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Fatima Al-Sayed

EDD Money Network card arrived but can't activate without PIN - where is it?

Finally received my EDD Money Network debit card in the mail yesterday after waiting 12 days, but I'm totally stuck trying to activate it! The automated system keeps asking for a PIN that I never received or created. I checked all the paperwork that came with the card and there's nothing about a PIN. Do they mail the PIN separately? Was it in my UI Online account somewhere? I've already been waiting on my benefits for almost 4 weeks and now I can't even access the money! Getting desperate to pay my bills - any advice would be really appreciated!

Dylan Hughes

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same thing happened to me lol. the PIN isnt mailed to u, ur supposed to create it when u activate. but the system is super confusing

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Oh! So when it asks for a PIN, am I supposed to just make one up right then? The instructions weren't clear at all!

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NightOwl42

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When activating your Money Network card, you actually create your PIN during the activation process. When the automated system asks for your PIN, it's wanting you to establish a new 4-digit number that you'll use going forward. Make sure you choose something you'll remember but not obvious like your birth year. After activation, you can start using your card immediately for purchases or withdrawals. If you're having trouble with the automated system, try calling the Money Network customer service directly at 1-866-320-8699.

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THIS!! i spent 2 hours trying to figure this out when i got my card. The EDD instructions are SO BAD!!

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Dmitry Ivanov

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When I got my card, I thought I needed to call EDD first. Turns out the Money Network folks handle all the card stuff separate from EDD. Sometimes u can get the funds faster if u set up direct deposit in ur UI online account for future payments.

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Thanks for the tip about direct deposit! I'll definitely look into that for future payments so I don't have to deal with this card hassle again.

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Ava Thompson

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Just to add some clarity here: the PIN confusion is a very common issue with the Money Network cards. When you call the activation number on the sticker, the system will ask you to CREATE a PIN during that call - this will be your permanent PIN. If you're getting stuck in this process, try these steps: 1. Call the number on the back of the card (not the sticker) 2. Select the option for customer service, not activation 3. Explain to the rep that you're having trouble setting up your PIN They can help reset the activation process. Also, I'd recommend setting up direct deposit through your UI Online account for future payments - it's much faster than waiting for the card. Just go to Profile > Payment Preference > Select Direct Deposit.

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Thank you so much for the detailed instructions! I'll try calling customer service instead of the activation line. I was so confused because the automated system kept saying "enter your PIN" like I was supposed to already have one.

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The EDD system is GARBAGE!!!! I went through the EXACT same thing last month and wasted DAYS trying to figure it out!!! I ended up having to call Money Network like 8 times because the activation system kept hanging up on me. And then when I finally got my PIN set up, it took another 24 hours for the funds to actually be available even though they said it would be immediate. I HATE dealing with this system so much!!!!

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Dmitry Ivanov

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ya its crazy how they make everything so complicated. my cousin waited 2 weeks for his card and then they sent it to his old address even tho he updated it online smh

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Zainab Ali

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I went through this exact problem trying to activate my EDD Money Network card last month. After trying the automated system multiple times, I discovered a much faster way to reach an actual human at EDD who guided me through the PIN creation process. I used Claimyr.com which connects you to an EDD agent usually within 5-10 minutes instead of spending hours on hold or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent I spoke with walked me through the whole card activation process and even helped set up direct deposit for future payments. Definitely saved me hours of frustration!

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does this actually work? i need to talk to someone about my certification issue and ive been trying for DAYS

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Zainab Ali

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Yes, it definitely worked for me! I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days to get through. The EDD agent I spoke with was actually really helpful once I got connected.

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NightOwl42

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Just to follow up on a few points mentioned in this thread: 1. You create your PIN during the first activation call 2. If the automated system is causing problems, call the customer service number instead 3. For security reasons, there's sometimes a 24-48 hour waiting period after activation before all funds are available 4. You can check your balance by creating an account at moneynetwork.com or through their mobile app 5. Direct deposit is generally faster for future payments Hope this helps clear up some confusion!

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Update: I finally got it working! I called the customer service number instead of the activation line like you all suggested. Turns out I was supposed to create a PIN during that first call, but the automated prompts were really misleading. My funds should be available tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your help!

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Taylor Chen

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Glad to see you got it sorted out! This is such a common issue - the EDD really needs to improve their instructions for the Money Network card activation. For anyone else reading this thread who might be having similar problems, here are the key takeaways: 1) You CREATE your PIN during activation, you don't receive one, 2) If the automated system isn't working, call customer service directly, and 3) Consider setting up direct deposit to avoid card delays in the future. The whole process is way more confusing than it needs to be, but once you know the tricks it's manageable.

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Max Reyes

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This thread has been so helpful! I just got my EDD card yesterday and was about to go through the same frustrating experience. Thanks to everyone's advice here, I went straight to customer service instead of trying the automated activation and got my PIN set up in 10 minutes. The representative was actually really patient and explained everything clearly. It's ridiculous that EDD doesn't make this process clearer from the start - how hard would it be to just put "You will CREATE your PIN during this call" on the instruction sheet?

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