Where can I withdraw money from my unemployment card for free in Washington?
Just got my Washington ESD debit card and I'm trying to figure out where I can withdraw cash without getting hit with fees. I know there are free ATMs somewhere but I can't find a good list. The pamphlet they sent was pretty vague. Anyone know which ATMs or banks let you withdraw for free with the unemployment debit card?
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Jungleboo Soletrain
You can use any Bank of America ATM for free withdrawals since that's who issues the Washington ESD cards. Also most credit union ATMs in the CO-OP network are free too. I usually just go to the closest BofA.
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Anna Xian
•Perfect, there's a Bank of America like 3 blocks from my house. Thanks!
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Rajan Walker
•Wait, are you sure about credit unions? I got charged $2.50 at my local credit union last week.
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Nadia Zaldivar
Here's the complete list: Bank of America ATMs (free), MoneyPass network ATMs (free), and Allpoint network ATMs (free). You can find ATM locators on the KeyBank website since they manage the Washington ESD card program. Most grocery stores like Safeway and Fred Meyer have free ATMs too.
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Anna Xian
•This is super helpful! I had no idea about the grocery store ATMs.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•KeyBank manages it? I thought it was Bank of America. I'm getting confused about who actually runs these cards.
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Nadia Zaldivar
•KeyBank handles the card services but Bank of America provides the ATM network access. It's confusing but both work for free withdrawals.
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Ev Luca
I've been using the Claimyr service (claimyr.com) to get through to Washington ESD agents when I had questions about my card. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Super helpful when you can't get through on the phone normally.
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Avery Davis
•How does that help with ATM locations though? This is about finding free withdrawals.
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Ev Luca
•Good point, I was thinking about when I had issues activating my card initially. For ATMs, stick with what others said about Bank of America and MoneyPass.
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Collins Angel
costco has free atms if you have a membership but you need to buy something to get cash back which defeats the purpose lol
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Anna Xian
•Haha yeah that's not really free then. I'll stick with the Bank of America ATMs.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
Pro tip: You can also get cash back at most stores when you use your debit card for purchases. No fees and you don't have to find an ATM. Works at grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, etc.
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Marcelle Drum
•This is actually brilliant. I never thought of using cash back instead of ATMs.
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Anna Xian
•That's a great idea! Much more convenient than hunting for specific ATMs.
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Tate Jensen
•Just make sure to keep your receipts for your records. Washington ESD might ask for transaction history if there are any issues with your claim.
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Rajan Walker
I got burned by fees when I first got my card. Used a random ATM at a gas station and got hit with a $3 fee from the ATM plus a $1.50 fee from the card company. Now I only use Bank of America ATMs.
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Adaline Wong
•Ouch, that's almost $5 in fees for one withdrawal. Definitely not worth it.
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Rajan Walker
•Exactly! I learned my lesson real quick. Always check if it's a free ATM before you put your card in.
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Gabriel Ruiz
The Washington ESD website has an ATM locator tool but it's kind of hard to find. Look under the debit card section and there should be a link to find free ATMs near you.
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Anna Xian
•I'll check that out. Their website is so confusing to navigate sometimes.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•Tell me about it. I can never find anything on the Washington ESD site. It's like they designed it to be as unhelpful as possible.
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Peyton Clarke
Most 7-Eleven stores have MoneyPass ATMs which are free with the unemployment card. Super convenient since there's one on every corner.
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Vince Eh
•Good to know! I work nights so 7-Eleven is usually my only option for anything.
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Anna Xian
•That's perfect, there's a 7-Eleven right by my work. Thanks for the tip!
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Sophia Gabriel
Anyone know if you can withdraw money at Washington ESD offices directly? I tried calling to ask but spent 2 hours on hold and gave up.
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Tobias Lancaster
•No, they don't do cash withdrawals at the offices. You have to use ATMs or get cash back at stores.
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Ev Luca
•That's where Claimyr really helps - I use it to get through to Washington ESD agents without the crazy hold times. Saved me so much frustration when I had card questions.
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Sophia Gabriel
•I might have to try that service. The phone system is absolutely terrible.
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Ezra Beard
BEWARE of ATMs at casinos and bars - they always charge fees and sometimes they're really high fees like $5-6. Stick to bank ATMs or grocery stores.
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Statiia Aarssizan
•Good warning. Those convenience ATMs are always a ripoff.
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Anna Xian
•Yeah I'll definitely avoid those. Thanks for the heads up!
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Reginald Blackwell
Target stores usually have free ATMs too, and they're everywhere. Plus you can combine it with shopping if you need to.
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Aria Khan
•I think Target ATMs might charge fees. Are you sure they're free with the Washington ESD card?
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Reginald Blackwell
•Actually you might be right. I might be thinking of cash back when I buy something there. Better to stick with Bank of America to be safe.
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Everett Tutum
I always use the cash back option at Walmart when I need cash. No fees and I can get up to $100 at once. Way easier than finding an ATM.
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Anna Xian
•How much do you have to spend to get cash back? Do you need to buy something expensive?
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Everett Tutum
•Nope! You can buy something as cheap as a pack of gum and still get cash back. Super convenient.
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Sunny Wang
•This is the way to go. I always grab a soda or something small when I need cash.
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Hugh Intensity
Make sure you keep track of all your withdrawals and spending. Washington ESD can ask for transaction records if they need to verify your job search activities or if there are any issues with your claim.
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Anna Xian
•Good point, I should probably start keeping better records of everything.
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Effie Alexander
•You can access your transaction history online through the card website too. Makes it easier for record keeping.
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Melissa Lin
Does anyone know if there's a daily withdrawal limit on these cards? I need to take out a larger amount for rent.
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Nadia Zaldivar
•I think the daily limit is $500 for ATM withdrawals, but you might be able to get more with cash back at stores. Check your card documentation or call the number on the back.
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Melissa Lin
•Thanks! I'll try the cash back option at a grocery store if I need more than $500.
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Ev Luca
•If you can't get through to the card company, Claimyr can help you reach Washington ESD agents who might know more about the card limits and policies.
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Lydia Santiago
PSA: Never give your PIN to anyone or write it down where others can see it. I know someone who had their card skimmed and lost $400 from their unemployment benefits.
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Romeo Quest
•That's terrible! Did they get their money back?
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Lydia Santiago
•Eventually, yes, but it took weeks and caused a lot of stress during an already difficult time.
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Anna Xian
•Good reminder about security. I'll be extra careful with my card.
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Val Rossi
Quick summary for anyone skimming: Free ATMs include Bank of America, MoneyPass network, Allpoint network, and most grocery store ATMs. Cash back at stores is also free and often more convenient.
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Anna Xian
•Perfect summary! This thread has been super helpful. I feel much more confident about using my card now.
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Eve Freeman
•Agreed, lots of good info here. Wish I had known about all these options when I first got my card.
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Clarissa Flair
One more tip: if you're traveling out of state, make sure to check what ATM networks are available where you're going. The same rules apply but availability might be different.
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Anna Xian
•Good point! I hadn't thought about that since I'm not traveling anytime soon, but it's useful to know.
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Caden Turner
Has anyone had issues with their card being declined at certain ATMs even when they're supposed to be free? I had that happen once at a Bank of America ATM.
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McKenzie Shade
•That happened to me once too. Turned out the ATM was temporarily out of service but didn't display an error message. Tried a different one and it worked fine.
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Caden Turner
•That makes sense. I was worried there was something wrong with my card.
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Harmony Love
For anyone still reading, remember that your unemployment benefits are meant to help you get back on your feet. Use them wisely and keep looking for work. The job market is tough but there are opportunities out there.
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Anna Xian
•Absolutely! I'm definitely using this time to improve my skills and keep applying for jobs. The financial support helps reduce the stress while job hunting.
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Rudy Cenizo
•Good attitude! That's exactly what the system is designed for - a safety net while you find your next opportunity.
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Natalie Khan
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! This community is amazing. I was stressed about fees but now I know exactly where to go for free withdrawals.
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Anna Xian
•Same here! This thread answered all my questions and then some. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to help.
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Madison Tipne
Just wanted to add that some credit unions are part of the CO-OP network which allows free ATM access, but not all of them. You can check if your local credit union participates by looking for the CO-OP logo on their ATMs or asking them directly. I use BECU and their ATMs work with my Washington ESD card without fees.
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