Receiving Benefit Payments By Debit Card

How Do I Receive Benefit Payments Using a Debit Card? When making an online purchase, you can normally use your debit card as you would a credit card. You are not required to mention that you want to use a debit card.

Possible Fraud Alert!

U.S. Bank only provides a U.S. Bank ReliaCard® if the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) decides a claimant is eligible for unemployment benefits and transfers the claimant’s first benefit payment to U.S. Bank.

If you did not apply for benefits but got a U.S. Bank ReliaCard®, your personal information may have been used to file a false claim. You might be a victim of identity theft.

TWC will examine fraudulent claims submitted using its UI Fraud Submission site (English) or UI Fraud Submission portal (Spanish).

To terminate the card, you need also report the fraudulent claim to U.S. Bank by completing the form on usbankreliacard.com under Card Inquiry. Call U.S. Bank’s Customer Service at 800-657-6357 if you need assistance.

See Identity Theft Fraud for more information on identity theft and unemployment claim fraud, including procedures to take if you believe your identity has been stolen.

U.S. Bank ReliaCard Overview

The TWC unemployment benefits prepaid debit card, the U.S. Bank ReliaCard®, is a convenient way to receive your unemployment benefit payments. You do not need a bank account, and you can use the ReliaCard everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted.

Your ReliaCard cardholder packet will include important information about fees, how and where to use your ReliaCard®, and how to manage your ReliaCard account. If you need another copy of the cardholder packet, call ReliaCard customer service at 800-657-6343.

Read: What Is The Small Business Online & Mobile Banking?

For more information on receiving unemployment benefits on a U.S. Bank ReliaCard®, see: U.S. Bank ReliaCard® Frequently Asked Questions

The Prepaid Accounts Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Regulation E) and the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) created new consumer protections for prepaid debit cards.

Under this “Know Before You Owe” requirement, TWC must provide access to two fee-disclosure documents before you sign up to receive your benefit payments on the TWC debit card.

The short fee-disclosure form shows the key fee information for the U.S. Bank debit card account. The long fee-disclosure form provides a comprehensive list of fees and other information.

Debit Card Tracking Link

Expecting a ReliaCard®? U.S. Bank’s Check My Card Status can monitor your ReliaCard®. Card Tracker:

For Card Tracker, visit www.usbankreliacard.com. Select “Texas Workforce Commission” from the Select your Program drop-down option on the Check My Card Status page, then input your date of birth and Social Security number. U.S. Bank’s website and app provide Card Tracker.

If TWC has your email address on file, U.S. Bank will contact you when they establish your account to let you know your card is on the way. If you want U.S. Bank to notify you about your new card, tell TWC your email address.

Activate Your Card & Select a PIN

Before using your ReliaCard, activate it and create a 4-digit PIN (PIN). online or by phone:

Sign your card now.

When You Will Receive the Card

If approved, you’ll get your first payment four weeks after applying. After we make your first payment to U.S. Bank, you’ll have your ReliaCard in 10 business days. After the initial payment, you should receive payments within two business days.

You’ll get a ReliaCard if you get unemployment benefits and:

ReliaCard Activation Time Limit & Expiration

If you don’t activate your card within a year after your initial payment, TWC will get it. These advantages aren’t reissued.

Even if you cease collecting unemployment, your ReliaCard is valid for two years. Your card has an expiry date. Keep your ReliaCard in case you need it again. Keep your card balance under 12 months to avoid a monthly inactivity fee.

U.S. Bank will immediately send you a replacement card if you’re getting benefits.

Your ReliaCard PIN

PINs are four-digit numbers entered on ATMs and retail keypads. You must select a PIN while activating your ReliaCard.

ATM withdrawals and balance checks need a PIN.

Safeguard your PIN. Never save your card’s PIN. not your PIN. Never share your PIN. Even if you didn’t make the transactions or withdrawals, you may be held responsible.

Forgotten PIN

If you forget your PIN, go to www.usbankreliacard.com or call 800-657-6343 to reset it.

Where & How to Use Your U.S. Bank ReliaCard

ReliaCard is accepted everywhere. Visa debit cards are accepted. Cash back is available at participating shops, ATMs, and Visa banks and credit unions. You may acquire cash without visiting a bank or ATM.

Purchases & Cash Back

You can use your ReliaCard to:

Purchase with “Credit” or “Debit.” At eligible businesses, choose “Debit” to earn cash back. You’ll need to enter your PIN and add cash to the purchase price. Choosing “Credit” requires a signature and no cash back.

You cannot use your ReliaCard to:

Online Bill Pay

You can pay any company, utility, or person in the US that takes Visa online with your ReliaCard. You may provide your biller with your 16-digit card number or visit www.usbankreliacard.com to pay online.

Visa-Member Banks and Credit Unions

Visa debit cards are accepted at any bank or credit union. You must know your balance and request a cash withdrawal. You’ll need ID. The teller shouldn’t recommend an ATM.

Automated Teller Machines (ATM)

To withdraw cash from an ATM:

These ATMs are fee-free:

Review the U.S. Bank charge schedule for ATMs outside the aforementioned networks.

Transferring Balances to Your Bank Account

Using www.usbankreliacard.com, you may electronically transfer monies from your ReliaCard to your bank account. See U.S. Bank’s charge schedule for transaction limits.

Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and choose Payment Option to have TWC deposit your benefits into your bank or savings account for free. Visit Direct Deposit for more details.

ReliaCard Fees & Bank Charges

How to Avoid Fees & Bank Charges

To avoid bank costs, only use in-network ATMs or make domestic retail purchases directly. Freebies:

Fees and Transaction Limits

U.S. Bank’s fee schedule lists all fees and transaction restrictions. Your ReliaCard booklet includes the cost schedule.

See: U.S. Bank Fee Schedule

Merchant Holds

Some retailers keep money on your card until the final transaction clears. Most restaurants, hairdressers, and other businesses that need tips may temporarily add 20% to your price. Your transaction will be denied if you don’t have 20%.

U.S. Bank will block the transaction if the hold amount is greater than your account balance, even if you have the money to pay.

Pay at the Pump

ReliaCard cannot be used to pay for gasoline. You must prepay at the counter to avoid pre-authorization holds and overdrafts.

Get Account Information

Instant Notifications

You may get text or e-mail notifications when money is deposited or when your ReliaCard balance is low. www.usbankreliacard.com. You may text a short code after signing up to get updates.

Standard messaging rates apply via your cell carrier, and message frequency depends on your account settings.