How to use unemployment debit card from NYS Department of Labor - confused about fees and ATM access
I just received my unemployment debit card from NYS Department of Labor and honestly I'm totally lost on how to use it properly. The paperwork that came with it mentions fees for certain transactions but I can't figure out which ATMs are free and which ones will charge me. I tried using it at a bodega ATM yesterday and got hit with a $3.50 fee which really hurt since my weekly benefit is only $365. Does anyone know the best way to access my unemployment money without getting killed by fees? Also can I use this card for online purchases or is it just for cash? I'm worried I'm going to accidentally drain my benefits on ATM charges.
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Isabella Santos
The KeyBank debit card from NYS Department of Labor has specific ATMs where you won't get charged. Look for KeyBank ATMs or any ATM in the MoneyPass network - those should be free. You can also get cash back at most grocery stores when you buy something, that's usually free too. For online purchases, yes it works like a regular debit card but make sure you select 'credit' not 'debit' to avoid PIN fees at some places.
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Malik Johnson
•Thank you! Where can I find a list of MoneyPass ATMs? Is there an app or website that shows locations near me?
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Ravi Sharma
ugh those fees are the WORST! I lost like $40 in ATM fees my first month because nobody told me about the free ones. The MoneyPass website has a locator tool, just google 'MoneyPass ATM locator' and put in your zip code. Also most 7-Elevens have MoneyPass ATMs.
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Freya Larsen
You can also transfer money from your KeyBank unemployment card to your regular bank account for free. Log into the KeyBank website or call the customer service number on the back of your card. The transfer usually takes 1-2 business days but then you can use your regular bank's ATMs without any fees. Just make sure you keep track of your unemployment payments for tax purposes.
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Malik Johnson
•I didn't know about the transfer option! That sounds way easier than hunting for specific ATMs all the time.
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Omar Hassan
One thing that helped me was downloading the KeyBank mobile app. It shows your balance and recent transactions plus has the ATM locator built in. Way easier than calling that automated phone line every time you want to check your balance.
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Chloe Taylor
If you're having trouble getting through to KeyBank customer service about your unemployment card, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach live agents at different agencies including NYS Department of Labor and their card vendor. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used them when my card got frozen and couldn't get through the regular customer service lines.
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ShadowHunter
•Is Claimyr legit? I'm always suspicious of third party services when it comes to unemployment stuff.
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Chloe Taylor
•Yeah it's legitimate, they basically just help you navigate the phone systems to reach actual people instead of getting stuck in automated loops. I was skeptical too but it worked when nothing else did.
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Diego Ramirez
Pro tip: if you use the card for grocery shopping, always choose 'credit' instead of 'debit' when they ask. Some stores charge extra fees for debit transactions but credit is usually free. Also works at gas stations.
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Carmen Lopez
Just want to add that Walmart Money Centers usually have free ATM access for KeyBank unemployment cards too. I've been using the one near me for months with no fees. Also, if you're ever in a pinch and need cash fast, some banks will let you do a counter withdrawal with ID even if you're not their customer - they might charge like $5-10 but it's better than those crazy bodega ATM fees you mentioned. And yes, online purchases work fine, I pay all my bills online with mine.
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Emma Davis
•Thanks for mentioning Walmart Money Centers! I had no idea they were free for these cards. There's actually a Walmart SuperCenter about 10 minutes from my apartment so that could be really convenient. Quick question - do I need to go to the actual Money Center counter or can I just use any ATM inside Walmart? I want to make sure I don't accidentally use a fee-charging machine.
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