< Back to New York Unemployment

NY unemployment payment loaded to KeyBank debit card but not working - anyone else?

Finally got through the ID.me verification process for my NY unemployment and saw that money was deposited to my KeyBank debit card 3 days later. Problem is, the card isn't working at all! When I called KeyBank customer service, they just said it can take 'up to 72 hours' for the card to activate properly after the first deposit. Has anyone else dealt with this waiting period with KeyBank cards for NY unemployment? How long did yours actually take to start working? I need this money for rent due next week and getting really anxious about it.

Ravi Gupta

•

This is completely normal - the first payment activation delay is a security feature. Mine took exactly 48 hours to activate after the first deposit was made. KeyBank's system needs to fully process and verify the initial transaction. Just wait out the full 72 hours before you start worrying. You can check the card status on KeyBank's website too by setting up online access if you haven't already.

0 coins

Thanks! I'll try to be patient. Did you get any kind of email or notification when it was activated, or did you just keep trying the card until it worked?

0 coins

GalacticGuru

•

mine took FOUR DAYS to work!!!! they said 72 hrs but that was a LIE. kept trying atms and getting declined. finally worked on day 4. KEYBANK IS THE WORST dont believe anything they tell u

0 coins

Four days?? That's ridiculous! Did you do anything to speed it up or just had to wait it out?

0 coins

GalacticGuru

•

just had to wait and keep trying. wasted so much time calling them too and they just give u the runaround. check ur balance online every few hrs, thats the only way to know when its active

0 coins

Same thing happened to me last month! Card wouldn't work for a few days after first payment. So frustrating.

0 coins

Omar Fawaz

•

The KeyBank card activation delay is unfortunately standard procedure. Here's what you need to know: 1. The 72-hour timeframe is the maximum, but many cards activate sooner 2. You can check your balance and activation status by calling the number on the back of your card 3. Once activated, set up direct deposit to your personal bank account to avoid this in the future 4. The NY unemployment system allows you to switch to direct deposit through your online account If it goes beyond 72 hours, that's when you need to escalate with both KeyBank and NYSDOL. Keep documentation of all your attempts to use the card.

0 coins

Thank you for the detailed info! I've been trying the number on the back but just get automated responses. Is there a way to talk to a real person at KeyBank?

0 coins

Try buying something small like a water bottle at a gas station. That's how I figured out mine was working. The ATM kept declining but a small purchase went through. Weird system they have.

0 coins

That's a good idea! I'll try that tomorrow. Did you have to pay any fees for the purchase?

0 coins

Nope! First purchase is free, and most places don't charge fees anyway. Just avoid ATMs that aren't KeyBank or AllPoint if you don't want fees.

0 coins

Diego Vargas

•

I work with unemployment claims and this is a very common issue with the KeyBank cards. The activation delay is a fraud prevention measure. The NYSDOL system shows the money as paid, but KeyBank's security protocols hold the funds for verification. Some tips: - The full 72 hours is business hours only (weekends don't count) - Make sure you've completed your identity verification fully - Check that your address with NYSDOL exactly matches the address KeyBank has - Try purchasing at a grocery store rather than ATM withdrawals initially If you need to speak with a live agent at NYSDOL to resolve this faster, many people have had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They've got a service that helps you reach a live agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

0 coins

Wait - 72 BUSINESS hours?? That's over a week! That can't be right. The KeyBank rep definitely just said hours, not business hours. Has anyone else heard this?

0 coins

Omar Fawaz

•

Just to clarify, it's 72 hours total, not business hours. I've helped many people through this process, and while it's frustrating, it rarely takes the full 72 hours unless there's a weekend involved or a verification flag on your account.

0 coins

My sister had this EXACT problem last month and she used that Claimyr thing to get through to someone after trying for days on her own. She said it was worth it just to get a straight answer instead of the automated system. They told her exactly when her card would work and it did.

0 coins

GalacticGuru

•

omg i just realized u might not have ACTIVATED the card first?? did u call the activation number when u got it in the mail??? cuz that's different from the waiting period after money is added

0 coins

Yes, I activated it when it first arrived about 2 weeks ago! That part went fine. It's just not working now that money has been added to it.

0 coins

Anybody else think it's crazy we're all still using these KeyBank cards in 2025? Most states switched to better options years ago.

0 coins

Ravi Gupta

•

Update us when your card starts working! I'm curious if it will take the full 72 hours or less. My guess is you'll have access by tomorrow.

0 coins

IT'S WORKING!! Just tried making a small purchase like someone suggested and it went through! So in total it took about 60 hours from when the deposit showed up. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
6,521 users helped today