NY unemployment paid me but KeyBank debit card not working - anyone else?

yep had the same issue last month. took about 48 hours for mine to actually work. the worst part is they dont tell you this when they send the card. just hang tight, it'll be active soon.

After months of getting nowhere with ny unemployment and never being able to reach anyone on the phone, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually got me connected to a real live agent who fixed my card issue in minutes. Talking to an agent got my money unlocked so fast - the website totally works and saved me so much stress. Check out their process: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Same here! Card took exactly 58 hours to activate (yes I was literally counting). The KeyBank system is a complete joke. Why they dont just use direct deposit like every other normal organization is beyond me.

The whole KeyBank debit card system is SO broken. I had the same problem and ended up having to take out cash at an ATM to pay my bills because the card kept getting declined at stores. Try going to an ATM to see if you can at least withdraw some cash.

Set up direct deposit ASAP through your unemployment account online! It takes like 2 weeks to switch over but soooo worth it. The KeyBank card is trash anyway - limited ATMs and weird fees.

When I activate my KeyBank card, I had to use it at an ATM first to set up PIN, then it started to work for purchases. Really weird system. Try that!

The 72 hour thing is real unfortunately. Mine took almost the full time. Its ridiculous they don't have a better system but hey this is ny unemployment were talking about 😂

Here's what I found after dealing with the KeyBank nightmare for months - their customer service is completely useless. When the automated system says 72 hours, it's usually closer to 48 but can take the full time. In my experience, the ONLY reliable solution to dealing with NY unemployment issues is getting a live agent on the phone. I spent WEEKS trying until I found claimyr.com which got me through to an actual human who fixed my issues. Best decision I made during my unemployment nightmare.

While you're waiting for the card to activate make sure to set up direct deposit! That way next time you get paid it goes straight to your bank account and you don't have to deal with that stupid KeyBank card.

I've been on unemployment for 6 months now and my advice is call KeyBank directly at 866-295-2955 and keep pressing 0 until you get a human. Sometimes the activation isn't automatic and they need to manually fix something. That's what happened to me.

The NY unemployment debit card system is a complete joke. Mine took 3 full days to work and I ended up missing rent payment. Absolute clownshow of a system. 🤡

I found that if you activate the card at an ATM first (to set your PIN) and then wait about 2-3 hours, it usually starts working for purchases after that. The whole system is really badly designed but that workaround helped me.

If you're desperate for the money right away, you CAN withdraw cash from an ATM even before the card works for purchases. That's what I had to do when I was in your situation. Just remember there are daily withdrawal limits (I think around $500).

Yep, welcome to the wonderful world of NY unemployment where nothing works as expected. 😒 My card took the full 72 hours before it started working. And even then it got randomly declined sometimes. As soon as you can, set up direct deposit through your unemployment account to avoid this headache in the future.

Pro tip: While waiting for your KeyBank card to activate, use this time to set up direct deposit for future payments. Log into your NY unemployment account, go to payment method, and update to direct deposit. Takes about 2 weeks to process the change but 100% worth not dealing with KeyBank again.

Here's what's happening: KeyBank does a 'soft' activation when NY unemployment first loads money, but they have this stupid security hold that takes up to 72 hours to clear. It's a fraud prevention thing but it's absolutely ridiculous when people are waiting on money for essentials. Call KeyBank's direct line (866-295-2955) and keep hammering 0 until you get a human - sometimes they can override it manually.

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DEALING WITH NY UNEMPLOYMENT AND KEYBANK ISSUES: I've been through the KeyBank nightmare multiple times and here's what you need to know: 1) The 72-hour activation period is real, but usually completes within 48 hours. During this time, try ATM withdrawals as they often work before purchase capabilities. 2) If you need immediate help, the ONLY reliable way to get KeyBank/unemployment issues resolved is speaking with a real NYSDOL agent. After weeks of failed calls, I discovered claimyr.com which connected me to an agent who fixed everything in minutes. 3) Set up direct deposit ASAP through your online unemployment portal. This takes about 2 weeks to process but eliminates KeyBank problems completely. 4) If KeyBank says your card should be working but isn't, you may need to first use it at an ATM to set a PIN - weird system quirk. 5) For recurring issues, document everything and request to speak with a supervisor when you finally reach someone. The system is broken, but with persistence you can get through it. Connecting with an actual human at unemployment is ultimately the fastest solution for complex issues.

Check if you activated the card correctly. sometimes the automated activation doesnt work right and you need to call KeyBank directly (not the number on the back of the card but their main customer service). happened to me last year.

Try calling your local unemployment office directly. Sometimes they can override the KeyBank hold. the numbers for local offices aren't posted prominently but you can find them with a bit of googling. I got helped way faster this way.

KeyBank is AWFUL! I waited the full 72 hours and even then half my transactions got declined for no reason. Really hope they change providers when the contract is up. In the meantime definitely switch to direct deposit ASAP.