5/9/2023
The Way2go prepaid card is a reloadable plastic issued by Comerica Bank in the states of Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Oklahoma, the two Dakotas, Tennessee and Virginia.
It is an electronic method to receive your unemployment payments. If you are not yet familiar with it, here are its features, benefits, costs and other key aspects.
Way2Go Prepaid Card Features
The Way2Go Mastercard is a prepaid debit card with which you can receive the benefits assigned to unemployment insurance (UI).
Since July 2016, funds can be deposited to the balance of this instrument. You can use it wherever Mastercard is accepted, whether for online or offline purchases.
Each one of these plastics includes an EMV chip to give you maximum security, an instructional brochure, holder's agreement and Comerica's confidentiality policy.
Please note that you are responsible for updating your banking information. No Department of Labor employee is authorized to review a claimant's financial data.
Each Way2Go card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you get a new claim. Claimants currently receiving benefits can also sign up online for direct deposit or the debit card.
This is done through each state's website. Here are the ones for each:
You receive the plastic inside a white window envelope with a return address of PO Box 80529, Austin, TX 78708. Before discarding the envelope, remove the entire contents of the envelope.
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There are other similar cards issued by other banks, such as the Key2Benefits from KeyBank, the EDD card from Bank of America or the RealiaCard from US Bank. Each is used in different states of the union.
Way2Go Card Activation and Initial Deposit
To activate the Way2Go debit card you need to download the app from the Apple Store / Play Store / Goprogram.com.
Whichever option you choose, you need to create a PIN or get your current balance. After this procedure, you can start using this plastic at merchants inside and outside the country.
Once your claim is approved, your benefits will be deposited within 48 hours of the first pay week approved by your state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Don't forget to certify your benefits each week because if you don't, you stop receiving the money.
Limitations of the Way2Go Card
Since the Way2Go debit card is tied to a federal program, there are certain transactions that you cannot do as with other similar banking instruments. In this list, it is worth noting the following:
- This account does not earn interest.
- You must first activate the plastic before you can use it.
- You cannot pay directly at the gas pump, but you can pay at the business that manages it.
- If you want to transfer money to one of your accounts, you must contact your bank to enable this process.
- You cannot request an additional card because only the unemployment insurance beneficiary can use it.
- It is not possible to add funds to it, since the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is the only one authorized to do so.
- The spending limit is subject to your account balance. For ATM withdrawals, limits depend on bank policies.
Way2Go Card Benefits
The Way2Go Card is designed to make it more convenient for you to manage what you receive through unemployment insurance. Along with the above, it offers you other benefits:
- No stolen or lost checks.
- You don't need a minimum balance to open or maintain it.
- You have online access to your account and transaction history.
- You get some Mastercard-related benefits, such as purchase protection.
- You receive automatic notifications (phone/email) when a deposit is made to your account.
- Your funds are protected by the FDIC and Mastercard's zero liability policy.
- You have a toll-free customer service number to check your balance and answer your questions.
How much does it cost to use the Way2Go Card?
In terms of fees, this debit card includes:
- MoneyPass ATM withdrawal: $0
- Online or non-POS purchases: $0
- Card replacement: $5 or $10 (express shipping).
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the amount.
- ATM withdrawals outside the MoneyPass network: 2 free per month and then $0.35.
- Transfers to a U.S. account via the web or IVR (Interactive Voice Response): $0.
- ATM balance inquiry: $0 when you do it at any ATM, but if it is not MoneyPass, you may be charged.
- Cash withdrawal with ATM assistance: $0 at any Mastercard affiliated bank or credit union in the USA.
The Way2Go Card is an exclusive product for Unemployment Insurance beneficiaries.
Español: Tarjeta prepagada Way2Go Card para cobrar el desempleo