How to Sign Up for Direct Express Debit Card

This post is about how to sign up for Direct Express Debit Card. The Direct Express debit card, otherwise called the Social Security Debit Card, is a prepaid card issued by the US Department of Treasury Department.

It is offered to those who receive federal benefit payments, including Social Security Benefits and Supplemental Security Income.

It is an option for meeting the federal law that requires all government benefits to be received electronically. The card is issued by Comerica Bank.

In this post, we are going to walk you through how to sign up for the card.

Firstly, we will explain the benefits of the Direct Express debit card.

Also, we will explain the process for signing up.

Additionally, we will provide a list of government benefit recipients that are eligible for the Direct Express debit card.

Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the Social Security debit card.

Prefer Video?

The short video below explains in detail the benefits and the top complaints of the Direct Express Card.

We highly recommend watching it if you need a quick summary of the benefits and issues of the card.

This post on “How to Sign Up for Direct Express Debit Card” will cover:

Benefits of Direct Express Card
How to Sign up for Direct Express Card
How long it takes to get a Card
Where You Can Use the Direct Express Card
Who can Apply for Direct Express Card?
FAQs

Benefits of Direct Express Debit Card

If you are thinking of receiving your federal benefits payment via the direct express debit card, there are several benefits to doing so.

Here are the key benefits of why we think the direct express debit MasterCard is a great alternative to a traditional bank account:

Safe to Use

With the Direct Express card, there is no need to carry large amounts of cash and no risk of lost or stolen checks.

Easy to Use

When you sign up for the card, your federal benefits payment will automatically be deposited to your card account on payment day each month.

You no longer have to wait for a check to arrive in the mail.

Convenient

With your Direct Express card, you can make purchases anywhere Debit MasterCards are accepted.

You can also get cashback at retail locations, banks and credit unions, and ATMs throughout the world.

Most services are free

One of the best features we like about the Direct Express card is that most of the services the card offers are free when compared to other prepaid cards.

Here is a table that shows you all the free services:

How to Sign up for Direct Express Debit Card

The sign-up process for the Direct Express card is very simple.

If you are currently receiving federal benefit payments such as Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, here’s what to do:

Call the Direct Express card enrollment center toll-free at 1 (800) 333-1795 and a representative will walk you through how to sign up.

You can also sign up online. To do so, click here.

How long it takes to get a Card

One of the most frequently asked questions is how long it takes to receive the Direct Express card in the mail once you have applied.

Here is how it works:

Once you call the phone number above to sign up, your information is going to be verified to make sure you are a recipient of federal benefits.

Next, Direct Express will mail you a letter informing you that a Direct Express card will be mailed to you.

It takes about 7-10 days for the card to be mailed to you.

Where You Can Use the Direct Express Card

The card is very easy to use when making purchases. All you need to do is present it anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted.

Once the purchase is complete, the money is automatically deducted from your account.

You may also get cashback with your purchase at many merchant locations, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and some convenience stores.

Your card can also be used to make purchases online and pay bills with merchants that accept Debit MasterCard.

You also have the option to use the card to buy money orders at the U.S. Post Office or other locations that accept the card.

Who can Apply for Direct Express Card?

The US Treasury now requires that federal benefit payments (including Social Security, VA benefits) must be made electronically.

Therefore, choose to have your payments sent via direct deposit to your checking or savings account at a bank or credit union.

Alternatively, you can sign up for Direct Express Debit MasterCard Account.

If you are not compliant with the law, you may be enrolled in the Direct Express program unless you are granted an exception from the law.

The following federal benefits can be received electronically via the direct express debit Mastercard:

U.S. Coast Guard
The DFAS Annuitant Pay
DFAS Retired Military Pay
DFAS Former Spouse Pay
Black Lung
Federal Employee Workers Comp
Long Shore and Harbor Workers Comp
Energy
Civil Service Retirement/Annuity
Civil Service Survivor/Annuity
Railroad Retirement Annuity
Railroad Retirement Unemployment/Sickness
Social Security Retirement
Supplemental Security Income
DC Pension
The Veterans Compensation and Pension
Veterans Education MGIB
The Veterans Education/Selected Reserve
Veterans Vocational Rehab and Employee
The Chapter 33 – VA EDU Post 911 – Post 911 GI Bill
Chapter 35 – VA DEP EDU ASST – Dependents Education Assistance Program
Chapter 1607 – VA EDUCTN REAP – Reserve Education Assistance
Veterans Health Administration
Compensated Work Therapy
Veterans Medical Research

Direct Express Questions

Here are the top questions asked by new recipients of the Direct Express card:

Is the Direct Express Card safe?

Yes, the funds on the Direct Express card is FDIC-insured up to the maximum legal limit.
In addition, federal consumer laws protect you against unauthorized use of your card.

If you are a victim of fraud or see unauthorized transactions on your card, contact Direct Express customer service immediately.

Finally, if your card is lost or stolen, it will be replaced upon request.

How do I avoid Direct Express transaction fees?

It is understandable that most cardholders are worried about Direct Express card fees.

That’s because a majority of cardholders are on a fixed income and do not want their money eaten up in fees.

Here are the steps you can take to avoid Direct Express fees:

First, always try and use your card at a surcharge-free network ATM to make your one free withdrawal.

For subsequent withdrawals, use a Direct Express card surcharge-free network ATM to reduce the amount of fees that you pay.

Second, use your Direct Express card at stores and retail locations to pay for purchases instead of getting cash at an ATM.

Other Ways to Avoid a Fee

Make a purchase using your PIN, especially in grocery stores.

You can also get cashback for free at grocery stores, Pharmacies, and convenience stores.

When you get cash at the ATM after your one free withdrawal, you will be charged a fee.

Third, you can get cash from a teller free of charge at any bank or credit union that displays the MasterCard acceptance mark.

Finally, use your Direct Express card to buy money orders at the U.S. Post Office and other locations that accept Debit MasterCard.

What’s the Easiest Way to Check My Card Balance?

The easiest way to check the balance on your Direct Express card is to log in online and review your account information. Click here to log in to your account.

If you need help logging in, see our login help here.

You can view your card balance on the Direct Express Mobile app. Click here for details on how to download the app on your phone.

Also, you can also check your card balance at no cost by calling the Direct Express card toll-free Customer Service Department number.

They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number to call is 1 (888) 741-1115.

Finally, you can check your card balance at any ATM that displays the MasterCard acceptance mark, at no cost.

How to Sign Up for Direct Express Debit Card Summary

We hope this post on How to Sign Up for Direct Express Debit Card was helpful.

If your question was not answered and are still having trouble signing up for a Direct Express account, please let us know in the comments section below.

Also, Be sure to check out our other articles on Direct Express including:

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