How to Get Direct Express Emergency Cash

Direct Express Emergency Cash, also known as Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access is a new feature available to Direct Express cardholders to be able to get cash during times of emergencies.

In this post, we will explain in detail what Direct Express Emergency Cash is about and how to get access to this cash advance.

We will also provide a list of locations where you can walk in and get access to this emergency cash.

Before we explain what Direct Express Emergency cash is about, it is important to understand how Direct Express card works.

What Is Direct Express?

The Direct Express card is a debit card you can use to access federal benefits. The card is issued by Comerica Bank on behalf of the United States Treasury Department.

The card is recommended by the Treasury Department as a safe, convenient alternative to paper checks.

When you sign up to receive your federal benefits on the Social Security debit card, you will receive your payment every month, on your payment date without having to worry about cashing your check or having it lost or stolen.

Anyone receiving federal benefit payments, such as Social Security, SSDI, SSI, or Veterans assistance, can enroll.

You can use your Direct Express card to withdraw cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), make purchases at stores that accept Debit MasterCard, and get cashback when you make those purchases

In addition, you can use the card to pay bills online.

How Does Direct Express Work?

Direct Express is a debit card account that receives Federal benefit payments by direct deposit.

Your federal benefit payments are deposited on the due date and the money becomes available right away.

You can access your funds on the card 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the following ways.

Get cash at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or make cash withdrawals at banks that accept MasterCard;

Pay for merchandise or services with the card and get cashback, if desired, at businesses that accept MasterCard; and
Use the card to make purchases online.

What is Direct Express Emergency Cash?

Direct Express Emergency Cash allows you to obtain up to $1,000 of the funds available on your Direct Express card account without your card in hand.

It is also sometimes referred to as the Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access.

The program allows cardholders to access funds from their account in situations where they don’t have their card with them.

The service is especially useful for cardholders if they have lost their card, even when they are currently not in their home states.

Who can benefit from Direct Express Emergency Cash?

The Direct Express Emergency Cash program is particularly useful for the following groups of people:

Those whose Direct Express card is lost or stolen, have had their card canceled and are waiting for the new card to arrive but need cash now.
Cardholders whose cards have expired and are waiting for their new card to arrive in the mail but need money now.

Those who have ordered a replacement Direct Express debit card and need access to their cash now.

How do I get emergency cash from Direct Express?

You may pick up your money at any MoneyGram location in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.

Almost all Walmart Locations have MoneyGram centers, making it easy for you to get access to your money.

For a MoneyGram location near you, click here.

For a Walmart location near you, click here.

What are the fees?

You can get up to $1,000 of the funds available on your Direct Express card account without your card in hand.

The fee is either $8.50 for up to $500 or $12.00 for up to $1,000.

FAQs about Direct Express Emergency Cash

Here are the most frequently asked questions related to the Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access.

Can I borrow money from my Direct Express card?

There are some lenders that offer payday loans with Direct Express cards. Depending on the lender, you can apply for a loan either online or in person.

However, be aware that even though payday loans are advertised as an easy form of credit, they can turn into a serious debt problem because they charge very high-interest rates.

How do I withdraw money from my Direct Express card without my card?

The Direct Express Emergency Cash program allows Direct Express cardholders to be able to get cash without their card as explained above.

Can I get a cash advance on my disability check?

There are some lenders that offer payday loans against disability checks.

Depending on the lender, you can apply for a loan either online or in person.

However, be aware that even though payday loans are advertised as an easy form of credit, they can turn into a serious debt problem because they charge very high-interest rates.

Can I transfer money from Direct Express to a bank account?

Yes. You may transfer funds from your Direct Express card account to a personal U.S. bank account.

However, a fee of $1.50 will be deducted from your Direct Express card account for each transfer made.

To transfer funds, call the Direct Express Card toll-free Customer Service Department number on the back of your card or login to your account.

For help with reaching a live person at Direct Express, see our post on how to speak to a live person at Direct Express.

If you need help logging into your Direct Express account, see our Direct Express Account login guide.

If you have been a victim of fraud on your Direct Express Debit card, see our guide on how to file a dispute.