How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card (2021 Guide)

IRS Stimulus Update, Stimulus EIP Debit Card

If you received a Stimulus Debit Card (EIP Debit Card) from the IRS, we can help you register your new card. In this post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to activate Stimulus Debit Card and begin to access your stimulus money.

"How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card"

This post will cover:

  • Why did I get a Stimulus Debit Card?
  • How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card
  • How can I transfer money from my EIP card to my bank account?
  • What is IRS “Plus Up” Payment?
  • Stimulus Debit Card FAQs

Why did I get a Stimulus Debit Card?

You are receiving a stimulus check because the IRS does not have direct deposit information for you.

Another reason may be that your financial institution rejected the stimulus payment from the IRS and returned the money to the IRS.

This could happen because the IRS has the wrong bank account information for you.

It could also be that you have closed that account.

If the account was closed, your payment will be reissued and mailed to the most recent address on file with the IRS.

Additionally, even if you haven’t given the IRS banking information, it’s possible you may still get a direct deposit.

How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card

To activate your Stimulus Debit Card, follow the instructions below:

Step 1 – Call EIP Card Number

The first step in activating your Stimulus Debit Card is to call the EIP Card Phone Number at 1.800.240.8100.

When you call the number, you will get a greeting from an auto attendant from the Money Network.

The attendant will inform you that you received an EIP Card because you were eligible for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or stimulus payment.

You will also be informed that your EIP Card or Stimulus debit card is not reloadable.

Therefore, if you are eligible for the second round or third round of stimulus payments, you will be issued a new EIP card. IRS.GOV/EIP Payment – EIP

Next, press “1” for English.

Step 2 – Enter your Stimulus Debit Card Number

You will then be presented with menu options to choose from.

Press “1 to activate your card.

Next, you will be asked to enter the following information to activate your Stimulus Debit Card:

  • Stimulus Debit Card Number
  • Last 6-digits of your social security number
  • 3-digit security code from the back of your Card

If you provide the correct information requested above, you should be able to complete the card activation process.

However, it is possible that you may be asked to provide additional personally identifying information, including your name and address.

Alternatively, you may be asked to answer identity verification questions in order to complete the activation process.

Step 3 – Card is Ready for Use

Next, you will be asked to create a 4-digit PIN required for ATM transactions and automated assistance and to hear your balance.

For your Account security, do not use personal information as your PIN.

Also, for debit cards with more than one name, only the primary Cardholder (listed first on the Card) may activate the Card.

Step 4 – Card is Ready for Use

Congratulations!! You have successfully activated your Stimulus Debit Card. Your card is now ready to be used.

How can I transfer money from my EIP card to my bank account?

There are three ways you can transfer the money on your Stimulus debit card into your bank account.

However, in order to begin, you have to first activate your debit card.

Once your card is activated, you can transfer the funds from your Stimulus Debit Card into your bank account by phone, online, or using the mobile up.

See our detailed, step-by-step post on How to Transfer Money from Stimulus Debit Card to Personal Bank Account for help.

What is IRS “Plus Up” Payment?

If you are missing stimulus money you are owed from the first two stimulus payment due to one of the following reasons:

  • Your income was lower in 2020 than in 2019
  • You added a new child or dependent to your 2020 tax return

You may qualify for a larger check this time around.

Instead of making you wait till you file next year to claim the missing amount, the IRS is making “plus-up” payments this year.

The IRS is automatically recalculating and then sending these plus-up adjustments, without the need for you to request them in an amended tax return form.

Stimulus Debit Card FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked Stimulus Debit Card questions:

If I already have a Stimulus Debit Card before will I get more money on that card now?

No. If you received a stimulus debit card for your first or second round of stimulus payments, the IRS will not deposit your third stimulus on that card.

If the IRS sent a previous stimulus check as an EIP card and plans to send you another payment the same way, you’ll receive a brand-new prepaid card.

However, the IRS won’t add money to any previous card you may have, the agency said.

Will the IRS let me know that my EIP card is on the way?

When the IRS sent stimulus debit cards with the first and second rounds of stimulus, it did send a letter to those receiving them.

That letter was sent to your last known address within 15 days after the payment was made.

Included in that letter was information on how you will receive your stimulus payment (check or direct deposit or EIP card).

Similarly, the IRS will do the same for the third round of payments.

How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card Summary?

We hope this post on How to Activate Stimulus Debit Card was helpful.

If you have further questions about Stimulus Checks, Social Security, or Disability benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.

Be sure to check out our other articles on:
Third Stimulus Check FAQs
When will Social Security get the Third Stimulus?
What is the Third Stimulus Check Release Date?
Direct Express Stimulus Check Deposit Date
Stimulus Debit Card FAQs