NY unemployment recovery debit card problems - can't use virtual card anywhere

Same exact issue here. The virtual card is basically useless. I tried buying groceries online, paying a utility bill, even buying a $5 item on Amazon and nothing worked. I finally requested the physical card about 10 days ago - still waiting for it to arrive in the mail. The whole thing is ridiculous.

After dealing with similar issues I found a service that helped me talk to an actual agent about my card problems. Used claimyr.com and got connected to a real person within 30 minutes! They walked me through requesting the physical card and explained all the restrictions on the virtual one. Talking to an actual rep saved me so much hassle and I got my money situation sorted out fast. Check out their process here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Definitely request the physical card. I had the same problem with the virtual one. The physical card came in about 2 weeks and works everywhere. You can also use it at ATMs to withdraw cash and deposit directly to your bank account that way.

The whole recovery program has been one giant mess. First they take forever to send out the payments, then they give us cards we can't even use! I'm convinced they do this on purpose hoping people will just give up and they won't have to actually pay out all the funds.

Ran into the same problem but found a workaround! Add the card to Paypal (not Google/Apple pay), then transfer the money to your bank from there. Takes 3-5 business days but at least you can get your money without waiting for a physical card.

Has anyone tried using the virtual card in-store by adding it to Samsung Pay? I heard that might work even if Google/Apple pay don't.

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT THESE CARDS - READ THIS! After spending hours researching and talking to multiple agents, here's what I've learned about the NY recovery prepaid cards: - The virtual cards have MAJOR restrictions - many online merchants reject them because they're flagged as 'prepaid' - Physical cards work MUCH better and are accepted almost everywhere - To request a physical card: call 1-855-233-8373, but expect LONG wait times - There's a $1.50 fee for ATM withdrawals with the physical card - You CAN transfer the full balance to your bank but it requires getting the physical card first in most cases - Some users report success adding to PayPal, but it's inconsistent - The funds DON'T expire quickly, you have at least a year to use them I wasted so much time trying to make the virtual card work before giving up. Finally used claimyr.com to get someone on the phone without the wait, and they expedited my physical card. Seriously saved me so much hassle - I got my funds transferred to my bank account within days after getting the plastic card. Hope this helps everyone dealing with this frustrating situation!

I called the card company and they told me the virtual cards don't work with ANY digital wallet (Google/Apple pay) and a lot of online stores reject them. Total BS that they don't tell you this upfront.

anybody know if these cards work for uber eats or doordash? tryna use mine tonight and dont wanna waste time if its just gonna decline

What a joke NY unemployment is. First they take 6 months to process my claim last year, now they send recovery money we can't even use 🤡

My physical card arrived yesterday (took exactly 12 days) and it works perfectly! Used it at target today and was able to withdraw cash at an ATM too. Definitely worth requesting it.

i requested a physical card by calling the number on the virtual card email and its been 3 weeks... nothing yet. anyone else waiting this long??

LPT: If you have a friend or family member with Cash App or Venmo, you might be able to use the virtual card to send them money, then have them send it back to you or to your bank. Worked for me!

Typical NY unemployment nonsense. They make everything so complicated on purpose so people give up. I've been trying to deal with them since 2021 and its always some new problem.

Does anyone know if you can use these recovery cards to pay rent? My landlord uses an online portal.