Need to contact US Bank ReliaCard customer service for my ESD unemployment debit card - help!
I've been trying to access my ReliaCard account for 3 days now but keep getting locked out. My unemployment benefits from ESD are being deposited on this card but I think there might be an issue with my account. I've called the number on the back of the card multiple times but just get stuck in this endless automated system. Has anyone successfully reached an actual human at ReliaCard customer service? Is there a direct number or some trick to getting through? I need to check my balance and make sure I can access my unemployment funds before rent is due next week.
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Cynthia Love
Try calling 1-855-279-1270. That's the US Bank ReliaCard customer service number specifically for Washington unemployment recipients. Make sure to have your card number ready! Also, call early in the morning (like right when they open at 7am Pacific) or later in the evening to avoid the worst wait times. If you're completely locked out, you might need to request a PIN reset.
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Naila Gordon
•Thank you! I'll try that number first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know if they can help with website login issues too, or just PIN resets for the physical card?
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Darren Brooks
omg those reliacard ppl are THE WORST!!! took me 2hrs on hold last month just to get thru. keep calling and dont give up, eventually somone will answer
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Naila Gordon
•2 hours?! That's ridiculous. Did you have to call multiple times before you got through or just stay on hold forever?
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Darren Brooks
•i stayed on hold forever while doing other stuff. just put it on speaker and waited. but my freind had to call like 5 different times befor she got through so idk
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Rosie Harper
For US Bank ReliaCard issues, you have a few options: 1. Call 1-855-279-1270 (the dedicated Washington ESD ReliaCard line) 2. Try the general ReliaCard customer service: 1-866-567-8590 3. If you're having login issues on the website specifically, try the online chat feature on usbankreliacard.com (bottom right corner) Before calling, make sure you have: - Your ReliaCard number - Your Social Security Number - The address on file with ESD If you're completely locked out, you'll need to verify your identity, which can take time. Last month they were experiencing higher than normal call volumes because of some system updates, so be prepared for a wait.
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Naila Gordon
•This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't even know there was an online chat option. I'll try that first and then call if needed. Do you know if the chat representatives have the same capabilities as the phone reps for resolving account issues?
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Rosie Harper
•In my experience, the chat reps can handle most basic issues like account unlocks and balance inquiries, but for complex problems or anything requiring identity verification, they'll usually direct you to call. Still worth trying though - much less frustrating than being on hold!
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Elliott luviBorBatman
I had the same issue last month!!! It was INFURIATING! I ended up calling ESD directly because I thought maybe they could help with the ReliaCard stuff but they just transferred me back to US Bank. Honestly if ur struggling to get through to ESD to ask about this, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual ESD agent who was able to transfer me directly to a US Bank rep instead of the regular customer service line. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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Demi Hall
•Just watched that video. That seems too good to be true. Did it actually work for you? I've been trying to reach ESD about a completely different issue for weeks and just get the "call volume too high" message every time.
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Elliott luviBorBatman
•Yep, it worked! I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days straight. The ESD agent I talked to was actually super helpful - not only did they connect me to US Bank, they also fixed an issue with my weekly claim that I didn't even know I had.
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Mateusius Townsend
US Bank is terrible! i got my card last year and they NEVER sent me the PIN info so i couldn't even use the stupid thing. ended up having to switch to direct deposit to my regular bank account which took forever to process but at least now i don't have to deal with reliacard anymore. if you're having lots of problems with them maybe just switch to direct deposit instead??
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Naila Gordon
•That might be my next step if I can't get this resolved quickly. How complicated was it to switch to direct deposit? Did you have to call ESD or could you do it online?
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Mateusius Townsend
•you can do it online thru your esd account. go to settings then payment method. took about 10 days for it to switch over for me
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Kara Yoshida
A trick that worked for me with ReliaCard: when you call and get the automated system, instead of selecting options, just don't press anything at all. After about 45 seconds of silence, many automated systems will transfer you to a human. Also, saying "representative" repeatedly sometimes triggers a transfer to a live person. Good luck!
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Naila Gordon
•That's a great tip, thanks! I'll definitely try the silent treatment approach. I've been pressing buttons like crazy trying to navigate their menu system but maybe that's actually making it harder to reach someone.
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Cynthia Love
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ReliaCard? Another option I forgot to mention is that you can also visit any US Bank branch in person if you're still having trouble with phone support. Bring your ReliaCard and ID, and they can usually help with most account issues right there.
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Naila Gordon
•I finally got through! Used the tip about calling early in the morning, and only had to wait about 20 minutes. They had to reset something on their end because my account got flagged for suspicious activity (which was actually just me trying to log in multiple times). All fixed now. Thanks for checking back!
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Cynthia Love
•Great to hear! Glad you got it resolved. Those security flags can be frustrating but I guess better safe than sorry when it comes to access to your money.
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NightOwl42
So glad you got it sorted out! For anyone else reading this thread dealing with ReliaCard issues, here's what I've learned works best: 1) Call 1-855-279-1270 early morning (7-8am) or evening (after 6pm), 2) Have your card number and SSN ready, 3) Try the online chat first if it's just a login issue, and 4) Don't be afraid to call ESD directly if ReliaCard can't help - sometimes they can facilitate a direct transfer to a US Bank specialist. The security flags are super sensitive so even multiple failed login attempts can trigger an account lock. Patience is key but persistence pays off!
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Yara Nassar
Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been lurking here because I'm anticipating potential ReliaCard issues when my unemployment benefits start next week. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has given me a great roadmap for what to do if I run into problems. I'm definitely going to bookmark the key phone numbers (1-855-279-1270 for WA ESD ReliaCard line) and the online chat option at usbankreliacard.com. It's really reassuring to know that most lockout issues are due to their overly sensitive security system rather than actual account problems. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips - this community support is amazing when dealing with these frustrating systems!
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Kayla Morgan
•That's smart of you to research this ahead of time! I wish I had known about all these options when I first got my ReliaCard. One additional tip I'd suggest - when you first get your card, test logging into the website and app right away while everything is working normally, so you know your login credentials are correct before you actually need to access your benefits. That way if you do run into issues later, you'll know it's likely a system problem rather than a forgotten password or username issue. Also, consider setting up text or email alerts for deposits and transactions through their website once you get access - it can give you peace of mind and help you catch any issues early. Hope your unemployment process goes smoothly!
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