EDD payment method confusion - how do I choose direct deposit vs Money Network card?

By default, EDD will send you a Money Network debit card if you don't specify a payment preference. The card usually arrives 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed. Once you receive the card, you can set up a transfer from the card to your bank account through the Money Network app or website. If you want direct deposit instead, you need to log into UI Online, go to 'Profile', then 'Payment Preference' and select direct deposit. You'll need your bank routing and account numbers ready. Make this change ASAP because once payments start going to the card, you typically need to wait until you receive it before accessing your funds.

they already send u the card automatically dont worry about it. u can take money out at atm or use it like credit card. thats what i got and its fine

The EXACT same thing happened to me in January!!! I got approved and had NO IDEA how I was supposed to get paid. I waited and waited for direct deposit that never came, then suddenly this random debit card showed up in the mail TWO WEEKS LATER!!! By then I was already late on my car payment. The EDD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and they don't explain ANYTHING properly to new claimants!!! Why wouldn't they make you choose a payment method when you first apply??? It makes ZERO sense!!!

If your payment has already been processed, it will go to a Money Network debit card by default. The card usually arrives within 7-10 business days, but it can sometimes take up to 14 days depending on postal service in your area. Here's what you should do: 1. Go ahead and set up direct deposit in your UI Online account for future payments 2. Once you receive the Money Network card, activate it immediately 3. Download the Money Network mobile app to transfer funds from the card to your bank account (there's no fee for this transfer but it takes 2-3 business days) 4. If you need your money urgently and can't wait for the card, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an EDD representative who can possibly expedite your card delivery or help with other options. They have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Hope this helps with your payment situation!

when i got unemployment in 2025 i got the card automatically but then switched to direct deposit for later payments. u can also transfer money from the card to ur bank thru the money network app but it takes like 3 days to process so direct deposit is better if u can set it up. also u gotta keep the card even after u switch cuz sometimes they randomly send payments to the card anyway esp if theres an appeal or backpay situation lol

I'd like to clarify a few things about EDD payment methods since there seems to be some confusion: 1. The default payment method is the Money Network debit card (formerly Bank of America) 2. You can change to direct deposit at any time through UI Online 3. Any payments already processed before you change your preference will still go to the card 4. Direct deposit takes 1-2 business days once processed 5. Money Network card can take 7-14 calendar days to arrive by mail If you're in a time-sensitive situation regarding your first payment, you should be aware that the quickest option is actually to accept the card, then transfer the money to your bank using the Money Network app once you receive it. Starting direct deposit now will only affect future payments. The payment preference setting is found under Profile > Payment Preference in the UI Online portal. You'll need your bank account number and routing number to set up direct deposit.

Congrats on getting approved! When I got unemployment last year I was also confused about this. Just wanted to add that if you're really in a hurry once you get the Money Network card, you can transfer the money instantly to your bank for a small fee instead of waiting the 2-3 days for the free transfer. It was like $1.50 or something when I did it. Worth it if you need rent money right away.

Based on your comments, it sounds like you've now set up direct deposit for future payments, which is good. Just to set expectations: your first payment that's already been processed will still come on the Money Network card. One thing to be aware of - when you first receive the card, you'll need to activate it by setting a PIN. Make sure you keep the card even after switching to direct deposit. EDD sometimes reverts to the card for certain types of payments like retroactive adjustments or appeal decisions. Also, the Money Network card has some free cash withdrawal options at Bank of America ATMs and when getting cash back at point of sale (like grocery stores). This can sometimes be faster than waiting for transfers to process.

my roomate had same problem last month and she couldnt get thru to edd on phone (kept saying too many callers) so she used that claimyr thing someone mentioned and got a callback in like 20 min. the edd person told her exactly when her card was mailed and when to expect it. was like $20 or something but worth it cuz she was freaking out about rent too lol

just wait for the card its easier. direct deposit has problems sometimes and payments get stuck. my friend did direct deposit and his payment was delayed 2 weeks for "verification" but my card payments always come on time