Don’t Throw Away Your Stimulus Debit Card
Don’t Throw Away Your
Stimulus Debit Card
There are still millions of people who have not received their stimulus payment from the government, but some may be unaware that they have received it.
Payments are being sent in several formats – direct deposit, check and debit card. The debit card format may be a surprise to some individuals. There have been reports that area residents have received the debit cards.
The Treasury Department has sent four million payments by prepaid debit cards. They will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” This is a legitimate means of payment. The name of the issuing bank, MetaBank, N.A., is on the back of the card, and the VISA and the recipient name(s) are on the front.
A letter was included with the card giving instructions. Call the number on the card to activate it. Individuals will need to provide their name, address and Social Security number. People will be asked to create a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) during the phone call. For cards with more than one name listed, only the primary cardholder may activate the card. That is the person whose name is listed first on the card.
Individuals can also create a user name and password online at the Money Network site.
The card can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted including stores, online or over the phone. In most cases there is no fee, but there may be fees at ATMs for out-of-network withdrawal or for a balance inquiry.
The debit cards can be used to buy groceries and other every day items at stores, get cash from ATMs that carry the Allpoint brand or for mortgage or rent payments if the bank or landlord accepts Visa payments.
Individuals will not be called to activate the card, so do not give your PIN number, debit card number or Social Security number to anyone who calls or texts.
