Just got EDD SDI debit card but prefer direct deposit - how to switch payment method?
Finally received my EDD SDI debit card in the mail yesterday after waiting for what felt like forever (3 weeks since approval). Problem is I really wanted direct deposit all along but somehow messed up during the application process. Has anyone successfully switched from the EDD debit card to direct deposit AFTER already getting the card? I'd much rather have my disability payments go straight into my checking account instead of dealing with transferring money from this BofA card every time. My first payment should be loading onto the card any day now. Do I need to call EDD directly to make this change? The online portal is confusing me.
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GalacticGuru
YES you can switch! I had to do this last year. Log in to SDI Online, go to "Payment Method" in your account settings. You'll need your account/routing numbers ready. The change usually takes effect for your next payment cycle. Just be aware that any money already on the B of A card won't automatically transfer - you'll need to move that yourself.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Thank you! I found the Payment Method section after poking around for a bit. Just submitted my bank info. Fingers crossed it works for the next payment!
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Amara Nnamani
OMG sameee thing happened to me!!! I ended up just using the stupid card for 4 months lol. Transferring is annoying but u can setup auto-transfer to ur bank in the BofA prepaid app. least thats what i did
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Liam Fitzgerald
•I didn't know about the auto-transfer option! I'll look into that as well since I'll have at least one payment on the card before the direct deposit kicks in. Thanks for the tip!
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Giovanni Mancini
I wouldn't bother changing it tbh. The Bank of America EDD debit card works just like any other debit card - you can withdraw cash or use it for purchases. I've been using mine for all my disability payments and it's been fine. One less account to manage.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•I strongly disagree. The BofA EDD cards have higher fees, worse fraud protection, and you don't earn interest on your balance. Direct deposit to your own bank account is ALWAYS better financially. Plus, BofA has a terrible track record with EDD debit cards - remember the massive fraud issues during the pandemic?
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Dylan Cooper
If you try to update the payment method online and have trouble, you might need to call EDD directly. Been having the same issue trying to switch for 2 weeks & the website keeps giving me errors. I've called like 15 times but can never get through to anyone... super frustrating.
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Sofia Morales
•Hey there, I had the same problem last month and got nowhere with regular calls. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual EDD rep who fixed my direct deposit issue in minutes. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Literally saved me hours of redial hell.
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J J
•not for $50........
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Tom Maxon
•@J J what do you mean?
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StarSailor
Not to hijack your thread but has anyone noticed how SLOW the money transfers from the BofA card to your regular bank? When I was on disability in 2023 it took like 3-4 business days every time! One more reason direct deposit is better if you can get it set up.
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Amara Nnamani
•Yep takes forever! And if u do it on Friday u wont see the $$ til like Wednesday 🙄
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: You have three options for receiving SDI payments: 1. Direct deposit to your checking/savings (best option) 2. EDD debit card (default if you don't select direct deposit) 3. Paper checks (only in specific situations) Changing from debit card to direct deposit can be done online through your SDI Online account. Go to "Account Information" and then "Payment Method." You'll need your routing and account numbers. If you're having technical issues with the online system, call EDD at 1-800-480-3287. Best times to call are Tuesday-Thursday right when they open at 8:00 AM.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•This is super helpful - thank you for the clear explanation! I definitely should have selected direct deposit from the beginning.
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Yuki Ito
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The online switch worked perfectly for me - took about 2 payment cycles to fully kick in. One thing to watch out for: make sure your bank account info is 100% accurate when you enter it. I made a typo in my routing number the first time and it delayed everything by another month. Also, don't close or throw away the BofA card right away even after direct deposit starts working. I kept mine as a backup just in case there were any issues with the direct deposit. EDD systems can be finicky sometimes!
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
•Great advice about keeping the BofA card as backup! I'm definitely going to double-check my routing and account numbers before submitting. Did you notice any interruption in payments during the transition, or did it switch seamlessly after those 2 cycles?
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Isabella Silva
Just wanted to add my experience - I successfully switched from the EDD debit card to direct deposit about 3 months ago. The online process through SDI Online worked great, but there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand: 1. It took exactly 2 payment cycles before direct deposit kicked in (so plan for that timing) 2. You can still access any remaining balance on the BofA card even after switching - it doesn't expire 3. Make sure to use a checking account, not savings - some credit unions have issues with SDI direct deposits to savings accounts The whole process was way easier than I expected after reading horror stories online. Just be patient with the timing and you should be good to go!
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Dylan Fisher
•This is really helpful info! I'm new to the SDI system and was worried about making the switch. Good to know about the 2 payment cycle timing - I'll plan accordingly. Quick question though - when you say "make sure to use a checking account," does that apply to all banks or just credit unions? I have a regular checking account with Chase, so hopefully that should work fine?
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