EDD Money Network card confusion - can my credit union help access funds?
I finally got my EDD benefits approved after waiting for nearly 6 weeks, but now I'm totally confused about this Money Network card they sent me. I've never used one before and have no idea how to access my funds. The instructions are complicated and I'm worried about fees. Can I just take this card to my credit union and have them transfer the money to my checking account? Has anyone done this before? I really need to pay rent ASAP and don't want to mess around with ATM withdrawal limits. The EDD website isn't clear about credit unions specifically helping with these cards.
16 comments
Jeremiah Brown
You have a few options with your Money Network card. You CAN go to your credit union, but they might charge a fee for cash advances from non-member cards. Better options are: 1. Set up direct transfer from the Money Network card to your bank account through their website or app (moneynetwork.com) 2. Use the card like a regular debit card for purchases with no fees 3. Withdraw cash at in-network ATMs (check the Money Network app for locations) I'd recommend setting up the direct transfer - it takes 1-3 business days but you can move all the money at once without fees. You'll need your credit union's routing number and your account number.
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JacksonHarris
•Thank you! I had no idea I could set up a direct transfer online. Do you know if there's a limit to how much I can transfer at once? My benefit amount is around $3,200 and I don't want to get hit with any weird restrictions when I try to move it.
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Royal_GM_Mark
congrats on approval!!! i just got mine 2 i was soooo confused tooo. the card is weird but works just use it like normal debit for shopping. i dont trust the transfer thing to much hassle
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Amelia Cartwright
•This is actually bad advice. The Money Network card has various fees if you're not careful. ATM fees add up, and some merchants charge extra for debit transactions. I'd definitely recommend transferring the funds to your main bank account ASAP. Don't just use it like a regular debit card.
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Chris King
I HATE THESE STUPID CARDS!!! They're just another way for EDD to make the process more complicated and for the bank to take fees from people who are already struggling. When I got mine last year, I tried calling their customer service number and waited 45 MINUTES only to get disconnected. The whole system is designed to frustrate people.
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Rachel Clark
•While the cards can be frustrating, they're actually not an EDD attempt to complicate things - it's just the payment method they've contracted. The Money Network customer service is separate from EDD. I found the Money Network app much easier than calling, and there are ways to use the card with no fees at all. The key is setting up your account online first.
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Zachary Hughes
My cousin works at a credit union and she says they get people coming in with these cards all the time. They can help you but it's usually considered a cash advance with fees. Just adding another perspective!
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JacksonHarris
•That's exactly what I was worried about with the cash advance fees. I'll try the online transfer method instead. Thanks for confirming this!
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Rachel Clark
If you're having trouble setting up the direct transfer from Money Network to your bank account, here are the exact steps: 1. Go to moneynetwork.com and register your card 2. Verify your identity (they'll ask security questions) 3. Choose "Account Transfer" from the menu 4. Enter your credit union's routing number and your account number 5. Select the transfer amount (yes, you can transfer the full $3,200 at once) 6. Transfers typically process within 1-3 business days Also, for future reference, you can actually set up direct deposit to your credit union account instead of getting the card for any future payments. Go to your UI Online account, select "Payment Preferences" and choose direct deposit instead of the card.
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JacksonHarris
•This is SO helpful, thank you! I'm going to set this up right now. And definitely switching to direct deposit for future payments - I had no idea that was an option. The EDD representatives never mentioned it during my eligibility interview.
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Mia Alvarez
When I couldn't reach anyone at EDD to help with card issues, I used Claimyr to get through to someone. It's this service that helps you actually reach an EDD agent without the endless busy signals. Check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to report issues with my card.
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Royal_GM_Mark
•does it actually work?? i tryed calling edd like 20 times yesterday and never got thru
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Jeremiah Brown
One important thing to note: if you're going to transfer the full amount from your Money Network card to your credit union, make sure to keep the card even after it's empty. EDD will continue to use the same card for future payments if you certify for additional weeks. I learned this the hard way and had to wait for a replacement card when I threw mine away after emptying it.
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JacksonHarris
•That's great advice - I would have absolutely thrown it away after transferring the money. Is there an expiration date on these cards? Mine says valid for 3 years but wasn't sure if that matters for EDD deposits.
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Amelia Cartwright
Just to clarify something about direct deposit since there seems to be some confusion: Yes, you can switch from the Money Network card to direct deposit for FUTURE payments, but you must do this in your UI Online account under "Payment Preferences." However, money that's already on your Money Network card can only be moved by using the card's transfer options through moneynetwork.com or their app. Also, while credit unions can technically cash out these cards, many will treat it as a cash advance with high fees (often 3-5%). The best no-fee method is the online transfer I mentioned.
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JacksonHarris
•Thank you for the clarification! I'll definitely set up the direct deposit for future payments. Just finished transferring the current funds online and it says it should hit my account by Tuesday. Such a relief to finally have this figured out.
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