Treasury Issues Millions Of Second Economic Impact Payments By Debit Card
IR-2021-06, January 7, 2021
WASHINGTON Starting this week, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are sending approximately 8 million second Economic Impact Payments by prepaid debit card.
These EIP Cards follow the millions of payments already made by direct deposit and the ongoing mailing of paper checks that are delivering the second round of Economic Impact Payments as rapidly as possible.
If Get My Payment on IRS.gov shows a date that your payment was mailed, watch your mail for either a paper check or debit card. To speed delivery of the payments to reach as many people as soon as possible the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service is sending payments out by prepaid debit card.
IRS and Treasury urge eligible people who don’t receive a direct deposit to watch their mail carefully during this period. The prepaid debit card, called the Economic Impact Payment card, is sponsored by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service and is issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A. The IRS does not determine who receives a prepaid debit card.
Taxpayers should note that the form of payment for the second mailed EIP may be different than the first mailed EIP. Some people who received a paper check last time might receive a prepaid debit card this time, and some people who received a prepaid debit card last time may receive a paper check.
More information about these cards is available at EIPcard.com.
Be Wary Of Fees When Using Your Prepaid Stimulus Card
If a second stimulus payment doesnt appear in your bank account soon, watch your mailbox. Many U.S. consumers are receiving funds on a prepaid debit card, which are easy to use, but like other prepaid cards, may come with extra fees.
The Treasury Department and IRS said Thursday that approximately 8 million consumers will be mailed an Economic Impact Payment prepaid debit card this week. The EIP cards, sponsored by the Bureau of Fiscal Service and issued by MetaBank, will be sent to taxpayers in all 50 states , but theres no firm rule for who is getting a prepaid card and who isnt. So if you received your first stimulus payment as a paper check, you may get a prepaid card this time, and vice versa.
You may be more likely to receive an EIP card if you live in the western part of the U.S., according to the IRS.
If You Don’t Have A Bank Account Here Are A Few Check
There are three ways to receive your $1,400 third stimulus check . You could have it deposited directly into your bank account, you could receive a prepaid debit card, or you could receive a paper check in the mail. Over 100 million Americans have already received electronic third stimulus payments from the IRS via direct deposit. About 5 million debit cards have been sent, and the IRS has already mailed paper checks over 15 million more people.
If you end up getting a paper stimulus check, you can either cash it or deposit it into your existing bank account. But what if you don’t have a bank accountwhat are your options? Assuming you don’t want to open a bank account with your stimulus check, here are a few other ideas to consider.
Also Check: How Many Stimulus Checks In 2021
Whenever I Withdraw Cash From A Keybank Atm My Card Is Returned To Me Before I Can Make A Deposit How Can I Prevent That
To reduce the amount of clients accidentally leaving their card at the ATM, weve upgraded our program to return the clients card to them before they receive their cash.
To keep your card in the machine during multiple transactions, make your deposits first and/or balance inquiries and then withdraw your cash.
How Much Stimulus Check Money Can Be Loaded Onto An Eip Card At One Time
Getting your stimulus payment via an EIP card wouldn’t change anything about the amount you’d get — it’s just a different format for the same payment.
You can also find out who counts as a dependent on your taxes, how old a dependent has to be to get a separate stimulus payment and the stimulus check situation for older adults, people in the SSDI program, US citizens abroad and people living in US territories.
Read Also: Will Seniors Get A Second Stimulus Check
What’s An Eip Card Can I Transfer The Money To My Bank Account
An economic impact payment card is a prepaid debit card that the US Treasury has used to distribute stimulus payments, in addition to paper checks and direct deposit. The cards were provided to some eligible US residents the government didn’t have banking information for, but it isn’t clear why you might get an EIP card instead of a check or vice versa.
These Visa debit cards can be used to make purchases, get cash from in-network ATMs and transfer funds to your personal bank account without a fee. If you’re sent one, after the card arrives, head to the EIP card website to activate it and learn more about how to use it.
Can I Use My Eip Card To Pay Recurring Bills
If you have sufficient funds remaining on your card, you can use it to make recurring bill payments. If you don’t have enough money on your card, your payment may be declined.
You can also use your card to pay rent or make a mortgage payment if your landlord or mortgage company accepts Visa debit card payments.
More from Invest in You:
Also Check: How To See If You Get A Stimulus Check
Will I Receive An Eip Card
If you’re eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and didn’t receive it via direct deposit or paper check, you could be among the approximately four million Americans getting a card.
Chances are, you won’t be alerted ahead of time that your payment is coming in the form of a prepaid card: The decision to mail them out wasn’t widely known before the first batch was sent in May. Look out for a plain envelope from “Money Network,” a division of Fiserv, which is a global provider of financial services technology.
In addition to the card, there should also be a letter in the envelope. Look for the names “MetaBank,” the retail banking arm of the Treasury Department, and “Money Network” in the letter to ensure it’s a legit card.
Will The Irs Let Me Know That My Eip Card Is On The Way To My House
With the first two stimulus payments, the IRS sent a letter about your money to your last known address within 15 days after the payment was made. This notice included information on how you got the money , and how to report it if you didn’t receive the payment. The IRS will do the same for the third round of payments. But watch out: There have been a lot of stimulus check scams going around. Visit IRS.gov before giving anyone your information to make sure your letter is legitimate.
Also Check: Whos Getting The Second Stimulus Check
How Do I Check My Balance Without Paying A Fee
There are multiple ways you can check your balance conveniently 24/7 for free, including through push notification, text, or email:
- and access your account information
- Mobile App: download the Money Network® Mobile App
Tip: If you typically check your card balance at the ATM, try to use one of the free ways above to avoid paying a balance inquiry fee.
Bring The Bank To You
Use secure online and mobile banking to deposit checks, pay bills, send money to friends and more.
Clients using a TDD/TTY device:1-800-539-8336
Clients using a relay service:1-866-821-9126
Save a little more. Check yourbalance a little more often. Takeone step closer to where youwant to be.
Save a little more. Check yourbalance a little more often. Takeone step closer to where youwant to be.
Save a little more. Check yourbalance a little more often. Takeone step closer to where youwant to be.
Clients using a TDD/TTY device:1-800-539-8336
Clients using a relay service:1-866-821-9126
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Keep An Eye On The Mail Dont Throw Away Your Stimulus Payment
Nowadays it seems like the only things that comes in the mail are bills and advertisements, but in the coming weeks there could be a very important letter for you. The EIP Cards will arrive in white envelopes with the return address Money Network Cardholder Services from MetaBank in Omaha, Nebraska. The envelopes will also have the Treasury seal in the upper left-hand corner.
The IRS provided an example of the what the envelop looks like.
Screenshot: EIP Card Envelope, Source: IRS
What Do I Do If My Card Is Lost Stolen Or Misplaced
If your card is permanently lost, stolen, or accidentally thrown away call customer service at 1.800.240.8100 to report your lost or stolen card immediately. Your card will be deactivated so nobody can use it and you will be able to order a new replacement card. Your first replacement card is free and additional replacement cards are $7.50 .
If you think you have misplaced your card, go to EIPCard.com and lock your card to prevent unauthorized transactions or ATM withdrawals while you look for it.
Don’t Miss: Irs Website For Stimulus Check
How Can I Find Out If My Third Stimulus Payment Will Arrive As An Eip Card
If you got an EIP card last time, does that mean you’ll get your money the same way with the third stimulus check? Not necessarily. With the second round, the IRS sent double the number of EIP cards. The Treasury says if you didn’t receive your payment via direct deposit by March 24, you should watch the mail carefully in the coming weeks for a paper check or a prepaid debit card.
One new wrinkle this time around: The third round’s checks are going out during tax season. The IRS is using your most recent tax return it has on file, which could be your 2019 or 2020 return, to determine your payment.
Reader Question Of The Week
If you have a personal finance or retirement question, send it to . In the subject line, put Question of the Week.
Q: In both 2018 and 2019, I withdrew money from my 401. These withdrawals each year put our adjusted gross income slightly above the $198,000 limit for a couple filing jointly to receive a coronavirus stimulus payment. Could we still be eligible for a stimulus check based on only our employment income minus the 401 distribution, which would be well below the $198,000 limit? Plus we have two dependents for those years. Or would the IRS count the distribution as part of AGI?
A: A distribution from your retirement account is included in calculating your gross income, which the IRS defines as wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions as well as other income.
But you may still receive a payment based on the number of dependents you have. Lets say that your AGI for 2018 and 2019 was $200,000. You may still be eligible for a payment of $900 because of the two dependents.
If you arent sure of your AGI, you can find it on Line 8b on your 2019 federal tax return or Line 7 for your 2018 return.
To get an estimate of your stimulus payment, use this calculator.
Also Check: Update On Ssi Third Stimulus Check
Volunteering To Get A Debit Card
Question: Can I specifically ask the IRS to send may stimulus payment to me on a debit card?
Answer: No. At this time, taxpayers can’t choose to receive a prepaid debit card. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which works with the IRS to handle distribution of the stimulus payments, decides who will receive a debit card.
Withdraw Cash From An In
The EIP card allows you to withdraw cash without a surcharge from more than 55,000 ATMs in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, and the United Kingdom with the AllPoint ATM network.
These in-network ATMs are commonly found at local drugstores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and major retailers such as Target, Walmart, and Costco.
The cards daily ATM withdrawal limit is $1,000.
So, you will need to make multiple trips on separate days to withdraw the entire balance on the EIP card.
Recommended Reading: How To Change Where Your Stimulus Check Goes
How Do I Use My Card To Get Cash Without Paying A Fee
There are several ways to get cash from your card without paying a fee.
- Use one of the In-Network AllPoint brand ATMs to withdraw cash. Use the ATM locator at EIPCard.com or Money Network® Mobile App to locate one near you. Limits may apply to the amount of cash you are able to withdraw at ATMs.
- Get cash-back at participating merchants, like grocery and convenience stores. If the merchant allows cash-back during a purchase, select Debit on the keypad, enter your 4-digit PIN, select Yes to get cash-back, and then enter the amount of cash you would like. Check the merchants policies on amount limits.
- Request a Money Network Check and cash it at select participating check cashing locations. Go to EIPCard.com to find the nearest participating check cashing locations. To avoid a fee, cash only Money Network Checks and only at participating check cashing locations. Limits may apply.
Tip: If you already have a bank or credit union account that you are comfortable using to access cash for free, you can also transfer money from your card to this personal account and then withdraw cash in the same way you normally would once it is available.
Things To Know About Stimulus Debit Cards
Around 4 million Americans will be sent their stimulus payments via prepaid debit card.
Getty
The IRS has sent out more than 140 million economic impact payments guaranteed by the CARES Act. Better known as stimulus checks, the paymentsworth up to $1,200 per individualare meant to tide Americans over as the devastating consequences of the coronavirus pandemic continue to rip through the economy. But not everyone who qualifies has received money.
To date, the federal government has issued payments via direct deposit, Direct Express card or physical check. This week, the Treasury and the IRS began sending out nearly 4 million payments using a new method: A new prepaid debit card.
The prepaid debit cards, issued by MetaBank and on the Visa network, are called Economic Impact Payment Cards. If youre still awaiting your economic impact payment, you could potentially receive one of these cards in the mail. Here are five things you need to know.
Also Check: How Much Will My Stimulus Check Be
Q: Why Did The Government Send The Card The Way It Did
A: The stimulus prepaid debit card came in a plain white envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services in Omaha.
I was expecting a check, and this card just shows up, said Gary Jacobson, a former business editor who is retired and living in Austin.
Jacobson said even with his experience in journalism, the mailing looked suspicious. I do think the debit card is an efficient and quick way to distribute the economic impact funds, he said, but the Treasury and the could have done a much better job of alerting and explaining the mechanics to those who received them.
The card was discreetly sent to protect against potential fraud, a Treasury spokeswoman said.
I Would Like To Pay A Bill That Doesnt Allow Payment With Debit Cards How Can I Do This Without Paying A Fee
You can pay rent, bills, or other payments from your account using a Money Network Check without paying a fee.
To do this, you need to:
- Request a Money Network Check by calling customer service at 1-800-240-8100
- Check your balance to make sure you have enough funds to cover your payment
- When you receive the check, fill out the date, dollar amount, and name of who you are paying
- Activate your check by calling customer service at 1-800-240-8100 and following the instructions to enter the check number, digit, and amount, and record the issuer number and transaction number provided by the automated phone system
- Once you have successfully activated your check, the payment will be immediately deducted from your account balance and you can send your payment for your rent or other bill
Tip: If you occasionally pay a bill with a money order, consider using a Money Network Check to pay your bill instead to avoid paying a money order fee.
Also Check: When We Get Stimulus Check
If I Got An Eip Card In The Past Will I Get More Money On That Card Now
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 with the calculated total for your third stimulus check. The IRS won’t add money to any previous card you may have, the agency said.
You can use the IRS tracking tool online to see if your stimulus check will arrive in the form of an EIP card.
Q: Why Were Some Debit Cards Not Issued In The Full Amount Which Is Up To $1200 Per Individual And $2400 Per Couple
A: There is no fee assessed to issue the stimulus debit card although some fees apply for certain transactions.
If your card balance is less than you expected, its probably tied to a payment reduction because of your filing status and adjusted gross income .
Under the Cares Act, eligible individuals with an AGI up to $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for head-of-household filers and $150,000 for married filing jointly are entitled to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married filing jointly. Theres an additional $500 payment for dependents under 17.
If your income is above those amounts, the stimulus payment is reduced by 5 percent of the amount that your AGI exceeds the three thresholds.
Single filers with income above $99,000, $136,500 for head of household and $198,000 for married joint filers with no children are not eligible for a payment.
However, there could have been an error in the amount you received from the IRS. If your payment is incorrect, you will have to wait to get the balance when you file a 2020 federal return next year, according to the IRS.
Also Check: When Did The Second Stimulus Checks Go Out