How to get money off NY unemployment debit card without fees?

You can transfer the entire balance to your bank account for free! Go to the KeyBank website or app, login with your card info, and set up a transfer. No fees for that. It takes about 2-3 days to show up but its totally free. You can also withdraw cash at any KeyBank ATM with no fee.

After weeks of trying to figure this out myself, I ended up using claimyr.com to get an agent on the phone who helped me. The transfer thing wasn't working for me either - turns out my account had some weird restriction. The agent fixed it right away and showed me how to set up direct deposit for future payments so I don't have to deal with the card again. Was the only way I could talk to a real person! Check out this video that helped me: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

The KeyBank unemployment card is such a scam. There's a bunch of hidden fees they don't tell you about upfront. I learned the hard way - don't use it at non-KeyBank ATMs (like $3.50 fee each time). Don't use the phone service to check balance (fees). Don't get cashback at stores (more fees). The easiest thing is just transferring the whole amount to your bank account online for free.

Walmart shuld work fine for purchases with the card. I use mine there all the time. Maybe try running it as credit instead of debit? Sometimes the PIN system gets weird.

OK LISTEN UP - here's the COMPLETE guide to the NY unemployment card after dealing with this system for way too long: BEST OPTIONS (NO FEES): - Transfer to your bank account through the KeyBank website (takes 2-3 days but FREE) - Withdraw cash at any KeyBank ATM (free unlimited withdrawals) - Withdraw cash at any Allpoint ATM (also free - look for the logo) - Use the card for purchases anywhere Visa is accepted (run as credit!) OPTIONS WITH FEES (AVOID THESE): - Using non-network ATMs ($3.00 + whatever that ATM charges) - Teller cash withdrawal at banks other than KeyBank ($3.00 fee) - Calling customer service for balance inquiries ($0.50 per call) If you're having trouble, definitely try claimyr.com to get a live person on the phone. They connect you directly with an unemployment agent who can fix card issues. Honestly the unemployment system is designed to be confusing and make you give up. Don't let them win! Also pro tip: You can eventually switch to direct deposit and avoid the card entirely.

you can get cash back at grocery stores too for no fee, just select debit and ask for cash back. i usually do my shopping at target and get $100 cash back each time, no fees.

ny unemployment is such a joke. first they make us wait months to get approved, then they make it nearly impossible to access our own money. I had the same issue last year. If your having issues with ur card call the KeyBank number on the back. They sometimes put holds on new cards for security.

Did you activate the card first? Mine didnt work at all until I called the activation number and set up my PIN. Also might be worth checking if its been locked for suspicious activity. My account got frozen because I tried to use it at 3 different places on day 1 (they thought it was fraud).

Anyone else find it ridicilous that we have no choice but to use this KeyBank card if we dont already have direct deposit setup? Like its 2023 and they're still forcing people to use these prehistoric debit cards with hidden fees and restrictions smh

The absolute EASIEST way is go to any KeyBank branch with your ID and card. Tell the teller you want to withdraw all the money. They'll do it right there for free, no daily limits. That's what I did after fighting with the online system for a week.

Are you guys getting NY unemployment right now? I thought my claim was approved but haven't received any card or payment after 3 weeks...

Just FYI - I know it seems like a lot of money now, but remember this is TAXABLE income! They don't withhold taxes automatically, so set aside like 15-20% or you'll get a nasty surprise next April.