Money

8 Million Stimulus Payments Are Going Out on Debit Cards – Here is What to Look For

a roll of paper money
Written by Charlie

There are 8 million stimulus debit cards on their way to Americans this week, each one with the $600 per eligible American. Here is what to look for and what you should know.

While tens of millions of Americans have already received the latest stimulus payments in their bank accounts, the Treasury has now sent out over 8 million stimulus payments on debit cards. If you are waiting for your money, here is what you should know about these payments.

8 Million Stimulus Payments on Debit Cards

a credit card with stars on it

While this is similar to the first round of stimulus payments, this is twice the number of debit cards as last time. About 8 million debit cards have been sent out and it may be easy for you to just throw out the envelope if you don’t know what to look for! So, here is what you should know.

Is Your Stimulus Money Coming on a Debit Card?

To start, it is very simple to see how you are getting your stimulus money. Just go to this IRS website and it will give you a look at the status of your payment.

If you did not or are not receiving your stimulus money via direct deposit, you may be getting it on a debit card instead. There is, apparently, no determination made by the IRS as to who gets one or who gets a check. In fact, the IRS says that some people who had received a check last time will receive a debit card this time.

This means that you need to look carefully at your mail if you are not receiving your money via direct deposit! Just because you received a check last time does not mean you will get a check this time!

What Do The Debit Cards and Envelopes Look Like?

Fortunately, this time around, we not only have the image of what the debit card looks like but also an image of what the envelope looks like! Last time around, many people threw their debit cards away because it looked like junk mail at the first glance. The Visa debit cards are issued by MetaBank.

close-up of a credit card and a credit card

close-up of a credit card

A sample image of the envelope that will be delivering your stimulus debit card

What Do You Need to Do with the Stimulus Debit Card?

This is from the EIP website so here is what you should know about using the card and getting your balance amount.

How to get started
How to use your EIP Card
  • Shop anywhere Visa Debit Cards are accepted: in-store, online or by phone, including paying bills3
  • Get cash back at the register with PIN debit purchases at participating merchants
  • Get cash surcharge-free at any in-network ATM – find one with the ATM Locator
  • Learn more about how and where to use your EIP Card in the FAQs

What are the Fees with the Stimulus Debit Card?

To see the full list of fees and information, visit this page.

a screenshot of a credit card

The basic fee schedule for the stimulus debit cards

Bottom Line

This week, 8 million stimulus debit cards will be delivered to Americans all over. This includes many Americans who had received checks last time. This post shows you what you should be looking for and the information you need to know about how to use your stimulus debit card.

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About the author

Charlie

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points.
Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.