Got NY unemployment tourism debit card - how to access cash from virtual card?

That tourism card is specifically designed to be used for purchases at eligible New York businesses, not for cash withdrawals. The whole point is to stimulate the local economy by ensuring the funds are spent within NY. You can use it like a regular debit card at restaurants, stores, attractions, etc. that accept card payments, but you can't withdraw cash or transfer to your bank account.

got mine 2 days ago!! i tried using it online already at target and it worked fine. dont think u can get cash tho, its supposed to be for buying stuff

If you need to speak directly with NYSDOL about your tourism card limitations, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was confused about my benefits last month and spent days trying to reach an agent. With Claimyr, I got through in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - it's worth it when you need answers quickly about these special programs.

The NY Tourism Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP) debit cards are designed specifically to stimulate local tourism spending. Here's what you need to know: 1. These cards CAN'T be converted to cash or transferred to your bank 2. They can ONLY be used at qualifying businesses (restaurants, attractions, hotels, retail) 3. They expire in 90 days from issuance 4. There's a portal to check your balance and see eligible merchants at nytourismcard.ny.gov This is NOT regular unemployment - it's a separate stimulus program to help the tourism sector recover. You should still be receiving your regular benefits separately if you qualify.

I GOT THIS CARD TOO AND ITS RIDICULOUS!!! They give us money we can't even use for necessities while claiming they're "helping" us. TYPICAL GOVERNMENT BS!!! My landlord doesn't exactly qualify as a "tourism attraction" last time I checked, but guess who still wants the rent on time?? This program is just for show so they can claim they're supporting people while ACTUALLY supporting businesses. Meanwhile we still can't pay our bills!

so my sister got one of these cards too and she used it at the mall yesterday. she said a bunch of stores take it but not all of them. we tried the movies with it and it worked! might not be cash but free stuff is still nice right? better than nothing

For those wondering, the eligible businesses for the tourism card include: - Restaurants and food service locations - Retail shops - Grocery stores (most major chains) - Entertainment venues (theaters, museums, etc.) - Hotels and accommodations - Transportation services within NY The idea is to keep the money circulating in the NY economy rather than being withdrawn as cash. While it's not ideal if you need rent money, it can free up your other funds by covering food and essentials from eligible stores.

Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I completely misunderstood what this card was for. I checked my regular unemployment benefits and they're still coming separately, so this tourism card is just an extra thing. Still wish I could use it for rent, but at least I can use it for groceries and save my regular benefits for rent. Going to check that portal for the list of places that accept it.