ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card issued by US Bank, usually tied to government benefit payments
ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card that US Bank issues on behalf of state and federal benefit programs. When a government agency pays you benefits—unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, tax refunds, or other state payments—the money lands on this card instead of a check or direct deposit to your bank account. You use it like a regular debit card: swipe it at stores, withdraw cash from ATMs, pay bills online, or transfer money to another account.
The card itself is free to open. You do not choose ReliaCard; your state or the program paying you chooses it. When you become may be able to access for a benefit that uses ReliaCard, the card arrives in the mail with your account number and PIN already set. You activate it, set a new PIN if you want, and start using it immediately.
ReliaCard is not a bank account. It is a way for the government to deliver money to you without mailing a paper check. The card is linked to a prepaid account held at US Bank, but you do not have a checking or savings account in the traditional sense. Your money sits in that prepaid account until you spend it, withdraw it, or transfer it out.
Key Takeaways
- ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card that receives government benefit payments directly, and you use it like any other debit card.
- You do not choose ReliaCard; your state benefit program assigns it to you when you become may be able to access for payments.
- The card is free to open and activate, but some transactions—like out-of-network ATM withdrawals or balance inquiries—may carry small fees.
- You can withdraw cash, make purchases, pay bills online, or transfer money to another bank account using the card.
- If your card is lost or stolen, contact US Bank immediately; they can freeze the card and reissue it with your remaining balance.
Which benefit programs use ReliaCard
ReliaCard is used by multiple state and federal programs, but not all of them. Unemployment insurance is the most common: most states issue ReliaCard to people receiving jobless benefits. Some states also use it for workers' compensation payments, disability benefits, tax refunds, and other state-administered payments.
Your state determines which programs use ReliaCard and which use other payment methods. If you are receiving a benefit, your state agency will tell you how the money will be paid—by check, direct deposit to your bank, or ReliaCard. You cannot request a different payment method for most programs; the state chooses the delivery system.
Check your state's benefit program website or your award letter to see whether ReliaCard is an option for your specific benefit. If you have already received a ReliaCard in the mail, the program paying you has already made that choice.
How to activate and use your ReliaCard
When your ReliaCard arrives, it comes with instructions and a phone number to call for activation. You call the number on the back of the card, enter your Social Security number and card number, create a PIN, and answer security questions. The whole process takes about five minutes. Once activated, the card is ready to use immediately.
To use the card, treat it like a debit card: swipe it at any merchant that accepts Visa, enter your PIN at the checkout, or use it online to pay bills or make purchases. You can also withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts Visa. US Bank's own ATMs are free; other banks' ATMs may charge a fee (usually $1 to $3 per withdrawal), depending on the ATM operator.
You can check your balance by calling the customer service number on the back of the card, logging into the online portal, or using the mobile app. You can also set up direct transfers to move money from ReliaCard to your personal bank account if you want to move your funds elsewhere.
Fees and costs you should know about
Opening and activating ReliaCard is free. However, some transactions do carry fees. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals (using an ATM that is not operated by US Bank) typically cost $1 to $3 per transaction. Balance inquiries at non-US Bank ATMs may also charge a small fee. Overdraft fees do not apply because you cannot spend more than the balance on the card.
If you need a replacement card because yours is lost, stolen, or damaged, US Bank usually issues a new one at no cost. Expedited shipping may cost extra if you need the card faster than standard mail delivery. Some transactions—like wire transfers or international purchases—may have additional fees; check the fee schedule on the back of your card or on the US Bank website.
The key advantage is that there are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft charges. You only pay when you use specific services like out-of-network ATM withdrawals.
What to do if your card is lost, stolen, or compromised
If your ReliaCard is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of the card immediately. US Bank can freeze the card within minutes, preventing anyone else from using it. Report the loss as soon as you notice it; your liability for unauthorized charges depends on how quickly you report it. If you report it before any fraudulent charges appear, you have no liability. If charges have already been made, report them right away and US Bank will investigate.
US Bank will reissue your card with a new number and mail it to you. Your remaining balance transfers to the new card automatically. Standard reissue takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited shipping is available for an extra fee. Until the new card arrives, you can still access your money by calling customer service to request a cash advance or by transferring funds to your personal bank account.
If you notice unauthorized charges on your statement, contact US Bank within 60 days to dispute them. Provide details about the transaction, and US Bank will investigate. Most fraudulent charges are reversed within 10 business days, though the investigation can take longer.
Moving money off your ReliaCard
You can transfer money from ReliaCard to your personal bank account in several ways. The easiest is to set up a transfer through the online portal or mobile app: enter your bank's routing number and your account number, and the money moves within one to three business days. You can also withdraw cash from an ATM and deposit it into your bank account manually.
Some people keep their ReliaCard as their main account because it works like a debit card and has no monthly fees. Others transfer the money out immediately to avoid ATM fees or to keep their funds in their own bank. There is no penalty for transferring money off the card, and you can do it as often as you want.
If you want to stop using ReliaCard altogether, you can close the account by calling US Bank. Any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, or you can request a transfer to your bank account before closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ReliaCard to withdraw cash internationally?
Yes, you can use ReliaCard at ATMs and merchants outside the United States, but international transactions usually carry a currency conversion fee (typically 1 to 3 percent) plus any ATM operator fees. Check the fee schedule before traveling to understand the full cost.
What happens to my ReliaCard balance if I stop receiving benefits?
Your balance remains on the card and you can continue to use it. The card does not close automatically when your benefit payments end. You can withdraw the money, transfer it to your bank, or leave it on the card indefinitely.
Can I get direct deposit to my own bank account instead of ReliaCard?
That depends on your state and the specific benefit program. Some programs offer direct deposit as an option; others use only ReliaCard or checks. Contact your state benefit agency to ask whether direct deposit is available for your benefit.
Is my money on ReliaCard protected if US Bank fails?
Yes. Prepaid cards like ReliaCard are required by law to hold customer funds in an FDIC-insured account at a bank. Your money is protected up to the FDIC limit, currently $250,000 per account holder.
How do I set a new PIN or change my PIN?
Call the number on the back of your card and follow the prompts to change your PIN. You can also change it through the online portal or mobile app. Write down your new PIN and keep it in a safe place separate from your card.