Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

General

What is the U.S. Debit Card program?

The U.S. Debit Card is a versatile financial delivery product that uses a prepaid debit card to replace paper payments where Direct Deposit is not preferred or possible.

What is Digital Pay?

Part of the U.S. Debit Card program, Digital Pay is a federal disbursement delivery method that replaces paper or card payments, allowing recipients to get funds through a digital account (U.S. Debit virtual card, direct-to-debit, ACH, PayPal or Venmo).

Funding of Program

How do I fund the debit cards?

Cards can be funded by sending an ACH credit to an agency owned Card Funding Account or by using Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP). Funds are added to the cards using Money Network’s Card Management System (CMS).

How long does it take from funding until a cardholder can use the card?

Card stock that is held locally can be activated, funded, and issued immediately. Money Network can also send cards by standard mail in 2-3 business days.

What happens to unused funds?

Unused funds are returned from the card to the agency or escheated, depending on fund ownership.

Implementation

How long does it take to implement the program?

A standard implementation takes 60-90 days.

Is there a minimum number of debit cards?

No, there is no minimum order requirement.

When do the debit cards expire?

Card expiration is determined by the agency, but not to exceed 60 months from issuance.

Can I customize a card image and how much does it cost?

Custom card design may incur additional cost, depending on design specifications, order quantity, card image, embossing, and sorting/packaging requirements.

How do recipients find their digital disbursement account?

The recipient will get an email or text letting them know a payment is on its way. Once the recipient accepts the payment, they can select where they’d like the funds disbursed.

Where can recipients have their funds deposited with Digital Pay?

With Digital Pay, recipients can have their funds sent to any of the following accounts:

  • U.S. Debit virtual card or traditional U.S. Debit Card (plastic) if they already have one
  • Direct-to-debit – a recipient can use their current personal debit card number, and funds will be sent to that card
  • ACH (electronic funds transfers between banks and credit unions)
  • PayPal
  • Venmo

How will recipients know when funds are added to their Digital Pay account?

They’ll get an email notification of payment.

Is there customer service available 24x7?

Yes, customer service is available 24x7.

Is this a signature-based or PIN-based debit card?

Both options are available.

System Access and Reporting

What are the system requirements?

To access the U.S. Debit Card system, the agency must have Internet access. The Google Chrome browser is recommended. To use the batch enrollment process, agencies must follow the batch enrollment interface guide provided by Money Network.

What program is used for funding and reporting?

CMS is Money Network's online tool that allows agencies to activate and fund cards and pull several reports

Do you offer surcharge-free ATM1 access? Where are your ATM locations? Do you have any overseas locations?

Yes, there are about 72,500 surcharge-free ATMs1 available for agencies that offer ATM access. Cardholders can compare the network logos on the back of their cards to find where their cards are accepted. There is also a locator tool on the cardholder website and in the mobile App2 where cardholders can search for surcharge-free ATMs.1 Overseas locations are available through the PLUS network.