EDD Money Network card keeps declining - can't transfer funds either
Hi everyone, I'm having the most frustrating experience with my Money Network card. I finally got my EDD payment loaded onto it after waiting almost 3 weeks, but now I can't actually USE any of my money! Every store I've tried to use the card at (Target, Walmart, and even the gas station), it just declines. I've also tried to transfer the funds to my personal bank account through the Money Network app, but it keeps giving me an error message saying "transfer unavailable at this time." I've checked and triple-checked my balance on the app and website, and the money is definitely there - over $1,450! Has anyone else had this problem recently? Did you manage to fix it? I called the number on the back of the card but got stuck in an endless menu loop and couldn't reach a real person. I seriously need this money for rent that's due in 4 days!
17 comments
NebulaNomad
I had a similar issue with my Money Network card last month! The problem was that I hadn't activated it properly. You need to call the activation number and set up a PIN first, even if you think it's already activated. Did you do that step? Also, make sure you signed the back of the card. I know it sounds basic but these things can cause declines.
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Zara Shah
•Thanks for responding! Yes, I definitely activated it and set a PIN - I was even able to check my balance at an ATM (though I didn't try to withdraw cash). And I signed the back right away. The weird thing is the app shows it's active and ready to use. So frustrating!
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Luca Ferrari
My card did ths 2 me too! It was becuz theres a daily spending limit of $1000 and ATM limit of $500. did u try to use more than that? Also sometmes they put a temporary hold for fraud protection if u try using it at too many places in one day. Check ur texts - did they send u a fraud alert?
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Zara Shah
•I actually tried small purchases first - just $25 at the gas station, then about $50 at Target. No fraud alerts on my phone. I'm starting to wonder if there's something wrong with the card itself.
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Nia Wilson
This sounds like either a card activation issue or a security hold on your account. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call Money Network customer service at 1-888-233-5916 and press 0 repeatedly to bypass the automated system and reach a representative 2. Tell them you're experiencing declined transactions despite having funds 3. Ask them to verify your card is fully activated and there are no security holds 4. If there's a hold, they can remove it immediately 5. If your card is damaged or defective, request a replacement (though this takes 7-10 days) Also, make sure you're selecting "credit" not "debit" when making purchases, as some merchants have issues processing Money Network cards as debit even with the correct PIN.
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Zara Shah
•Thank you for these detailed steps! I'll try calling them again and use the 0 trick to bypass that awful menu system. I actually was selecting "debit" at the stores, so maybe that's part of the problem? I'll try using it as credit. Really appreciate the help!
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Mateo Martinez
those cards r THE WORST!!!! ive had nothing but problems with mine everytime i get a new one. the EDD system is broken and they dont care about us AT ALL. my last card took 3 weeks to arrive and then it got frozen for no reason and i couldn't pay my car payment. ended up with a late fee because of their incompetence.
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Aisha Hussain
•I hear you on that frustration! But to be fair, Money Network is a separate company, not EDD directly. Though EDD definitely should've picked a better partner for distributing our benefits. Sorry about your late fee - that really sucks.
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Ethan Clark
I had this exact same problem and figured out the solution. You need to go into the Money Network app settings and enable "out of state transactions" even if you're not out of state. For some reason, their fraud detection system can get triggered if you use the card at multiple locations in a short time period, especially if those locations are different types of businesses. Go to Profile > Card Settings > Transaction Controls > and make sure location restrictions are turned OFF. Also, sometimes the transfer feature gets temporarily disabled if there's suspicious activity. Try the card at just ONE location after changing those settings, then wait 24 hours before trying a transfer again. If that doesn't work, you're going to need to talk directly to a Money Network rep, which is nearly impossible through their customer service line.
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Zara Shah
•Wow, thank you! I just checked and location restrictions were turned ON, even though I never set that up. I've turned them off now. I'll try using the card at one place tomorrow and see if that helps. Really hope this works!
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StarStrider
Has anyone tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD? My Money Network card was locked for "suspicious activity" and I needed an EDD agent to fix it because Money Network kept referring me back to EDD. I was getting desperate and used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual EDD representative who unlocked my card account. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me days of trying to get through their phone system.
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Zara Shah
•I hadn't heard of this service before. Did you have to talk to EDD specifically for the Money Network card issue, or does Money Network customer service handle that? I thought card problems would be handled by Money Network directly.
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StarStrider
•For regular card issues, Money Network handles it. But in my case, Money Network said the lock was initiated by EDD due to identity verification issues. So I needed EDD to remove the hold first. If the tips from others don't work, this might be your situation too.
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NebulaNomad
Just a follow-up question - have you been able to log into the Money Network website directly (not just the app)? Sometimes the website gives more detailed information about why a card might be restricted. Also, did you receive any emails from Money Network when your payment was first deposited? There's usually an initial notification that might have important account info.
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Zara Shah
•I just tried the website after reading your comment, and there's a notice I didn't see in the app! It says "Identity verification required - please call customer service." I did get an email when the payment was deposited but nothing about verification being needed. Going to call them first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tip about checking the website!
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Aisha Hussain
Hey, just wanted to update everyone on this thread - I had a similar issue last month. For me, it turned out that I needed to verify my identity with Money Network separately from the EDD verification I had already done. After I completed that process, they lifted the hold within 2 hours and my card worked perfectly. Also, pro tip: The Money Network customer service has much shorter wait times if you call right when they open at 8am Pacific time. I got through in under 10 minutes when I called early.
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Zara Shah
•Thank you! This is super helpful. I'll definitely call right at 8am tomorrow. It's good to know there's a separate verification process - I had no idea! Really appreciate everyone's help here. I'll post an update once I get it resolved.
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