Applying for the Direct Express Debit MasterCard account is very simple. The only requirement is that you have to be a current recipient of Federal Benefits like Social Security. If you are applying for benefits, you have to wait to be approved (and receive your first payment) before you can apply for the Direct Express Card. If you are currently receiving benefits, then follow the instructions below to apply for a card.
Step 1: To sign up for the card, call the Direct Express card enrollment center toll free at 1 (800) 333-1795 or visit their website at www.USDirectExpress.com. Your card will be mailed to you within 10 business days after you successfully sign up.
Step 2: Comerica Bank, the Direct Express card issuing bank, will notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you have a Direct Express account. They will provide the Social Security Administration everything they need to send your payment to your Direct Express Account.
Step 3: However, you cannot get access to your money until you receive the card in the mail and activate it. To activate your new Direct Express Debit MasterCard, call the Direct Express card Customer Service Department toll free at 1 (888) 741-1115 You will need the following information in order to activate your card:
You will also need to select a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). This is the PIN number you will be using to get cash at ATMs from your Direct Express Debit Card. That’s all it takes to apply for Direct Express card. To learn more about how the card works, watch the video below from the US Department of Treasury: