Economic impact Payment

[sandybill2]

FYI. We were awaiting our stimulus check from the Government. We have never received a tax refund so IRS did not have our direct deposit information and we were expecting a paper check. On Thursday, we received our usual junk mail and I was looking at return addresses, etc.---we had an envelope with a return address of Money Network Cardholder Services as we get credit card applications all the time. I assumed it was junk but since it felt like it had a card inside, I opened. Much to my surprise, it was a VISA Debit Card with both my name and my husband's name on it with a letter and insert "Enclosed is your economic Impact Payment Card". I was surprised it did not have a government return address, i.e. IRS, etc. Hopefully we will be able to deposit the full amount into our bank account.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Hmm doesn’t sound right I like to get a paper check for my tax returns so was going to wait for whatever time it took but then I read if you have direct deposit for social security you would receive a paper check and a Idid a few days after my social security check posted I hope it’s the real deal but check with bank

[rustyp]

Directly from IRS.gov

Q45. Will IRS be sending prepaid debit cards? (added May 20, 2020)

A45. Some payments may be sent on a prepaid debit card known as The Economic Impact Payment Card The Economic Impact Payment Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A.

If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” The Visa name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. Information included with the Card will explain that the card is your Economic Impact Payment Card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

[sandybill2]

I hadn't been to the IRS webpage to read their information. Knew they didn't have direct deposit information for us and, therefore, we would get ours in the mail and we are very patient people. Hope others that receive the debit card have this information. We called and activated card so all is well. Have already donated this amount to family and friends affected financially by this horrible pandemic.

[davem4616]

We haven't received our stimulus check yet either. The last few years we've received a refund via paper check. I found a link (I believe on the IRS home page) that enabled me to find out when we'd be receiving our stimulus check....it indicated that they would be issuing a check on May 22nd.

I wasn't aware that both debit cards and checks were being issued...so thanks for the heads up.

[Sail41]

IRS site said our checks were mailed May 15th. Not here as of yet!

[John_W]

The IRS didn't have our bank account info either. The IRS website said it would be mailed Friday April 24, and we received a paper check April 25th. Go to this link and enter your info, it will tell you when it will be mailed.

IRS Get my Payment (https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/login)

[JGVillages]

Just received my “Debit Card” on Friday. You need to call the number or log in per the instructions “Get Started” on the form included with the card to establish your 4 digit pin then activate the card. Then you should be able to deposit it at your bank, with as I understand no fees. I plan to do this Tuesday.

[DanBrew]

Semantics, but important to understand. When you get money back from the government, it isn't a refund. It is your money that they took.

[JoelJohnson]

We got a check.

[Christephen]

Junk mail is never first class.
When sorting through your mail, simply look at the corner of the envelope where the stamp usually is.
“Standard” is safe to throw away

[Trishakaye]

We haven't received our stimulus check yet either. The last few years we've received a refund via paper check. I found a link (I believe on the IRS home page) that enabled me to find out when we'd be receiving our stimulus check....it indicated that they would be issuing a check on May 22nd.

I wasn't aware that both debit cards and checks were being issued...so thanks for the heads up.

Again, thanks. Never read any info regarding debit cards being sent by the IRS. I probably threw it away as junk mail. My fault for not paying attention.

[Linda Taranto]

Thanks John W. I used the link you gave and was told my refund would be mailed May 22, so I should be getting it soon!

[croughwell]

Well at least you are getting one!

[Mohawksin]

True, but some small part of it is revenue from foreign sources.

[moe1212]

The last thing I want is to give out my bank information to anyone especially the government. This is why we patiently wait for a paper check. Will be very frustrating if we receive a card and have to provided our bank information to anyone!

[bobnyce]

Good luck! I got the same crap. Registered the card but not able to use it in any “All point” ATM. Contacted Money Network said I should “try” to deposit it at my bank which will most likely charge a fee it it can even be done! IRS fails again. Why would anyone want a $2,4000 debit card - outrageously stupid. Everyone I know got check or deposit! I am fed up with the inconvenience and don’t even know if my bank will process it. Both named persons must go to bank for sure and will need the pin maybe even user name and password for Money Network! Disgusted citizen - who made this decision for us? Cash is king!

[bobnyce]

PS: I forgot about the plain, unidentifiable envelope. Almost tossed it except I usually cut up credit card solicitations. This was poorly conceived and even more poorly executed. Will cause a lot of stress for older folks to deal with. I am truly disgusted with the process and have no idea if or when we will get our funds! Contact Congressman Webster and let him know how troubled you are. I think it is discriminatory to treat anyone this way. I file taxes every year and both of us grt Social Security plus I gave my banking info prior to deadline but still got crap from the IRS!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Those are the same kinds of cards that employees at many companies get now, instead of paper checks, if the employee doesn't want to get direct deposit.

I had one when I worked for Party City. Just go to your own bank and do a transfer of funds of the FULL AMOUNT from the card to your bank account. If you do only a partial transfer you'll be charged fees. It's a one-time option whenever someone puts a deposit on the card. You can transfer all of it, OR you can transfer only some and pay a fee.

[17362]

Recently, I went to IRS website and filled in our information (Beginning of May) and 8 working days later it was in our account.
I hadn’t heard of the cards until now. That’s good to know, like some of you I didn’t think that sounded right.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I like to get paper check for my tax return and take it to mall, so I was ready to wait as long as it took to receive check. There was article in paper if your social security is direct deposit they would send your paper check , couple of days after social S posted the check showed up in mail

[Tblue]

In exactly the same position, IRS site said ours was to be mailed 22 May. Like you it is a good “Heads up” as I am looking for the paper check.

[toeser]

Hmm doesn’t sound right I like to get a paper check for my tax returns so was going to wait for whatever time it took but then I read if you have direct deposit for social security you would receive a paper check and a Idid a few days after my social security check posted I hope it’s the real deal but check with bank

The stimulus payment is nontaxable.

[bobnyce]

Most banks will not cash an IRS check without both named payees present. Don't know what to expect with this stupid debit card but I expect both my wife and I will need to be there. Problem is they got my name wrong on the card just to make it more complicated they left out my middle initial which is on every document I ever filed with the IRS and Social Security including the submittal of bank information they demanded to get a direct deposit. A lot of good that did. Someone is making money from this mess. It is overly complicated and certainly inconvenient. Best part was that the "AllPoint" ATM would not honor the card for a withdrawal. So much for confidence in the IRS. I spent over 20 years in corporate tax with major companies. My experience tells me anything the IRS gets into will be complicated, difficult to manage or understand and your problem - not theirs since they are always right! If you get one of these cards, my advice is try to get it deposited into your bank account as soon as possible and do not rely on Money Network Cardholder Services to track or verify your balance. Dump the card as soon as you can!

[queasy27]

Good luck! I got the same crap. Registered the card but not able to use it in any “All point” ATM. Contacted Money Network said I should “try” to deposit it at my bank which will most likely charge a fee it it can even be done! IRS fails again. Why would anyone want a $2,4000 debit card - outrageously stupid. Everyone I know got check or deposit! I am fed up with the inconvenience and don’t even know if my bank will process it.

What a crock! Seems like it unfairly penalizes low income families who may not even have bank accounts. Do landlords accept credit card payments?

Makes me wonder if the change was made on purpose to encourage purchasing instead of saving, or even to deliberately cause confusion and make it more complicated to cash in.

I charge almost everything these days (groceries, autopay utilities, car insurance, all retail, etc.) and would use a $1200 credit within two months, but as others have said, can this card be trusted to keep an accurate accounting of charges, send statements, have customer service help available? Pfft.

[BlueHeronFan]

I also just got this card. Suspensions were because I recently used PayPal for an online purchase. PayPal has my billing info with one small error in it. The card arrived with the same error. Maximum usage was for $9999.99 if I wanted to keep using it. I will check into it further but at first glance it seems like fraud.

[sandybill2]

Most banks will not cash an IRS check without both named payees present. Don't know what to expect with this stupid debit card but I expect both my wife and I will need to be there. Problem is they got my name wrong on the card just to make it more complicated they left out my middle initial which is on every document I ever filed with the IRS and Social Security including the submittal of bank information they demanded to get a direct deposit. A lot of good that did. Someone is making money from this mess. It is overly complicated and certainly inconvenient. Best part was that the "AllPoint" ATM would not honor the card for a withdrawal. So much for confidence in the IRS. I spent over 20 years in corporate tax with major companies. My experience tells me anything the IRS gets into will be complicated, difficult to manage or understand and your problem - not theirs since they are always right! If you get one of these cards, my advice is try to get it deposited into your bank account as soon as possible and do not rely on Money Network Cardholder Services to track or verify your balance. Dump the card as soon as you can!

Our card really didn't have our "IRS" legal name either. As with yours, no middle initial for either of us and my husband is a "Jr." and that was left off as well. I called our bank and was told we should be able to deposit into our checking account--the whole sum--but we will see what happens. We actually have never used an ATM in our life! Probably one of a few. Just glad I didn't throw it away without opening it.

[NavyVet]

Wow, what a bizarre sounding hassle. I'm so glad I got the direct deposit. I never use ATMs or debit cards. This system doesn't sound safe at all. Remember when people started saying don't send gift cards through the mail as they were getting stolen? And the fact that the envelops are unmarked makes you wonder how many people have accidently thrown them out. Maybe that's what the government is hoping for.
:shrug:

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

These checks were to be spent not saved , that’s why they called it a stimulus check . Yes for a lot of working people they used it to catch up , but most of us in the villages should be spending it , I gave some to st Vincent de Paul food bank I tipped the barber $40 and the girl who answers phone $20 , I’ve been leaving $50 tips for 2 people at all my favorite restaurants , tipping the hostesses and when my gym opens in lees burg this week I’ll help some of my favorite staff the money is to spend not add to your bank account

[BlueHeronFan]

Mine said sent check sent on May 22. Got the debit card on same May 22 date. Red flag going up. Read here and checked IRS.gov website. Tried to activate card today and it asked for the card number and last 6 digits of social security number. It would not accept either mine or my wife. Now wondering if it's a scam. Can't call customer service because that is customer service. Anybody else having same issue?

[gadaboutgal]

You can get information from the government at: How to use your Economic Impact Payment prepaid debit card without paying a fee | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/economic-impact-payment-prepaid-card/)

[RVJim]

Good luck! I got the same crap. Registered the card but not able to use it in any “All point” ATM. Contacted Money Network said I should “try” to deposit it at my bank which will most likely charge a fee it it can even be done! IRS fails again. Why would anyone want a $2,4000 debit card - outrageously stupid. Everyone I know got check or deposit! I am fed up with the inconvenience and don’t even know if my bank will process it. Both named persons must go to bank for sure and will need the pin maybe even user name and password for Money Network! Disgusted citizen - who made this decision for us? Cash is king!

wow ... getting a handout from the government and all you can do is complain? Reminds me of the food stamp recipients in my former hometown. Handouts and they moan about how they had to make an effort to use it.

[tvbound]

These checks were to be spent not saved , that’s why they called it a stimulus check . Yes for a lot of working people they used it to catch up , but most of us in the villages should be spending it , I gave some to st Vincent de Paul food bank I tipped the barber $40 and the girl who answers phone $20 , I’ve been leaving $50 tips for 2 people at all my favorite restaurants , tipping the hostesses and when my gym opens in lees burg this week I’ll help some of my favorite staff the money is to spend not add to your bank account

For those getting a check, that's the way to do it IMHO.

[tvbound]

wow ... getting a handout from the government and all you can do is complain? Reminds me of the food stamp recipients in my former hometown. Handouts and they moan about how they had to make an effort to use it.

One thing is for sure, with the annual corporate billions in "handouts" to farmers, big oil, coal, etc., they don't have a problem figuring out how to access the money since they have a staff of well paid accountants & lawyers to help them figure it out.

[Aces4]

One thing is for sure, with the annual corporate billions in "handouts" to farmers, big oil, coal, etc., they don't have a problem figuring out how to access the money since they have a staff of well paid accountants & lawyers to help them figure it out.

Perhaps you should have used the terminology, “corporate farmers”. You may want to spend a year working on and operating a small farm for some insight.:shocked: