Money Network suddenly charging $25 transfer fee - anyone else seeing this?

OMG YES!! Happened to me 2 days ago and I almost threw my laptop across the room! Been transferring funds since January without ANY fees and then BOOM - $25 charge out of nowhere. Called Money Network customer service and was on hold for 1.5 hours just to have them tell me \

I haven't transferred yet - was hoping someone here might have a solution before I lose $25. Did they at least tell you which credit unions are part of their network where you could avoid the fee? The whole thing seems shady to me.

Yep this is the new normal unfortunately. The no-fee transfers were part of a temporary program that just ended. I think they're hoping people don't notice and just click through without reading the fee disclosure.

Wait, temporary program? I never saw ANYTHING from EDD or Money Network saying the fee-free transfers were temporary. Don't they have to notify us about major changes like this? Seems like they're just trying to squeeze more money out of people who are already struggling.

I work at a credit union and can clarify this situation. Money Network recently changed their fee structure. What you need to do is find a credit union or bank that's part of the MoneyPass ATM network - that's what they mean by \

Thank you for explaining! So basically I'd need to withdraw cash and then deposit it in my bank rather than doing a direct transfer? That seems like an intentionally complicated workaround. I'll check that ATM locator though, thanks.

i just use the card for everything never bothered with transfers lol. works at stores gas online whatev

Some of my bills can only be paid through my checking account, plus I like keeping all my money in one place to track expenses. But maybe I'll start using the card more often to avoid these fees.

If you need to speak with an EDD representative about this, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to EDD. You know how impossible it is to reach them directly - I tried for days and kept getting the

Does that service actually work? I've been trying to get through to EDD for WEEKS about changing my payment method entirely. Might give this a try if it actually connects you to a real person.

Yes, it actually connected me to a real EDD agent! After trying for days on my own, it was definitely worth it. Just make sure you're ready with your claim info and specific questions when they connect you.

Here's the official information: Money Network implemented their standard fee structure on April 1, 2025 after the subsidized fee program ended. You have three options to avoid the $25 bank transfer fee:\n\n1. Direct deposit: You can change your payment method to direct deposit through UI Online\n2. Cash withdrawal: Use MoneyPass ATMs or participating bank/credit union tellers for free cash withdrawals\n3. Debit purchases: Use the card for purchases with no fee\n\nThe change wasn't well-communicated, which is why many people are being caught by surprise. If you want to switch to direct deposit, log into UI Online > Payment Preferences > Change Payment Method. The change will apply to your next payment cycle.

This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I had no idea I could switch to direct deposit directly through UI Online. Going to make that change right now to avoid this fee completely.

Wait I'm confused... When I certified on Sunday, I still had the option to choose direct deposit in my UI account. Are you saying you're forced to use Money Network now? I've never used their card and always had my benefits deposited straight to my checking account. Did they change the whole system?

No, direct deposit is still available as an option. The original poster was already using Money Network and transferring from there to their bank account (which now has a fee). They can switch to direct deposit through UI Online to avoid using Money Network entirely, as I mentioned in my previous comment.

Ohhhh I get it now! I misunderstood completely. Thanks for clarifying - I was worried they were taking away direct deposit!

When i was on uneployment back in 2022 this SAME EXACT THING happened!!! They said no fees then suddenly BAM $25 gone! EDD doesnt care about us, they make everything complicated on purpose. My brother-in-law worked for the state (not EDD) and he said they do this stuff on purpose to save money hoping people dont bother with small amounts. Its all corrupt.

I don't think EDD is behind the fee change - Money Network is a separate company that handles the prepaid debit cards. EDD contracts with them but doesn't control their fee structure. It still sucks though.

UPDATE: I just followed the advice to switch to direct deposit through UI Online and it was super easy! Go to Payment Preferences > Change Payment Method > select Direct Deposit and enter your bank info. It says my next payment will be direct deposited to my account with no fees. Thanks everyone for your help, especially the detailed explanation about the April 1st change. Wish Money Network had been more transparent about this instead of springing it on us.

Thanks for coming back to update! Just made the same change to direct deposit. One less headache to deal with!

Glad you got it sorted! Just a heads-up that it might take one payment cycle for the change to take effect, so keep an eye on your next payment to make sure it goes through correctly.

Just want to add another option for anyone still stuck with Money Network - you can also get cash back at most grocery stores and pharmacies when you make a purchase with the card. I usually buy something small like gum or a drink and get $20-40 cash back with no fees. Then I can deposit the cash into my regular bank account. It's not as convenient as direct transfer but way better than paying $25!