While a majority of Social Security beneficiaries receive their monthly payment via direct deposit each month, some may opt for a prepaid card, which has undergone changes.
The Social Security Administration notified consumers of an important change to its Direct Express program, which offers the prepaid card as an alternative for those who don’t have a traditional bank account.
Last month, the Administration announced it would switch the company that administers these Direct Express cards — from Comerica Bank to Fifth Third Bank.
It means all new enrollments will have Fifth Third Bank.
Current Comerica cardholders will transition accounts to Fifth Third Bank later this year or early 2027, according to the Social Security Administration. They will be notified of the transition.
In the meantime, Direct Express cardholders can continue to use their Comerica-issued cards following the transition until it expires.
The administration urged beneficiaries to keep contact information up to date to ensure they receive all communications.
“The Social Security Administration will continue to assist with benefit payment inquiries,” stated the administration.
The cards can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.
For more details about the program, beneficiaries can visit usdirectexpress.com/contact.
