How You Can Use Your Payment Prepaid Debit Card Without Paying Fees?

If you recently received a government prepaid debit card with your Economic Impact Payments in the mail, know that this money is for you and you receive it as established in the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief and Economic Security Act, or Law CARES.

Do not throw this card in the trash. You will need it to access your Economic Impact Payment . You must first activate the card by phone in order to use it. Once you have done so, your money is safe, deposited on the card. Immediately report the loss or theft of your card.

We show you some of the most common questions and answers, as well as tips to help you access your money and use your card, including how to do it while paying little in fees. Although most transactions are free, some small fees could add up, learn how to get the most for your money.

I received a VISA prepaid debit card in the government mail with my Economic Impact Payment: Is this a scam?

It is not a scam. The government is sending some consumers Economic Impact Payment Cards if they qualify for economic stimulus payments and the IRS was unable to pay them with direct deposit.

Your Economic Impact Payment card will arrive in a simple envelope addressed to “Money Network Cardholder Services”, which will also contain important information about the card, instructions for activating it, the list of fees, and a note from the Department of the Treasure. The front of the card will have the words “VISA” and “DEBIT” written on it, on the back, the issuing bank “MetaBank, NA” and it must look like the following:

How do I activate my card?

Before you can access your Economic Impact Payment, you must first activate your card online, or by phone. You will receive a single card with all the payments corresponding to your household, and the main user of the card must activate it.

If you are the main user of the card:

• Call 1-800-240-8100 (TTY: 1-800-241-9100). Dial 2 for Spanish
• Say your name, address, and Social Security number to prove your identity
• Create your 4-number PIN so you can withdraw cash from ATMs. If you forget it, you can call customer service to get a new one
• Check the balance so you know how much money you have received

Once you have activated it, you can start using your card immediately. You won’t be charged any monthly fees, or inactivity penalties, and your money will never expire. This is not a loan that you have to pay back, and you will not be taxed on this money either.

How do I check my balance without paying a fee?

There are many convenient ways in which you can check your balance for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including notifications or text messages sent to your cell phone, or emails.

• Online: Visit EIPCard.com (page in English, resources in Spanish available on it) and access your account information (you will need to register it first)
• By phone: Call 1-800-240-8100 (TTY: 1.800.241.9100) and use the automated voice system, dial 2 for Spanish
• Mobile App: Download the Money Network® mobile app (you will need to register your account to log in)

Tip: If you usually withdraw your entire card balance at an ATM, try using one of the ways described above to avoid paying a balance inquiry fee.

What can I do if my card is lost, stolen, or misplaced?

If you don’t know where you put your card, go to EIPCard.com and lock it to prevent unauthorized transactions or cash withdrawals while you search for it.