Stimulus Funds Are Here!

This week, Treasury and the IRS started to send approximately 8 million Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) by prepaid debit card. The distribution of EIP cards follows the millions of payments already made by direct deposit and the ongoing mailing of paper checks and are part of Treasury’s and IRS’s plan to deliver Economic Impact Payments as rapidly as possible.

EIP Cards are safe, convenient, and secure. Cardholders can make purchases online or in stores anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. They can also get cash from domestic in-network ATMs, transfer funds to a personal bank account, and obtain a replacement EIP card if needed without incurring any fees. They can check their card balance online, through a mobile app, or by phone without incurring fees, as well. The EIP card provides consumer protections including certain protections against fraud, loss, and other errors.

EIP cards will be sent in a white envelope that prominently displays the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal. The EIP card has the Visa name on the front of the card and the issuing bank name MetaBank® N.A. on the back of the card. Each mailing will include instructions on how to securely activate and use the EIP card.

EIP cards are being issued to eligible recipients across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To quickly disburse EIPs, some people who received EIPs by paper check for the first round might receive an EIP card this time, and some people who received an EIP card for the first round may receive a paper check.