Direct Express: Partners
Direct Express Pamphlet
Did You Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Media Coverage
Go Direct
 
Direct Express® Fast Facts

 Direct Express® Card Fast Facts 

  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Social Security Administration encourage anyone who is eligible for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to consider using the Direct Express® card.
  • The Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card is a prepaid debit card that was designed for people without bank accounts who receive federal benefits by paper check. The Direct Express® card is a MasterCard®-branded debit card being issued by Comerica Bank, the Treasury’s financial agent.
  • No bank account is required to sign up for the card. There is no credit check or minimum balance requirement.
  • It is possible to use the card for free. There is no sign-up fee, no monthly account fee, and many other services are provided free of charge.
  • The Direct Express® card is convenient. Federal benefit money is deposited to a Direct Express® card account each month on the cardholder’s payment day.
  • Cardholders may make purchases or get cash anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted and get cash at thousands of retail locations, banks and credit unions, and ATMs.
  • The Direct Express® card is safer and more secure than paper checks. It eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash. Funds are FDIC-insured (up to the legal limit), and the card account is protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for ATM withdrawals and at retail locations.
  • It’s fast, easy and free to sign up for the card. People who receive Social Security or SSI, or their representative payees, can sign up by calling 1-(877) 212-9991 or visiting www.USDirectExpress.com.
  • To make purchases, cardholders should present their card when paying at any location that accepts MasterCard® debit cards. The money is automatically deducted from the account.
  • Federal beneficiaries with a bank account may sign up for direct deposit through Treasury’s Go Direct campaign by calling toll free (800) 333-1795, or visiting www.GoDirect.org. Another option is to sign up for direct deposit through their bank or credit union.