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.

I'm going through the EXACT same nightmare right now! My Money Network card has been declining for over a week despite having funds available. What's really frustrating is that each customer service rep gives you a completely different story - first they said it was a "system update," then "merchant compatibility issues," and now they're claiming there's nothing wrong at all. I tried the virtual card suggestion from the app and it actually worked for a few online purchases, so that might help you get some essentials while you're waiting for Monday. Also, if you have any friends or family with different bank ATMs nearby, try those - I found that some smaller credit union ATMs worked when the major bank ones didn't. The direct deposit option sounds like a game-changer. I had no idea EDD offered that now. Definitely going to request that when I call them this week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least we know we're not alone in this mess!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My Money Network card has been declining for 5 days straight and I'm getting desperate. What's really annoying is that when I call their customer service, I get put on hold for 45+ minutes just to be told "everything looks fine on our end" - meanwhile I can't buy groceries or pay bills. I tried the virtual card suggestion and it worked for a couple online orders, which was a lifesaver. Also found that some smaller bank ATMs work better than the big chains - managed to get $40 out of a local community bank ATM yesterday after failing at 3 different Wells Fargo locations. Definitely going to ask about direct deposit when I call EDD this week. This whole Money Network situation is completely unacceptable - we shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to access our own benefits. Thanks for posting this, it's good to know I'm not the only one struggling with this broken system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I just joined this community after dealing with a similar Money Network disaster myself last month. Reading your post brought back all the frustration I felt when I couldn't access my benefits for almost 3 weeks! A few things that eventually worked for me: 1. Try calling Money Network very early in the morning (like 7 AM) - I found the wait times were shorter and the reps seemed more helpful then. 2. When you do get through, ask them to completely remove and re-add your card to their system. This is different from just sending a replacement card. One rep finally did this for me and it fixed the declining issues within 2 hours. 3. If you have a Walmart nearby, try their MoneyCenter - they have a special relationship with Money Network and can sometimes process transactions that regular ATMs can't. Definitely pursue the direct deposit option everyone's mentioning! I wish I had known about it sooner. Also, keep calling EDD - I know it's exhausting but the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these situations. You're not alone in this mess, and it's not your fault. Money Network has been a complete disaster since they took over from BofA. Hang in there! 🙏

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately way too common with Money Network! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - my card was declining everywhere for over 2 weeks despite showing available funds in the app. What finally worked for me was going directly to a Bank of America branch with my ID and Money Network card and asking for a cash advance. The teller was able to process it even when ATMs wouldn't work. You can get up to your full balance this way, though there might be a small fee. Also, when you call EDD on Monday, don't just ask for direct deposit - ask them to issue you an "emergency payment" while the card issues are being resolved. They can sometimes do a one-time paper check or even expedited direct deposit to your regular bank account. You have to be pretty insistent about it being an emergency situation affecting your ability to pay rent/buy food. Document EVERYTHING - dates, times, representative names, what they told you. If this drags on much longer, file complaints with the CFPB and your state attorney general's office. These complaints actually get attention and can speed up resolution. Hang in there - I know how stressful this is when you can't access money that's rightfully yours!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Money Network nightmare! I just went through something very similar last month and it was absolutely maddening. The "Bank Declined" message with no real explanation is their signature move apparently. One thing that worked for me was going to a credit union ATM instead of the big bank ones. I found a local credit union that processed my withdrawal when Wells Fargo, Chase, and BofA ATMs all declined it. Also try withdrawing a smaller amount first - like $20 or $40 - sometimes that gets through when larger amounts don't. The virtual card suggestion from @Leo McDonald is spot on - I was able to order groceries online with that when my physical card wouldn't work anywhere. At least you can get essentials delivered while sorting this out. Definitely ask for direct deposit when you call EDD Monday! I had no idea it was an option until I saw it mentioned here. And make sure to ask specifically for the Payment Methods Resolution Team that @Skylar Neal mentioned - regular EDD reps can't always help with payment issues. Document everything you've tried and all the different excuses Money Network has given you. If this continues much longer, file complaints with CFPB and your state AG office. These companies only respond when they get official complaints. You're not alone in this - Money Network is a disaster and we all shouldn't have to become payment system detectives just to access our own benefits! Hang in there! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this frustrating situation! I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to Money Network problems. I had a similar issue about 3 months ago where my card was declining everywhere despite having funds available. One thing that eventually worked for me was calling Money Network and asking them to check for ANY type of hold or flag on the account - not just fraud holds, but also velocity limits, merchant category restrictions, or even geographic flags. Sometimes they don't see these unless they specifically look for them. Also, try using your card at a grocery store for a small purchase ($5-10) and ask for cash back. This sometimes works when ATMs don't, and you can get up to $100-200 cash back depending on the store policy. I'm really glad to see so many people mentioning the direct deposit option - I had no idea EDD offered that now! Definitely going to look into switching myself after reading all these horror stories. Keep pushing when you call EDD Monday. Don't let them brush you off - emphasize that you've been without access to your benefits for 2 weeks and it's affecting your ability to pay for basic necessities. Sometimes being persistent is the only way to get results with these systems. Good luck and keep us updated on what works! 🤞

This Money Network situation is absolutely ridiculous! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - my card has been declining everywhere for the past 10 days despite showing available funds. It's so frustrating that we all have to become experts in workarounds just to access our own benefits! I've tried most of the suggestions here already, but the virtual card tip from @Leo McDonald saved me - I was able to order groceries online when my physical card wouldn't work anywhere. Also had some success at a smaller regional bank ATM after the major bank ones all failed. What really gets me is how each Money Network rep gives a completely different excuse. First they told me it was a "system maintenance issue," then "merchant compatibility problems," and yesterday they claimed there was nothing wrong at all while I'm literally standing at an ATM watching it decline! I'm definitely calling EDD this week to request direct deposit and will ask specifically for the Payment Methods Resolution Team that everyone mentioned. This whole system is broken and honestly feels like they're making it deliberately difficult to access our benefits. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - it's the only reason I haven't completely lost my mind over this! Will update once I hopefully get things resolved.

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I just joined this community after having a similar Money Network nightmare myself. My card was declining everywhere for almost 3 weeks back in February and it nearly cost me my apartment. A few things that finally worked for me that I don't see mentioned yet: 1. Try calling Money Network and asking them to do a "hard reset" on your card - this is different from just reactivating it. One supervisor finally did this for me after I escalated multiple times. 2. If you have a Navy Federal or USAA ATM nearby, try those - they seem to have better compatibility with Money Network cards than the major banks. 3. Download the GetUpside app and try using your card at gas stations listed there. For some reason, pay-at-the-pump transactions worked for me when everything else failed. The direct deposit option everyone's mentioning is a game changer - I switched as soon as I found out about it and haven't had issues since. When you call EDD Monday, be prepared to wait but don't give up. I had to call 6 times before getting someone who could actually help. Document everything and consider filing a complaint with your state's Department of Consumer Affairs too. Money Network's incompetence is costing people their housing and that's completely unacceptable for a government benefits program. You've got this - we're all rooting for you! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this Money Network nightmare! I'm new to this community but unfortunately very familiar with their broken system. I went through something incredibly similar about 6 weeks ago - my card declined everywhere for nearly 2 weeks despite having over $1,200 in benefits sitting there. What finally worked for me was a combination of things people have mentioned here: 1. Called Money Network at exactly 7 AM and got a much more knowledgeable rep who found a "merchant category block" that previous agents somehow missed 2. Went to a small local credit union ATM and was able to withdraw $200 when all the big bank ATMs failed 3. Used the virtual card through their app for online purchases while waiting for the physical card issues to be resolved The most important thing though was getting through to EDD's Payment Methods Resolution Team (thanks @Skylar Neal for that tip!). They were able to issue me an emergency paper check within 3 business days AND started the process to switch me to direct deposit. When you call Monday, be very clear that you've been without access to YOUR money for 2 weeks and it's affecting your ability to pay rent and buy food. Use the word "emergency" - it seems to trigger different protocols on their end. Also document every single interaction you've had with Money Network customer service. I ended up filing a CFPB complaint after my situation was resolved and they actually followed up with me about systemic issues. Hang in there - you WILL get through this! The direct deposit option is a complete game changer once you get it set up. Never having to deal with these terrible cards again! 🙏

This is absolutely unacceptable! I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to Money Network disasters. I went through something very similar about 4 months ago - my card was declining everywhere for over 2 weeks while rent was due. What finally worked for me was going to a Walmart MoneyCenter (like @Fatima Al-Qasimi mentioned) and asking them to process a "cash advance" transaction. The associate there was actually familiar with Money Network issues and was able to get me $300 when every ATM and store had been declining my card. There's usually a small fee but it was worth it to finally access my money. I also had success calling Money Network super early (around 6:30 AM) and asking the rep to check for "velocity restrictions" - apparently my account had some kind of automatic limit that was blocking all transactions, but it wasn't showing up as a fraud hold. They were able to remove it immediately once they actually looked for it. Definitely push for that direct deposit option when you call EDD! I switched over as soon as I found out about it and haven't had a single problem since. The whole Money Network system is completely broken and honestly feels intentionally difficult to navigate. Keep detailed notes of every call and don't give up. You shouldn't have to jump through hoops to access your own benefits, but unfortunately persistence is the only thing that seems to work with this mess of a system. You've got this! 💪