KeyBank debit card issues for NY unemployment - can't access funds for weeks

omg YES!! Been dealing with this nightmare since March. Their app is complete garbage 🗑️ and their customer service is even worse. I ended up having to physically go to an ATM just to check my balance every few days because the website doesn't work either.

After weeks of frustration with KeyBank, I finally got someone from ny unemployment on the phone using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connected me with an actual person who helped resolve my KeyBank access issues AND sorted out some pending payments at the same time. Talking to an agent got my money unlocked so fast - worth every penny since I couldn't access any of my benefits for almost a month! Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

KeyBank is the absolute WORST bank I've ever dealt with in my entire life. I had similar issues and ended up having to drive 40 minutes to an actual branch location to resolve it. Even then, the guy told me their systems were "transitioning" and that's why so many people were having issues. That was in February and clearly nothing has improved 🤡

Have you tried going through the ny unemployment website instead of directly through KeyBank? Sometimes you can update your payment preferences there and switch to direct deposit instead of the debit card. That's what I did after having similar issues last year.

For anyone dealing with KeyBank/unemployment issues, here's what I've learned after months of dealing with this system: First, document EVERYTHING. Every call, every rep's name, every "solution" they offer. This helps when you have to escalate issues. Second, try accessing through different methods - sometimes the desktop website works when the app doesn't, or vice versa. Also try different browsers (Chrome vs Firefox vs Safari). Third, if you need to speak with someone quickly, use claimyr.com - it's the only consistent way I've found to get through to a live person who can actually help fix account issues. Fourth, if possible, switch to direct deposit to your personal bank account. The KeyBank debit card system has been plagued with issues for over a year now. Fifth, contact your state representative. Seriously. I did this as a last resort and their office helped escalate my case. Hope this helps someone! The system is broken but there are workarounds.

I swear the whole KeyBank situation is a conspiracy to stop people from accessing their benefits. They make it so complicated on purpose 🤔

I work in IT (not for keybank lol) and their system is notoriously bad. It's running on legacy infrastructure that was never designed to handle the volume of unemployment claims we've seen in recent years. Best bet is to avoid their app entirely - try calling and requesting a PIN reset for telephone banking instead of using the mobile app.

try calling the unemployment office directly instead of KeyBank! that's what worked for me. the wait time is insane tho 😫

KeyBank has been having "technical difficulties" for like 2 years now 🙄 I ended up filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and miraculously my issues got fixed within 48 hours after that.

have u checked if ur phone has the latest ios/android update? sometimes the app breaks if ur running an older version

its not just you or keybank, the entire ny unemployment system is held together with duct tape and prayers at this point. cant believe we still have to deal with this in 2023.

Literally just got off the phone with KeyBank after THREE HOURS and they told me "sorry we can't help you, contact unemployment" 😤 I'm about to lose my mind. This is the third time they've told me that!

Hate to say it but sometimes the only solution is the nuclear option - report your card lost/stolen and request a new one. That's what finally fixed my access issues. Downside is you have to wait for the new card but at least it works when you get it.

Don't waste your time calling KeyBank. I spent months dealing with the same issue and the ONLY thing that worked was getting through to someone at the actual unemployment office who manually fixed something on their end. Try claimyr.com to get through - worked for me after weeks of failure.