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Way2Go card keeps getting declined despite having funds - can't reach customer service

I'm at my wits end with this Way2Go card issue! I have over $2,300 on my unemployment benefits card but every single time I try to use it at stores or ATMs it gets declined. I've triple-checked my balance through the automated system and online - the money is definitely there. I've been trying to call their customer service for THREE DAYS straight but either get disconnected or stuck in an endless automated loop. I've tried pressing 0, trying different menu options, calling at 7am when they open - nothing works! Has anyone else dealt with this? My rent is due in 5 days and I'm seriously panicking about accessing my benefits. Do I need to report this to DEO somehow or is this strictly a Way2Go issue?

Connor Murphy

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Had the exact same problem last month! Your card might be locked due to suspicious activity flags. Mine got flagged after I tried using it at 3 different places in one day (grocery store, gas station, then Target). The automated system won't tell you if it's locked for security reasons. You need to specifically ask for the security department when calling. Try calling exactly at 8:30am and immediately press 2-4-3 in sequence to bypass the main menu. Ask specifically for the fraud department even if that's not what you think the issue is. They can see if your card has a security hold.

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Zainab Ali

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Thank you!!! I'll try that sequence tomorrow morning. Did they make you verify a bunch of stuff to unlock it? And how long did it take before you could actually use your card again after talking to them?

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Yara Nassar

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omg the way2go cards r THE WORST. mine did that 2 me twice already this year. so frustrating!!!! good luck

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Zainab Ali

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Thanks. Did you ever figure out why yours was doing that? And how did you eventually get it fixed?

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StarGazer101

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This is actually a very common issue with Way2Go cards that I've helped many clients resolve. Here are the most likely causes: 1. Security lock - happens if you entered your PIN incorrectly multiple times or made unusual purchases 2. Card expiration - check the expiration date, they send replacements but sometimes late 3. Daily withdrawal/purchase limits - there are $500 ATM and $1000 purchase limits per day 4. Regional lock - if you try using it outside your normal area To fix this properly, you need to speak with a live representative at Way2Go, not DEO. DEO just deposits the funds; Way2Go manages the card service. Unfortunately, their phone system is deliberately designed to minimize live agent connections.

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Zainab Ali

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Thank you for such a detailed response! I checked and my card doesn't expire until 2026, and I haven't tried withdrawing more than the limits. I'm thinking it must be the security lock since I did try my PIN a few times at different places thinking I might be entering it wrong. Really appreciate the help!

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THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS YOUR OWN MONEY!!! I had $3400 stuck on my Way2Go for WEEKS last winter while these incompetent customer service reps kept telling me different things every time!!! One said my card was fine, another said it was locked, a third said I needed to verify my identity AGAIN even though I already did the stupid ID.me verification for DEO!!! It's all a scam to keep our money as long as possible so they can collect interest on it. I HATE THE ENTIRE FLORIDA UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM!!!

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Paolo Romano

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This happened to my cousin too. Way2Go and DEO just keep pointing fingers at each other and nobody takes responsibility.

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Amina Diop

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Have you tried checking if there's a hold on your account through the online portal instead of phone? Sometimes the Way2Go website shows account alerts that the automated phone system doesn't mention. Log in at www.goprogram.com and look for any notifications or alerts in your account dashboard. Also, did you get any emails from them recently? They sometimes send security verification emails that look like spam but are actually legit.

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Zainab Ali

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I just checked the website again and don't see any alerts or holds... nothing in my email either except the regular deposit notification from last week. This is so frustrating!

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I was stuck in this exact same situation trying to reach Way2Go about my declined card for almost a week. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to a live person and got it resolved in about 10 minutes. Turns out my card was locked because I tried using it at a gas station that had previously had some fraud issues. The agent unlocked it right away once I got through. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj - honestly was worth it just to avoid the endless phone tree nightmare.

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These services shouldn't even NEED to exist! Why should we pay MORE money just to access OUR OWN BENEFITS that we already earned?!? The whole system is broken!!!

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Zainab Ali

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Thanks for the suggestion! At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. I'll check out that video. Did they ask for a lot of personal info or was it pretty straightforward?

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Connor Murphy

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One other thing to try - sometimes the Way2Go system has issues with certain merchants or transaction types. Try setting a PIN for your card again through the automated system (even if you already have one), then try making a small purchase at a major grocery store instead of using an ATM. For some reason, grocery stores like Publix or Walmart tend to work even when other places decline the card. Also make sure you're selecting "Credit" not "Debit" at the terminal - that bypasses some of the security flags.

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Zainab Ali

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I'll definitely try resetting the PIN and using it as credit instead of debit. That's a smart suggestion I hadn't thought of. I've been trying to use it at gas stations mostly, so maybe trying Publix will work better. Thanks again!

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Yara Nassar

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btw if ur in a real emergency u can go to a bank branch that works with way2go (wells fargo i think) and they can sometimes process a emergency withdrawal with proper ID. my friend had 2 do this last yr when her card got lost

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StarGazer101

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This is partially correct, but it's important to note that for emergency withdrawals you need to bring your Way2Go card, government-issued photo ID, and know your PIN. If your card is locked due to security reasons, the bank might not be able to override that without Way2Go authorization. Also, the partner banks in Florida for Way2Go are Wells Fargo and SunTrust/Truist, but not all branches are familiar with the process. Call ahead to confirm they can help with government benefit card issues.

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Zainab Ali

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UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at Way2Go this morning! For anyone who might have the same problem in the future - I used the 2-4-3 number sequence like someone suggested AND I called at exactly 8:30am. Was on hold for about 20 minutes but finally got a real person. My card WAS locked due to "unusual activity" which turned out to be me trying to use it at multiple gas stations in one day. They unlocked it immediately and I was able to withdraw cash right after. THANK YOU all for your help and suggestions! This community is amazing.

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Connor Murphy

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So glad you got it resolved! And thanks for coming back to update us - that helps others who might search for this issue in the future. One tip - write down that 2-4-3 sequence somewhere safe in case it happens again. Way2Go seems to randomly flag cards every few months for security.

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Paolo Romano

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Congrats on getting it fixed! The whole system is ridiculous tho, why flag someone for using their card at different gas stations? Like that's totally normal behavior!

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