How to get money off Washington ESD unemployment card - ATM fees driving me crazy

Bank of America ATMs are free for the Washington ESD card. Also most grocery stores let you get cash back when you buy something, usually no fee for that either.

I had the same problem when I first got my card. You can also transfer the money to your regular bank account online through the KeyBank app or website. Takes a day or two but no fees.

Been dealing with this for months and it's so frustrating trying to reach someone at Washington ESD about card issues. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents when you can't reach them normally. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The Washington ESD card is issued by KeyBank, so any KeyBank ATM should be free too. You can use their ATM locator on their website to find the closest one. Also, some banks will let you withdraw money at the teller window without fees, but you'd have to ask each bank about their policy.

Whatever you do, don't use those ATMs at gas stations or corner stores. They'll charge you like $4-5 per transaction. Stick to bank ATMs or grocery stores.

you can also use the card to pay for stuff directly instead of always withdrawing cash. works just like a regular debit card at most places

I've been using my Washington ESD card for 6 months now. The KeyBank website has a good ATM locator tool that shows you all the free ATMs near you. Also, if you're shopping at Safeway or QFC, you can get up to $200 cash back with no fees.

pro tip: if you're near a costco they usually have free ATMs too, even if you're not a member you can use the ATM

The fees on this card are ridiculous. I get that they need to make money somehow but when people are unemployed, every dollar counts. Washington ESD should negotiate better terms with KeyBank.

Has anyone had problems with their card getting declined for no reason? Mine got blocked last week and I couldn't figure out why. Ended up having to call the KeyBank customer service number on the back of the card.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about card issues, I used Claimyr recently and it actually worked. They help you get through to an actual person instead of sitting on hold forever. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

I work at a bank and can confirm that most banks will let you withdraw money from the Washington ESD card at the teller window without fees. Just bring your ID and the card. Some banks might have limits on how much though.

Just wanted to add that 7-Eleven ATMs are usually free too, at least the ones near me. And they're open 24/7 which is convenient.

honestly the best advice is to just use the card like a regular debit card whenever possible and only get cash when you absolutely need it. saves you from all the ATM fee headaches

I set up automatic transfers from my KeyBank ESD card to my regular checking account every week. Takes the hassle out of dealing with ATM fees and I don't have to think about it.

Quick tip: if you're at a grocery store and want cash back, you usually have to buy something first. But you can buy something small like a pack of gum and still get cash back without fees.

Been using this card for a year now and the key is just knowing where the free ATMs are. Download the KeyBank app and use their ATM locator. Saves you from those surprise fees.

I had a terrible experience trying to call Washington ESD when my card got frozen for suspicious activity. Spent 3 hours on hold and got disconnected. Finally used Claimyr and got through to someone in 20 minutes. Game changer.

For what it's worth, I've never had issues with fees at Bank of America ATMs or using the card for purchases. The problems only come when you use random ATMs or don't know where the free ones are.

Thanks everyone for all the tips! This has been really helpful. I had no idea there were so many ways to avoid the fees. Going to try the grocery store cash back option first since there's a Safeway right by my house.