the future. Who's safeguarding the information? this is just great......
QED
January 26, 2021

In reply to by Yams

I totally AGREE with you. And the Gov't is to be sustainable conscience what's with the plastic cards?!?!? A check is paper - biodegradable and what I do with the money is my business. This third party now knows our bank/credit union/investment account info when we transfer the money. Very bad and lacks PII - personal identifying information.
Parks4
January 29, 2021

In reply to by QED

So they give a 800 number for customer sac & then trick you into validating the card when what one wants is a paper check, Customer Service doesn;t exist at the 800 number. I don't like this business of dealing with cards that give your private info to how many other parties.
Edith Gabriele
January 28, 2021

In reply to by Yams

I have the same misgivings about the card. Last week I received a card with an officially looking letter. However on the card was some information about interest etc. – it looked ominous and rather like a scam. Since I, like everyone, am getting a deluge of offers from banks I threw it away. Today I saw this FTC Consumer information – too late, otherwise I would have taken a picture of it and checked further . I am 85 years old and suspicious of official-looking mailings. Now what I do? How do I get to my stimulus money?
FTC Staff
February 03, 2021

In reply to by Edith Gabriele

The frequently asked questions (FAQ) on www.eipcard.com say: 

If your Card is discarded or destroyed, it is important that you call Customer Service at 1.800.240.8100 immediately and select the “Lost/Stolen” option.

Your Card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it and, upon your request, a replacement Card can be provided at no cost to you.

Ashelton75
January 23, 2021
And if you didn't file taxes then you don't get one right? Never got first one so probably not this one either and desperately need! Was out of work for over 3 months due to having covid followed by bronchitis then stomach flu...weak immune system to boot! But yeah never got first one and bout to be evicted still yet to see second one either! Tried file taxes but a little hard when don't have a computer and everything publicly was shut down soo I guess just completely screwed then huh
Ashelton75
January 23, 2021
Is second round for everyone in america or selective? Every time I go to IRS page to check status says they don't have enough information but they're working on this!! Really I'm a US Navy veteran who fought for America still would to this day but yet...it's like I don't exist...
Don't use your…
January 23, 2021
What about the people who are incarcerated I thought they were suppose to get some kind of money to them. if so when is that gonna happen and how do they go about getting the money? I would really like to know cause my son is incarcerated at Airway Heights Correction Facility and I want to know how he can get his check? ASAP! THANK YOU!
FTC Staff
January 26, 2021

In reply to by Don't use your…

Please check with the IRS about eligibility for the EIP payment. Go to www.IRS.gov/eip.

gingermarie127
January 23, 2021
Hi, I will have to say I an impressed. I have been on disability for over 19 years and received my second stimulus check on December 29th 2020 directly deposited to my NetSpend Prepaid Account which my benefits are deposited to monthly...I wasn't even expecting it to come and was shocked when I received my text msg alerts from NetSpend with my stimulus deposit!! Thanks to all who made this happen!!! NetSpend does have additional CS#'s as well as Mobil banking App you can also use to access your account. I also did my husband's who is unemployed and he has also received his second stimulus check thru the mail, which he received paper checks for both payments, with no problems...I understand during these times it can be very stressful trying just to get what's due to you, and who can be patient. Hang on it will come when you need it the most!!! GingerMarie
First amendmen…
January 23, 2021
Yeah how come people that done the rebate recovery can't have something through Congress to where they can receive their money first before the people gets their regular taxes since they've been waiting for over a year
American
January 24, 2021
My stimulus check got sent to a closed bank account and now it says not available status and it's been saying that for almost 3 weeks now this is totally on fair cuz this would help me pay my bills I haven't heard anything or seen anything else about me getting my second stimulus check at all
Female
January 24, 2021
I haven't gotten my stimulus, no check nor card, or direct deposit.
Forgotten Tax Payer
January 24, 2021
Well not only did I not get the first stimulus check haven't heard any about the second one coming at all and I never received my taxes back from last year. Also the place I was working for closed down due to covid-19 so I lost my job on top of it. So perhaps it's our government running scams?
sedricaw
January 26, 2021
Whey said the mail my check out on Jan 6 and I still haven't received it
Terribell
January 24, 2021
I got first one though. Turbo Tax. Nothing this round and card still active. What am I to do? Don't file taxes.
cecebankhead4
January 26, 2021
I HAVEN'T GOT THIS PAYMENT BUT I DO HAVE A DIRECT DEPOSIT CARD I HAVE IT ON FILE
lorettagibson875
January 25, 2021
Why would they give me a check or debit card when my first stimulus was direct deposit? And do they have my inforamation.
sweetpeasilver15
January 24, 2021
I haven't got my second stimulus check. N niether has my husband. N he doesn't file taxes n i thought i did what they said to do but still through the whole stimulus check. My husband has not received norhing n me either. HELP HELP
Rtowne
January 24, 2021
Why is there no .gov web URL for this? That is the biggest red flag in the mailer. There is no trust in the eipcard.com URL so the US gov should have set up another URL for this.
Dropped my land line
January 24, 2021
When I called to activate my card, they said my phone number was not recognized. My old home phone number, on my previous tax filings, has been discontinued and now I use only a cell phone. How do I change my old discontinued phone number to my cell phone number?
ColoDave1
January 25, 2021
I am a veteran on SSDI. First check was direct deposit. Second stimulus never received. The IRS website get my payment says the info I inputed does not match any records. The site says to do nothing, and definitely do not call. Si if thete is an issue or problem we have no way to communicate. I could be waiting forever, it is frustrating to not know what is happening and no way to find out. Does not sound like the American Way to me.
Golf and Swimo…
January 25, 2021
Can we send the card back and get a check? Don't like having to enter my ss number on the phone.
Don'tallend us…
January 25, 2021
i have not received my second stimulus payment in mail i received first in may most of my friends have received theirs should i put a trace on check?
Frustrated American
January 25, 2021
Was unable to setup my pin, recording says that it doesn't recognize the number am calling from! I've had the same phone number for years! Now I can't get my call in, without pin setup, I can't transfer my money. Pointless
Don't use your…
April 06, 2021

In reply to by Frustrated American

Me too. I was never prompted to set a PIN. Now I can't get a hold of a live person. Their website has a mailing address so I sent them a letter. Ill probably never see the money now
Carlos Cr.
January 25, 2021
The 1.800.240.8100 DOES NOT WORK. I'M TRYING TO CALL THIS NUMBER A LOT OF TIMES TO SET MY PIN NUMBER AND ANSWER A MACHINE...THERE IS NOBODY TO ATTEND ME AND THE VOICE HUNG UP. I REGISTER MY CARD IN EIPCard.com AND I CAN'T TRANSFER THE FOUNDs TO MY BANK ACCOUNT. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE DISASTER.
Crystalblue
February 12, 2021

In reply to by Carlos Cr.

Same here! I finally got to talk to the lady and she said that she would issue me a check because the money just got lost in the air. I have not received the second check in the mail and had to claim it on my 2020 tax returns. Hopefully they will see as my taxes are being processed that I have not gotten my second stimulus check. I have received the letter in the mail saying that I had received it but I have not. Is there some kind of trace that can be done on this money?
Don't use your…
April 06, 2021

In reply to by Carlos Cr.

Me too. No PIN No funds. $1400 Ill never see
Sara S
January 26, 2021
I have tried calling the 800 number a dozen times since yesterday, and the call never goes through. It disconnects immediately. Is there another way to activate the card?
Sybere
January 26, 2021
Hi. How do I get a check instead of the card. I do not want to agree to your terms when a check should have been sent or better yet direct deposited like all of my refunds. thank you.
A_concerned_American
January 26, 2021
I received a check for the last stimulus, why am I forced to use a Payment card this time, and how can I request a check instead of a card? I had read and followed the links to the person complaining about the fees to use the card. They are correct we are charged to use this card. IF you do not want every third (3rd) party breathing down your back with purchases then no charge once again (depending on use). This day and age I DO NOT want my personal/ sensitive information shared with anyone I DO NOT chose to share or do business with (all the verifications to activate my card) vs get a check and deposit or cash it with NO underling fees. The whole “use this debit card” that will charge $5.00 if you have a bank they do not approve of, and I do not want to share my bank information with a card holder company. As another poster explained, why are SOME of use given a card that has restrictions by being charged depending on the use of the card vs a check / direct deposit with no over-head cautionary fees (depending on use). This is a major sham and part of the cashless move to monitor all on how/ where we spend our monies.
Deborah Searle
January 26, 2021
I tried using an Allpoint ATM to do withdrawal. The limit was $200 and there was a $1.99 service charge. This ATM was on the list as surcharge free. There is no customer service as the other comments address. Just recorded message and options that aren’t helpful. I wish you had sent me a check not a debit card. It would have been easier to know how to handle.
frustrated
January 26, 2021
This card is a joke! The 800 # says it doesn't recognize your phone number, tells you to call from another number then the same run around. There is no way to get a live person and everything directs you to the useless 800#. I went online to register the card and the final step which is to verify by email does not work!! I am beyond frustrated. When finally some help arrives you cant access it. This debit card company is a sham.
FTC Staff
February 04, 2021

In reply to by frustrated

If you have your phone number blocked for privacy reasons the EIP customer service call system may not recognize your phone number. You can disable the block yourself or ask your phone carrier how to do that, and call again.

Denise St J
January 26, 2021
The number on my card comes up unrecognized and therefore, I cannot do anything with the funds on this card. I actually got through on the telephone to the IRS site supposedly knowledgeable about EIP, and the worker had no clue how to assist, said she would connect me with someone else who would, and, of course, the call was disconnected! The ineptitude of government, especially during these challenging times is frustrating beyond description.
aucado
January 26, 2021
Went to my local bank and there is an ATM fee for the card. Went to an allpoints ATM and the withdrawal was declined. If I go and cash it in my bank they still want an ID to enter in for the transaction. What a joke this card is. It would have been cheaper to mail a check and deposit it then dealing with this card. I'm just going to throw this fake credit card in my desk and forget about it. I'm sure someone came up with this card idea so the banks could make money off of it.
Very upset car…
January 27, 2021
Finally activated the card. The 1st two attempts to activate I thought was asking for last 4 digits of ssn (which failed), then on the 3rd call attempting to activate (all within a 15 minute time period), the system asked for the last 6 digits of the ssn. Success. Quickly, I transferred my entire balance to my checking account. Here is the part that I am furious about: Today is Jan 26, and the initial deposit was made on Jan 1. This bank issuing the EIP cards have been sitting on OUR MONEY for those 26 days. Have they been earning interest this whole time? This seems CRIMINAL.
sad
January 30, 2021

In reply to by Very upset car…

I have the same problem. Did you receive your money?
ecopmt77?
January 27, 2021
My husband and I have not received the $600 in our bank nor the Visa card. Perhaps these cards in the mail, could be taken by people knowing what to look for in our mail boxes??? My husband & I did not need the $1,200, neither did someone we know who is a millionaire business owner need $3 mil. I'm not sending this too get the $600, just needed to express how sad to add such debt.
Petco71
January 27, 2021
My bank account has had a prenote on it from Metabank since Jan. 13th does anyone know what this means or where my stimulus money could be? thank u
WC
January 27, 2021
I understand the eipcard cannot be reloaded. But I wonder if we can make deposit checks (checks are under the card holder’s name) into eipcard checking account via money pass network ATM?
kingston0822$
January 27, 2021
Anyone know why I only got the 600 for me on my card? And didn't receive the money for my kids?
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