Did you just receive a Direct Express card from Social Security in the mail and are wondering what that means? We can help. First, let’s explain what a Direct Express card is.
This post about Direct Express Card from Social Security will cover:
- What is a Direct Express Debit Card?
- Why did I receive a Direct Express Card from Social Security?
- Direct Express Debit Card FAQs
What is a Direct Express Debit Card?
The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card and electronic payment option for federal benefits recipients who don’t have a bank or credit union account.
It is recommended by the United States Treasury Department as a safe, fast, and convenient alternative to paper checks.
There are no sign-up fees or monthly account fees and you do not have to go through a credit check to enroll.
Anyone receiving Social Security Retirement, Supplemental Security Income, VA or other federal benefit payments can register for a Direct Express card.
If you decide to sign up for the Direct Express debit card, your federal benefits will be automatically deposited to your debit card account each month, on your payment day.
You can use the Direct Express card to make purchases, pay bills, or get cash at thousands of ATM locations – and most transactions are free.
Why did I receive a Direct Express Card from Social Security?
The three reasons why the Social Security Administration would mail you a Direct Express Card are as follows:
Reason #1 – You’re an SSDI or SSI Applicant
If you have applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and are waiting for a decision on your application, the Social Security Administration may mail you a Direct Express card before a decision is made on your application.
This does not mean that your application is approved. If you receive a Direct Express card in the mail before you’ve received a decision, you should call your local Social Security office to check the status of your application.
If you’ve already received a decision and have been approved, your monthly benefit payments will be sent to you electronically (according to Department of Treasury rules).
The Social Security administration may be proactive by sending you a Direct Express card early so that once your application is approved, you can activate your card and start receiving your benefits.
Please be aware that you are not required to get your benefits through Direct Express. There are other available options for receiving your federal benefit payments. Click here to learn more.
To activate your card, call the Direct Express card Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-888-741-1115.
In order to successfully activate your card, you will be instructed to enter your 16-digit card number, the last four digits of your social security number and your date of birth.
Be sure to have all of this information ready before you call. You will also need to select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) during activation.
Be sure to select a PIN that you will remember, but not easy to guess.
Reason #2 – You’re a Social Security Retirement Beneficiary
If you have applied for Social Security benefits, you are required to provide the Social Security Administration an electronic payment option for them to deposit your monthly benefits.
You can do that by providing them an account with a bank or credit union.
However, if you do not have a bank account, another electronic payment option is the Direct Express Debit Card – as recommended by the Treasury Department.
A Direct Express card may have been mailed to you because you do not have a bank account for your monthly benefits to be deposited into.
You should call your local Social Security office to find out more details if you have received a Direct Express card.
To activate your card, call the Direct Express card Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-888-741-1115.
You will be instructed to enter your 16-digit card number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number and your date of birth.
You will also need to select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Reason #3 – You’re receiving Federal Benefits Paper Checks
If you are currently receiving paper checks for your Social Security or other federal benefit payments, you are out of compliance with the law.
As of March 1, 2013, everyone must receive their federal benefits payments electronically – either through direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to the Direct Express Debit MasterCard.
If you do not comply – and sign up to get your benefits through a bank account, the Treasury Department may send you a Direct Express card.
To activate your card, call the Direct Express card Customer Service Department toll free at 1-888-741-1115.
You will be instructed to enter your 16-digit card number, the last four digits of your Social Security Number and your date of birth.
You will also need to select a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
See the 2020 Social Security Payment Schedule here.
Direct Express Debit Card FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Direct Express Debit card from new cardholders.
Can I Overdraw my Direct Express Account?
If you have a traditional bank account and are used to debit card overdraft, you may be wondering if that applies to the Direct Express Card Account.
Unlike a checking account, the Direct Express prepaid card cannot be overdrawn in most cases.
If the card has insufficient funds, the payment will normally be denied.
However, it is possible to overdraw your account if you use your card to pay for gas at the pump.
That is why when buying gas with your Direct Express card, it is advisable to go inside the gas station to pay with the attendant.
There are no overdraft fees with the Direct Express Debit Card.
Also, you will NOT be charged insufficient funds or declined transaction fees.
In order to avoid the frustration or perhaps embarrassment of a declined transaction, you should sign up for alerts about low balances.
This is especially important if you plan to use the card to make automatic online payments, such as for regular utility bills.
Can I transfer money to a checking or savings account?
Yes, you can transfer money from your Direct Express account to a personal U.S. bank account. This includes a checking or savings account with a bank or credit union.
However, there is a fee for this service. Direct Express will charge you a fee of $1.50 each time you transfer money from your account.
This fee will be deducted from your Direct Express card account.
To initiate a transfer, call the Direct Express Card Express Customer Service Department number on the back of your card or visit the website here.
Direct Express Card from Social Security Summary
We hope this post on Direct Express Card from Social Security was helpful.
If you have further questions about Direct Express Debit Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Direct Express and Social Security including Direct Express Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
