Can new EDD Money Network cards be linked to Cash App or Venmo? Need transfer options

I tried linking my Money Network card to Venmo last month and it wouldn't work. EDD's prepaid cards have restrictions that prevent them from being added to most digital payment apps for security reasons. Your best option is to transfer the funds directly to your bank account through the Money Network mobile app or website. There's no fee for that and it usually takes 1-3 business days. You get one free ATM withdrawal per deposit period at in-network ATMs (look for AllPoint or MoneyPass logos).

DONT DO IT!!!! even if u could get it to work (which u probably cant) its AGAINST THE TERMS OF SERVICE for the card!!! my cousin tried something similar last year and EDD froze his entire account for like 3 weeks while they investigated!!!! just use the card for normal purchases or transfer to ur bank like a normal person. not worth the risk!!!

i use mine at walmart all the time no problems

I had the same question when I got my card a few months ago. After some research and talking to a Money Network representative, I found out that these cards are designed with specific security measures that block them from being added to most digital payment apps. The best method is to set up a direct transfer to your bank account through the Money Network portal. It's free and secure. One thing to note - the first time you do this, you'll need to verify your bank account with two small test deposits, which takes 2-3 business days. After that, transfers are much faster (usually next day if initiated before 10:30am PT). FYI - there's a $1,000 daily transfer limit and $5,000 monthly limit for most accounts.

@user8 - Yes, absolutely! Setting up direct deposit is the most convenient option. Log into your UI Online account, go to 'Payment Information' and select 'Change Payment Method'. You'll need your bank routing/account numbers. All future payments will bypass the card entirely and go straight to your bank account. Takes about 1-2 payment cycles to activate after you set it up.

Trying to reach anyone at EDD to ask about this is nearly impossible! I spent 3 whole days calling about a similar issue with my card and kept getting that message saying "we're experiencing high call volume" before it hung up on me. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at EDD. They have this service that gets you connected to an EDD rep usually within an hour instead of having to make 50+ calls yourself. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep I talked to confirmed that trying to link these cards to payment apps can trigger security flags. Better to just transfer to your bank or use the card directly for purchases.

@user3 Yes, the EDD rep explained that the restrictions are to prevent fraud. Apparently there were a lot of scams during COVID where people would try to quickly move unemployment funds through multiple payment apps to make them harder to trace. That's why they tightened the security on these cards. She said the safest options are either direct bank transfers or using the card for regular purchases.

my card from edd had a chip issue and wasnt working at stores. took me 2 weeks to get a replacement and i couldnt access any of my unemployment money that whole time!!! sooo frustrating. i recommend always transfering the money to ur bank asap so ur not relying on that stupid card.

Just to address the original question more directly - I confirmed with Money Network customer service that their prepaid cards specifically block certain MCC codes (Merchant Category Codes) that are associated with person-to-person payment services. This includes Cash App, Venmo, PayPal (when sending to individuals), and similar services. This is actually written in their cardholder agreement, though it's buried in the fine print. This isn't unique to EDD cards - many government-issued prepaid cards have similar restrictions. The restriction exists because these platforms could potentially be used for money laundering or to circumvent the fraud detection systems built into the card program. To summarize your options: 1. Transfer to a bank account via the Money Network portal/app (free) 2. Set up direct deposit for future payments (best long-term solution) 3. Use the card directly for purchases and bills (no fees) 4. ATM withdrawals (free at in-network ATMs, once per deposit period