Can I link my NY unemployment KeyBank card to another bank account for transfers?
Just received my NY unemployment payments on the KeyBank debit card they sent me, but I really don't want to use this card for everything. Is there a way I can connect it to my regular checking account at Chase and transfer the money? Or do I have to withdraw cash from ATMs? The instructions that came with the card are confusing and I can't find anything about linking to other accounts.
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Caleb Bell
Yes, you can definitely transfer funds from your KeyBank unemployment card to your personal bank account! Here's how: 1. Set up an account at KeyBank's unemployment debit card portal (if you haven't already) 2. Select "Transfer Funds" option 3. Add your personal bank account information (routing and account numbers) 4. Initiate transfers whenever you receive payments The transfers usually take 1-2 business days to complete. I've been doing this with my Bank of America account for months now. It's much more convenient than ATM withdrawals, especially since some ATMs charge fees.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know. One more question - are there any fees for transferring to my Chase account?
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Danielle Campbell
yep transfer is free. i do it evry time my payment hits. login to the keybank site and setup ur bank info. super easy
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Awesome, thanks for confirming there's no fee! That makes it even better.
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Rhett Bowman
Does anyone else's KeyBank site constantly glitch out?? I've tried setting up transfers THREE TIMES and it keeps giving me error messages. Called their customer service and was on hold for 45 minutes before giving up. This unemployment system is SUCH a headache!
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Abigail Patel
•Ugh same! I had to try like 5 different browsers before it finally worked. Try using Microsoft Edge (of all things) - for some weird reason that worked for me when Chrome and Firefox both failed.
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Daniel White
Another option is to set up direct deposit for your NY unemployment benefits directly to your personal bank account instead of using the KeyBank card at all. Log into your NY.gov account, go to your unemployment dashboard, and look for the payment method options. You can enter your Chase routing and account numbers there. This eliminates the middle step of transferring from KeyBank to your personal account. The change usually takes effect after 1-2 payment cycles.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•I tried to set up direct deposit when I first applied but it didn't seem to work. I'll definitely try again - would be much easier to skip the KeyBank card entirely!
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Nolan Carter
I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone at NYSDOL about changing my deposit method and kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold. After wasting hours, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They helped me switch to direct deposit to my regular bank account instead of the KeyBank card. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE if you're struggling to get through on the phone lines.
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Natalia Stone
•Is this service legit? I'm always nervous about giving my information to third-party services for unemployment stuff. Has anyone else used it?
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Caleb Bell
•I've used it twice - it's just a call-back service that helps you navigate the phone system. Saved me hours of frustration. They don't need any sensitive info, just your phone number so they can connect you with an actual NYSDOL agent.
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Natalia Stone
I'm confused about something... if I set up direct deposit to my regular bank account, will they cancel my KeyBank card? I'm worried about losing access to funds that might already be on the card. Anyone know how this works when switching payment methods?
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Caleb Bell
•No worries - they won't cancel your KeyBank card. Any funds already on the card will stay there for you to use or transfer. Only future payments will go to your new direct deposit account once the change takes effect.
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Danielle Campbell
the keybank website sucks on mobile btw. use a computer if u can
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Rhett Bowman
•YES!! I thought it was just my phone! Literally nothing works right on mobile - buttons don't respond, pages time out, login fails for no reason. Their tech is straight from 2005 I swear.
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Abigail Patel
I was having the same question last month! I ended up just keeping some money on the KeyBank card for emergencies and transferring most of it to my credit union. The transfer option is under "Account Management" on the KeyBank portal after you log in. Took me forever to find it though because their website is so badly designed.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Thanks for the tip on where to find it! I'll look under Account Management when I log in.
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Caleb Bell
One important thing to note: there are daily and monthly transfer limits when moving money from the KeyBank card to your personal account. I believe the daily limit is $1,000 and monthly is $5,000. This typically isn't an issue for most unemployment payments, but something to be aware of if you have a large backpay amount.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Good to know about the limits. My weekly benefit is way below that, so shouldn't be a problem.
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Rhett Bowman
Watch out for KeyBank's RIDICULOUS inactivity fees! If you don't use the card for 12 months they start charging $1.50 PER MONTH just for having money sitting there. Make sure you either use it or transfer everything out!
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Daniel White
•This is correct - NY unemployment KeyBank cards do have a $1.50 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months of no transactions. It's always best to either transfer all funds or maintain some activity on the card to avoid these charges.
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