Economic Impact Payment Debit Cards

June 5, 2020

The Department of Treasury is now issuing Economic Impact Payments (EIP) by prepaid debit card versus a paper check. We realize this new delivery method may create some confusion for your members as well as your staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why am I receiving a debit card instead of a paper check?

This decision is based on an election made by the federal government that takes into account the

location of where your tax return was processed.

Q. I just received my debit card, how do I begin using it?

Before using your Economic Impact Payment Card, you will need to activate it by calling 1-800-240-8100

(TTY: 1-800-241-9100). When activating your card, you will be asked to create a 4-digit PIN.

Q. How can I use the card?

The prepaid debit card can be used to make purchases online or at any retail location that accepts VISA.

If you set up an account at eipcard.com, you will be able to log in to the site at any time to check your

debit card’s balance. You also can check your balance by calling 1-800-240-8100. You’ll need the number

on the front of the card when you make the call.

Q. Can I take a cash advance for the entire balance of the card?

A one-time cash advance should be allowed without a fee and any subsequent cash advances do incur a fee.

Q. Can I use the card at an ATM?

Yes. There are two ways to do this.

First, you can use any in-network Money Network ATM, in which case you will not be charged a fee. You

can find in-network ATMs at most CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Shaws, Big Apple, and other stores. Use the

ATM Locator https://www.eipcard.com/locator to find an in-network ATM near you.

Second, you can use an ATM that is not in-network. MetaBank, the card’s issuer, will allow you to do

one cash withdrawal at an out-of-network ATM for free, after which withdrawals are $2.00 per

transaction. Also, because these are not credit union debit cards, it is highly likely you will be charged a

surcharge fee by the institution that owns the ATM, even if it is your own credit union. In other words,

when making your first out-of-network ATM withdrawal, you may be charged a fee only by the financial

institution that owns the ATM. After that, you may be charged two fees—one from the ATM’s financial

institution and one from MetaBank.

Q. Can I withdraw the full balance on the card through an ATM for cash?

Yes, but most ATMs limit the amount of cash withdrawn at one time. Limits range from $500 - $1,000.

If your debit card has a balance of $1,200, you might need to make multiple trips to the ATM over

multiple days to withdraw the full amount. Keep in mind, you can incur a fee for out-of-network ATM

withdrawals. To take the full cash amount out at one time, transfer the funds into your checking account using the

eipcard website, https://www.eipcard.com. Then, visit your credit union to withdraw the amount after

the funds have been posted to your account.

Q. Can I deposit the funds on my card into my credit union checking account?

Yes. There are two ways to deposit the funds with your financial institution.

First, you can transfer money online from the card to your credit union account by creating an account

at eipcard.com and following the directions to “Move Money Out.” You’ll need your credit union’s

routing number and your account number to complete this transfer. The transferred amount will show

up in your credit union account in one to two business days.

Second, you can request a cash advance from your credit union for up to the full dollar amount on your

card. The balance on your card will be reduced by the amount of the cash advance. The credit union will

then deposit the funds into your checking account.

If you request multiple cash advances in smaller increments, keep in mind MetaBank could charge a $5

fee per transaction.

Q. What if my debit card has two names on it, such as mine and my spouse’s?

The first individual listed on the card is considered the primary cardholder.

{IF APPLICABLE} Our credit union requires that both parties be present for a deposit or cash advance.

{IF APPLICABLE} If the debit card has two names on it, the funds may only be transferred into a joint

checking that contains the names of both individuals listed on the card.

Q. If I use my debit card, will I be charged any fees?

The EIP prepaid cards do not have a monthly maintenance fee or point-of-sale transaction fees, so you

will not be charged a fee if you use the card in a retail store, restaurant, or other location that accepts

VISA. But there are some fees to be aware of including:

- $2 fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals following an initial withdrawal

- $5 fee for withdrawing cash at a credit union or bank

- $7.50 for reissuing a lost or stolen card (+$17 for priority shipping)

Again, the best way to avoid any fees is to set up an account on the eipcard.com website and transfer

the funds to your credit union checking account.

Q. What happens if I lose my card?

You can get your card reissued, but you will be charged a fee of $7.50. Call the customer service phone

number at 1-800-240-8100. If you previously registered for an account online, you can transfer the funds to your credit union account for free, even if you lose the card.