How to set up EDD direct deposit? Can't find bank info section anywhere

the direct deposit option should be under payment preferences when u log in. just click on ur dashboard and look for something about payment methods.

The EDD direct deposit feature is being rolled out gradually, so not all claimants have access to it yet. If you don't see the option in your UI Online account, you're likely not in the current phase of the rollout. When it becomes available for your account, you'll see a new section called "Payment Preferences" under the "Claims & Payments" tab. For now, you'll still receive the Money Network debit card for your first payment. Once the direct deposit option becomes available to you, you can switch and future payments will be deposited directly to your bank account. Just keep checking your UI Online account weekly as they're continuing to expand access throughout 2025.

Same boat!!! Been looking EVERYWHERE for this stupid direct deposit option and can't find it anywhere!! So frustrating that some people get it and others don't. typical EDD making everything more complicated than it needs to be 🤦‍♀️

I actually just went through this process last month. The direct deposit feature is being implemented in phases based on the last digit of your Social Security Number. EDD hasn't published the exact schedule, but they're adding about 10% of claimants each month. When it's available to you, you'll receive both an email notification and a message in your UI Online inbox with instructions. The option will appear under Claims & Payments > Payment Methods (it's a new tab they add). In the meantime, you will receive the Money Network card. I recommend activating it anyway since your first few payments will likely go there before direct deposit becomes available to you. The card actually works pretty well - you can transfer funds from it to your bank account through the Money Network mobile app.

EDD is ALWAYS behind on everything!!! Every other state has had direct deposit for YEARS and California is just getting around to it in 2025?? Meanwhile we're all stuck with these garbage prepaid cards that charge fees for everything and have the WORST customer service ever if there's a problem. I had my card frozen for "suspicious activity" just for buying groceries and it took TWO WEEKS to get it fixed. TWO WEEKS without access to MY MONEY. This whole system is a joke.

i dont understand why everyones complaining about the card?? ive been using it for months and never had any issues. just take the money out at an atm or use it like a normal debit card. simple.

do we get to keep the money network card even after setting up direct deposit? i actually kinda like having a separate card for my unemployment money so i can track what im spending

Update for everyone: I just checked the EDD website and they posted that direct deposit should be available to ALL claimants by September 2025. They're adding about 10-15% of accounts each month in batches. When your account gets the update, you'll receive both an email and a UI Online inbox notification with instructions for setting up direct deposit.

wait if i already have the money network card and then i set up direct deposit later will they automatically switch my payments over or do i have to call them??

Just wanted to add some helpful info for anyone still waiting for direct deposit access - you can actually check if your account is eligible by looking for any recent updates in your UI Online message center. EDD has been sending out notifications about 2-3 days before the direct deposit option actually appears in your account. Also, make sure your contact info (especially email) is up to date in your profile so you don't miss the notification when it's your turn. I've heard from some people that they missed their notification because their email wasn't current. In the meantime, if you do get the Money Network card, you can avoid most ATM fees by using it at Bank of America ATMs since that's their partner bank. Just a tip to save a few bucks while we're all waiting for direct deposit!

Has anyone noticed if there's a pattern to which accounts get the direct deposit option first? I'm wondering if it's truly random by SSN or if there are other factors like when you first filed your claim, your benefit amount, etc. Just curious since I filed back in January and still don't have access while I've seen some people who filed more recently already have it. Also, does anyone know if there's a minimum waiting period after you set up direct deposit before the first payment goes through? Like do you need to wait a full certification cycle or can it start with the next payment?

Just want to share my recent experience to help others! I finally got access to direct deposit last week (my SSN ends in 7) and the whole process was super straightforward once the option appeared. Like others mentioned, I got an email notification first, then 2 days later the "Payment Preferences" tab showed up under Claims & Payments in my UI Online account. The setup literally took 2 minutes - just enter your routing number, account number, and confirm your bank name. I set it up on a Tuesday and my Friday certification payment went straight to my bank account instead of the Money Network card. For anyone still waiting, definitely keep that Money Network card handy and activated because you'll need it for payments until direct deposit kicks in. And like Sean mentioned, using Bank of America ATMs saves on fees if you need cash from the card. Hang in there - the wait is worth it once you get access!

I'm also waiting for the direct deposit option and this thread has been super helpful! One thing I wanted to add for anyone dealing with the Money Network card in the meantime - if you need to transfer money from the card to your personal bank account, you can do it through the Money Network mobile app or website for free (though it takes 1-3 business days). There's also an option for instant transfer but that comes with a fee. I've been using this method to move my unemployment payments to my main checking account so I can pay bills and manage my finances normally while waiting for direct deposit access. It's not as convenient as direct deposit but it beats having to withdraw cash from ATMs all the time. Just make sure to link your bank account in the Money Network app first - the verification process takes a day or two.

I've been following this thread closely since I'm in the exact same situation as the original poster. Just wanted to add that I called the EDD customer service line yesterday (after waiting 2.5 hours on hold) and the rep confirmed what everyone here has been saying - the direct deposit rollout is happening in phases and there's no way to expedite access for your account. She also mentioned that they're prioritizing accounts that have been active the longest, so if you're a newer claimant like me (just approved last month), we'll likely be in one of the later batches. The rep suggested checking your UI Online account every Monday since that's when they typically push out the updates to new batches of accounts. One more thing - she warned me that there have been some phishing emails going around claiming to be from EDD about direct deposit setup. The legitimate notification will ONLY come through your UI Online message center and your registered email address, and it will never ask you to click links to set up banking info. Just be careful out there!