The EDD Debit CardSM

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EDD Debit Card
High resolution image of
the EDD Debit CardSM

EDD online. Making it work for you.

Please Note: In light of reports of various phishing scams, we want to remind our customers to be cautious if you receive any type of inquiries by phone or e-mail regarding your EDD Debit CardSM. Neither the Employment Development Department nor the Bank of America will contact you under any circumstances to request your EDD Debit CardSM account number and/or PIN. If you are contacted by phone or e-mail and asked for your information, do not respond.

The Employment Development Department (EDD) Debit CardSM from Bank of America is the new and more efficient way of delivering California State Disability Insurance (Disability Insurance [DI], Paid Family Leave [PFL]), and Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit payments. The EDD Debit CardSM allows customers to receive their benefits faster, easier, and more secure. It also provides customers with a direct deposit transfer option once they have received their card. Customers should keep their card. The EDD Debit CardSM is valid for three years from the date of issue, and will be used for all EDD benefit programs (DI, PFL, or UI benefit programs).

The EDD Debit CardSM can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. Customers will be able to access cash at ATMs, point of sale* terminals, and at Visa banks and credit unions that accept Visa. Below is important information for customers to know throughout this transition period.

In 2011, the EDD completed implementation of the EDD Debit Card Project. EDD customers are currently receiving the EDD Debit CardSM for their benefit payments. More information about the transition from payment by check to EDD Debit CardSM is available in the News Release 11-85. Many EDD customers have expressed an appreciation for the quicker arrival of payments and the greater flexibility to manage their benefits.

Watch for updates on this website and on EDD’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information about the card:

EDD Debit CardSM Benefits

Electronic payments are quicker, safer, and easier for the EDD customers. Card benefits include:

  • No more waiting for checks in the mail.
  • Use everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted – in stores, online, or by phone.
  • Get access to cash at ATMs, point of sale* terminals, and at Visa banks and credit unions.
  • Use your card to pay bills.
  • No more check cashing fees for those who do not have bank accounts.
  • Reduced security risks associated with lost or stolen checks.
  • Direct deposit transfer option available.

Find out more about the EDD Debit CardSM by checking out the EDD Debit CardSM YouTube Video.

*A point of sale is a business or place where a product or service can be purchased.

Debit Card Options and Activating the Card

The EDD Debit CardSM is like any other debit card with access to funds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Customers can also opt for a direct deposit transfer once the card is received and activated. To activate the card, customers need to contact Bank of America either:

Customers should keep the card for all subsequent payments. The card is valid for three years from the date it is issued.

Visa Debit Card

  • Use everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted – in stores, online, or by phone.
  • Get access to cash at ATMs, point of sale* terminals, and at Visa banks and credit unions.

Please Note: Neither the Employment Development Department nor the Bank of America will contact you under any circumstances to request your EDD Debit Card account number and/or PIN . If you are contacted by phone or e-mail and asked for the information, do not respond.

Direct Deposit Transfer

Direct deposit transfers are done electronically and most can be done fairly quickly. After you receive and activate your card, contact Bank of America to transfer some or all of your benefits to your checking or savings account by performing a direct deposit transfer. This can be completed online or by calling customer service at 1-866-692-9374 (voice) or TTY 1-866-656-5913, and does not require an account with Bank of America.

Information about direct deposit transfers:

  • Direct deposit transfers can not be performed until you receive and activate the EDD Debit CardSM.
  • You do not need a checking or savings account with Bank of America to set up a direct deposit transfer to your own bank account with another banking institution.
  • Direct deposit transfer can be set up as a one time transfer or an automatic recurring transfer.
  • A valid e-mail account is required.
  • Delays may occur until the next business day if you bank at a smaller institution or if the transfer needs to be made over a weekend when banks are closed.
  • This option can be set up by contacting Bank of America either online or by phone.
  • Direct deposit transfer may also be referred to as a funds transfer.
  • Do not contact the EDD to set up a direct deposit transfer.

Fees

When you receive your EDD Debit CardSM and welcome packet, thoroughly read your California Employment Development Department Debit Card Deposit Agreement and refer to the Schedule of Bank Fees section to ensure you understand any transaction and service fees that may apply to your card. Fees can be avoided with careful use of the card.

There are no fees for the following:

  • Cash-back with purchases at grocery stores, drug stores, and U.S. post office locations.
  • ATM withdrawals at domestic Bank of America ATMs.
  • Two free ATM withdrawals per benefit deposit at non-Bank of America ATMs. (Although the other ATM owner may charge a transaction or service fee).
  • Unlimited teller cash access at any bank or credit union that accepts Visa cards. (When valid ID is presented to the teller).
  • Unlimited direct deposit transfers to a checking or savings account (including non-Bank of America accounts).
  • Unlimited balance inquiries at ATMs and online customer service.
  • Unlimited automated and live customer service inquiries.
  • Free domestic card replacement.

Visit these links for more information about free transactions and transactions with fees:

Will I be charged fees to use my EDD Debit CardSM?

What are the fees associated with using my account?

Returning Your EDD Debit CardSM

The EDD cannot accept EDD Debit CardsSM  sent to us by customers.  Cards received by the Department will be returned to you, or they will be forwarded to the Bank of America for destruction.  Once benefits have been deposited on your debit card account the funds cannot be returned to the EDD.  Sending your debit card to the EDD will not satisfy repayment of a benefit overpayment.  To repay a benefit overpayment, you should follow the instructions in the Notice of Overpayment that was mailed to you.

Additional Information

California’s benefit programs constitute a much larger volume than any other state. The EDD paid a record $22.9 billion in total UI benefits in 2010 and approximately $4.1 billion in combined DI and PFL benefits. A total of more than 41 million checks were issued between all three benefit programs. Due to such incredible volume, the EDD was able to negotiate very favorable terms for our customers such as:

  • Claimants can avoid fees with proper use of the card, including unlimited cash withdrawals at all in-network ATMs and two free withdrawals per benefit deposit at any ATM outside the Bank of America network.
  • There is no charge to the EDD or the state since Bank of America costs are covered through interchange fees paid by businesses that honor the debit card.

If you have already received an EDD Debit CardSM and would like to set up a direct deposit transfer or have other questions, please contact Bank of America at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard or via telephone at 1-866-692-9374 or TTY line at 1-866-656-5913.

The following are great resources for EDD Debit CardSM information:

For the Media

Here are some additional resources on the EDD Debit CardSM for the media:

Important Links

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