The IRS is sending prepaid debit cards to certain eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns but for whom the IRS doesn’t have bank account information. The stimulus payment is loaded on the debit card. In some cases, cards (and checks) may be going out to taxpayers who got the first stimulus payment by direct deposit.
Is the government sending out checks or debit cards?
The IRS is sending most payments by direct deposit because it is the easiest and fastest way to get this money to tens of millions of Americans. When that isn’t possible, the agency is mailing checks and prepaid debit cards.
How do I deposit a stimulus debit card?
Can I deposit my stimulus debit card into my account?
- Make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted.
- Get cash from in-network ATMs.
- Transfer funds to their personal bank account.
- Check their card balance online, by mobile app or by phone.
What is the economic impact payment card ( EIP )?
The Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Card is a prepaid debit card distributed to eligible recipients that contains the first round of Economic Impact Payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) or the second round of Economic Impact Payments under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020.
Is the EIP card separate from your bank account?
No. The EIP Card and the funds loaded onto it are separate from any bank account you may have.
Can a prepaid debit card be used for economic impact?
The IRS has two sets of frequently asked questions to help Americans get answers about their Economic Impact Payments, including those arriving on prepaid debit card. These FAQs include answers to eligibility and other many common questions, including help to use two Economic Impact Payment tools.
Do you sell your EIP card information to third parties?
The EIP Card program complies with all current requirements, and under no circumstances do we sell cardholder information to third parties.