Money Network card keeps getting declined everywhere - can't access EDD benefits for 2 weeks

YES!! This EXACT same thing happened to me last month!!! Money Network is THE WORST. I had to call EDD like 14 times before getting through to someone who could actually help. Found out my card was actually flagged for "suspicious activity" even though Money Network kept telling me everything was fine with my account. What a joke.

try going inside a bank that accepts money network and do a cash advance. bring ur id. thats the only way i could get my money. this system is broken af

This is a known issue with Money Network cards that's been happening since early 2025. When you call EDD on Monday, specifically request to speak with a tier 2 specialist about payment method changes. Regular agents can't actually process the switch to paper checks - only tier 2 can do this. In the meantime, try these three things that have worked for others: 1. Call Money Network again and explicitly ask if there's a fraud hold or velocity limit on your account. Sometimes agents don't check this screen unless specifically asked. 2. Try withdrawing a smaller amount first (like $20) at a major bank ATM (BofA or Wells Fargo), not a convenience store ATM. 3. Log into the Money Network mobile app and under "Card Settings" make sure international transactions aren't accidentally turned off (this sometimes causes domestic transactions to fail too). Keep documentation of all your attempts and calls. If this continues beyond Monday, you may need to file a formal complaint with both FDIC and CFPB.

I had to battle with Money Network for THREE WEEKS to access my benefits last year. What finally worked was using Claimyr to get through to an actual EDD representative who could override something on their end. I wasted so much time trying to get through on the regular EDD line with no luck. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The EDD rep was able to issue an emergency payment while the card issue was being resolved. Well worth it after I'd already spent hours on hold and days without access to my money. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to try it.

This whole situation with Money Network is completely unacceptable! They've been having these issues since they took over from BofA and NOTHING has been fixed. I went through something similar and ended up filing complaints with both the FDIC and the California Attorney General's office. I suggest everyone experiencing these problems do the same. The more complaints filed, the more likely they'll be forced to fix their broken system. Also, when you do get through to EDD, make sure to request direct deposit instead of paper checks - it's a new option as of April 2025 and much more reliable!

I've been through three different payment methods with EDD over the years, and unfortunately, these Money Network cards have been nothing but trouble since they were introduced. One thing that might help temporarily: Money Network does allow you to set up a virtual card number through their app. Sometimes that works for online purchases even when the physical card is being declined everywhere. At least you could order some essentials online while you're getting this sorted out. For Monday's call, I recommend preparing a concise timeline of everything that's happened. Note specific dates, representatives' names if you have them, and all the steps you've taken. This helps the EDD rep understand you've done your due diligence and need immediate assistance. And definitely request direct deposit! It's so much more reliable than either the cards or paper checks.

this happened to my cousin last month to! money network is such a SCAM!!1! the government should stop using them immediatley. my cousin had to go THREE WEEKS with no money and almost got evicted. its criminal what their doing.

Quick update for anyone else experiencing this issue: As of May 2025, EDD has acknowledged there are widespread problems with Money Network cards. They've created a special resolution team to handle these cases. When you call on Monday, specifically ask for the "Payment Methods Resolution Team" - this will get you to someone who can actually help. Also, after you've resolved this immediate issue, consider signing up for direct deposit. The process takes about 10 days to set up, but it's much more reliable than either the Money Network cards or paper checks. You'll need to submit form DE 4005DD, which can be found in your UI Online account under "Forms and Publications."