Money Network card not working - can't get past automated system to speak with agent

The Money Network customer service is seriously the worst. I had the same issue last month and found out you have to press 0 three times in a row when the automated system starts talking. Then when it asks for your card number, enter it followed by # and it should eventually route you to a rep. It took me about 45 minutes on hold but I finally got someone. Turns out my card was flagged for 'suspicious activity' because I tried using it at multiple locations in one day. 🙄

my card got blocked to last month. so annoying. they said it was for my protection but i was just buying groceries????

You need to call during specific hours for a better chance of reaching a person. Try calling Tuesday-Thursday between 8:30-10:00 AM or 2:00-3:30 PM Pacific time. Those are typically less busy hours. When calling, as soon as the automated system starts, press #0*0 in that exact sequence. When prompted for your card number, enter it followed by # (important), then immediately press 1, then 3, then 0. This route should get you to the fraud/locked card department faster than the general queue. If your card was declined multiple times, it's likely been flagged and temporarily blocked for security. Only a customer service representative can remove this block, so keep trying the steps above. In the meantime, check if you can still access your balance through the Money Network mobile app or website - sometimes the card is blocked but you can still see if your funds are there.

This happened to me twice!!! Money Network is soooo frustrating. Keep pressing 0 or saying "representative" over and over. Eventually it'll connect you. But be prepared to wait on hold for like an hour. Their hold music is THE WORST.

If you're having issues with your EDD-issued Money Network card, you should also consider calling EDD directly to report the problem. Sometimes they can help resolve card issues or at least give you correct information about who to contact. The problem is actually reaching EDD... I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to an EDD representative much faster. They have a system that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km EDD agents can sometimes provide better guidance on Money Network issues than the card company itself since EDD is who issues the payments.

There's actually a specific issue with Money Network cards right now. Their system had an update on April 3rd that caused some cards to get automatically flagged. When you do get through to a representative (using the methods others suggested), specifically mention the "April system update" and ask them to check if your card was affected by that. This will help them identify the problem faster. Also, while you're working on getting your card unblocked, you should check if direct deposit is an option for future payments. In the UI Online portal, go to Payment Methods and you can set up direct deposit to your bank account instead of using the Money Network card. That way you won't have this problem again.

Just wanted to update that I called using the tips people shared here and FINALLY got through to a person! You were right - my card was flagged for suspicious activity because I tried multiple ATMs. They removed the block and my card is working again. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help! For anyone else with this problem, what worked for me was calling at 8:45am and pressing 0 three times during the initial greeting, then following the prompts to enter my card number. Was on hold for 32 minutes but eventually got a real person who fixed it in about 5 minutes.

As someone who's dealt with similar Money Network issues, I wanted to add that if you're still having trouble getting through, try downloading the Money Network mobile app first to see if you can at least check your balance and transaction history. Sometimes the app will show you exactly why your card was blocked (like "security hold" or "fraud alert") which gives you specific language to use when you finally reach a representative. Also, if your card stays blocked and you can't get through by tomorrow, consider going to your local EDD office if there's one nearby. They can sometimes help with Money Network issues directly or at least escalate your case. I know it's not ideal with everything being appointment-based now, but for urgent situations like rent being due, they might be able to help same-day. Good luck - this system is so broken but you'll get through it!

I've been following this thread since I had the exact same nightmare with my Money Network card last year! One additional tip that saved me - if you're still unable to get through using the phone tricks everyone shared, you can also try the Money Network website's live chat feature. It's hidden under "Contact Us" then "Chat with us now" but it's only available during business hours (9am-6pm Pacific). The wait time is usually shorter than phone calls and the chat agents can do everything the phone reps can do, including removing security blocks. I got my card unblocked in about 15 minutes through chat when I couldn't get through on the phone after trying for 2 days straight. Just make sure you have your card number, SSN, and ZIP code ready - they'll ask for all of that to verify your identity.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it's absolutely maddening! One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have the Money Network mobile app, try logging in and looking for a "Card Controls" or "Security Settings" section. Sometimes you can actually unblock your own card directly through the app if it was flagged for suspicious activity. I was able to toggle my card back on after it got blocked for using it at too many different locations in one day. If that doesn't work, definitely try the live chat option that Luca mentioned - that's genius! I wish I had known about that when I was dealing with this mess. The phone system is designed to make you give up, but don't let them win. Your benefits are YOUR money and you have every right to access them. Hang in there and keep trying the different methods people have shared - one of them will work!

I had this exact same problem 3 weeks ago and it was so stressful! What finally worked for me was a combination of the tips everyone's shared here. First, I tried the live chat on the Money Network website (thanks to whoever mentioned that!) and got through in about 20 minutes. The chat agent was actually really helpful and explained that my card had been automatically flagged because I made purchases at 4 different stores in one afternoon - apparently their system thought it was fraud. She was able to remove the block immediately, but she also gave me a pro tip: if this happens again, I can call their automated line and say "fraud alert" when prompted, which routes you directly to the security department instead of going through the general customer service maze. She said that's the fastest way to get these blocks removed. Also, definitely set up direct deposit as soon as you can! I switched over last week and it's such a relief not having to worry about card issues anymore. The money just goes straight to my checking account now. You can do it through the UI Online portal under "Payment Method" - takes about 2 weeks to take effect but so worth it. Hang in there, you'll get this resolved!

I just went through this nightmare last week and wanted to share what worked for me since I see lots of great advice here already! After trying all the phone tricks (which do work but took forever), I discovered you can also try texting "HELP" to 22622 from the phone number associated with your Money Network account. It's their SMS support line and sometimes they can help with basic account issues including temporary blocks. The text support won't work for everything, but if your card is just temporarily flagged like mine was, they can often remove simple security holds via text. They'll ask you to verify some info and then send you a confirmation if they're able to unlock it. If not, they'll tell you to call, but at least you'll know for sure what the issue is before spending an hour on hold. Also want to echo what others said about direct deposit - I switched over immediately after this happened and it's been such a relief. No more card drama! The UI Online portal makes it pretty easy to set up, just have your bank routing and account numbers ready.