NY unemployment benefits on Wisely card - is this legit or a scam?

Yes, this is legitimate! NY unemployment actually uses Wisely cards as one of their payment methods. Even though you selected direct deposit, sometimes they default to sending the card first. You need to activate it and then you can transfer the funds to your bank account or use it like a regular debit card. You can also call the number on the back of the card to set up direct deposit for future payments.

I got one of those too! I was super confused because I definitely clicked direct deposit when applying. Called the unemployment office like 20 times and couldn't get through to anybody. The whole system is a MESS!!

I received that card about 2 months ago. It's definitely legit - NY unemployment uses them. But beware there's a $1.50 fee when you use ATMs outside their network and a $0.25 fee if you check your balance at an ATM. I recommend transferring the full amount to your personal bank account right after payments hit to avoid fees.

Exactly what happened to me. The Wisely card is the default payment method used by NY unemployment. I was able to go online after activating the card and switch to direct deposit for future payments. You'll need your routing and account numbers to set it up. The website is on the paperwork that came with the card.

After I got my Wisely card I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at unemployment to switch to direct deposit. Could never get through. I was about to give up when I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in under 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE. Way better than redialing for days! The agent was able to set up my direct deposit over the phone.

yep its real! i got mine back in january. just call the number on the back to activate it. the whole thing is weird cuz nowhere on the envelope does it say its unemployment benefits lol

To answer your original question - yes, you can transfer the funds to your regular bank account after activation. Log into the Wisely account online (instructions come with the card) and look for the transfer option. It usually takes 1-2 business days for the transfer to complete. Just be aware there's a daily transfer limit of $2,500.