The fastest way to transfer from ReliaCard to your bank account
You can move money from a ReliaCard to a bank account in two ways: through an ACH transfer (which takes 1 to 3 business days and costs nothing) or by visiting an ATM or branch to withdraw cash and deposit it yourself (which is instant but requires a trip). The ACH transfer is the standard route because it moves the full balance directly and leaves no cash lying around.
ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card issued by various state agencies—most commonly for unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). The card itself is not a bank account, so you cannot simply link it to another bank the way you would link two checking accounts. Instead, you initiate the transfer from your bank's side, using the card's routing and account numbers.
The process takes a few minutes to set up but requires you to have the correct card details on hand. If you move money this way regularly, you can set it up once and reuse it.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from ReliaCard to your bank account take 1 to 3 business days and cost nothing, making them the cheapest option.
- You initiate the transfer from your bank's website or app by entering the ReliaCard's routing number and account number as an external account.
- The routing number for ReliaCard is 021000021 (this is the same regardless of which state program issued your card).
- Your account number is the 16-digit card number printed on the front of your ReliaCard.
- Once you add the ReliaCard as an external account at your bank, you can transfer money to it as often as you need without re-entering the details.
Finding your ReliaCard routing and account numbers
The routing number for all ReliaCards is 021000021. This number is the same whether your card was issued for unemployment, workers' comp, or any other state program. You do not need to call anyone to get it.
The account number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of your ReliaCard, below your name. It is the same number you use to check your balance or make purchases. Write it down or take a photo before you sit down at your computer to set up the transfer.
If your card is damaged or you cannot read the number clearly, call the customer service number on the back of your card. They can read the account number to you over the phone. Do not guess or use a partial number—the transfer will fail if even one digit is wrong.
How to set up an ACH transfer at your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called "Transfer Money," "Send Money," "Add Account," or "External Transfers." The exact name varies by bank. Once you find it, you will see an option to add a new external account.
Enter the ReliaCard routing number (021000021) and account number (your 16-digit card number). Your bank will ask you to name this account—something like "ReliaCard" or "Unemployment Card" is fine. Then select the amount you want to transfer and choose a date. Most banks let you transfer immediately or schedule it for a future date.
Your bank may require a small verification deposit before the transfer goes through. This is a security step: the bank sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the ReliaCard, and you confirm the amounts. This takes an extra 1 to 2 business days but only happens the first time you add the account. After that, transfers are instant to process (though they still take 1 to 3 business days to arrive).
Once the account is verified, you can transfer money as often as you want without re-entering the card details. Your bank will remember the ReliaCard information and let you select it from a dropdown menu on future transfers.
What happens during the transfer window
After you initiate the transfer, your bank sends the money through the ACH network. This is the same system used for direct deposit and bill payments. The money leaves your bank immediately (or on the date you scheduled it), but it does not arrive at the ReliaCard account right away.
Most transfers take 1 to 3 business days. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you send on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday. Some banks offer faster ACH transfers (next-business-day or same-day), but these usually cost extra or are only available for certain account types. Check your bank's transfer options to see if expedited ACH is available to you.
During the transfer window, the money is in transit and you cannot access it from either account. If you need the money urgently, use the cash withdrawal method instead: go to an ATM, withdraw cash from your ReliaCard, and deposit it at your bank's branch or ATM. This is instant but requires you to be physically present.
When to use cash withdrawal instead of ACH transfer
If you need the money in your bank account today or tomorrow, do not wait for an ACH transfer. Instead, use your ReliaCard to withdraw cash from an ATM (usually free at your card issuer's network) and deposit it at your bank. This takes minutes and the money is available immediately.
The downside is that you have to handle cash, which carries a small risk of loss or theft. You also have to find an ATM and a deposit location, which may not be convenient if you are not near a branch. For routine transfers, ACH is safer and simpler.
Some ReliaCards charge a fee for ATM withdrawals outside their network. Check the fee schedule on the back of your card or call customer service to see which ATMs are free. If you have to pay per withdrawal, ACH transfer becomes even more attractive because it costs nothing.
Troubleshooting a failed or delayed transfer
If your transfer does not arrive after 3 business days, contact your bank first. Ask them to check the status of the ACH transfer. They can see whether the money left your account and whether it was rejected by the ReliaCard system. If your bank shows the transfer was sent but the ReliaCard account did not receive it, the problem is on the ReliaCard side.
The most common reason for a failed transfer is an incorrect account or routing number. If you entered the wrong number, your bank can cancel the transfer and send it again with the correct details. If the money was sent to the wrong account, it may be recoverable, but this takes time and requires both banks to investigate.
If your bank says the transfer was rejected, check that your ReliaCard account has enough balance to receive the transfer. Some prepaid cards have daily or monthly transfer limits. Call the customer service number on the back of your ReliaCard to ask about limits and to confirm your account is active and in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from my ReliaCard to someone else's bank account?
No. The ACH transfer process moves money from your ReliaCard to a bank account in your own name. You cannot use your ReliaCard to send money to another person's bank account. If you need to send money to someone else, withdraw cash from your ReliaCard and give it to them, or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
Your bank may have daily or monthly ACH transfer limits. Check your account settings or call your bank to find out what your limits are. Your ReliaCard may also have limits on outgoing transfers. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask. If you need to transfer more than the limit allows, you can split the transfer into multiple transactions on different days.
Do I have to pay a fee to transfer from ReliaCard to my bank?
No. ACH transfers are free at most banks. Some banks charge a fee for expedited (next-day) ACH, but standard ACH transfers cost nothing. Your ReliaCard issuer does not charge a fee either. If your bank quotes you a fee for a standard ACH transfer, ask them to waive it or consider switching banks.
What if I do not have a bank account yet?
You need a bank account to receive an ACH transfer. If you do not have one, you can open a checking account at most banks or credit unions with just an ID and a small deposit. Some banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Once your account is open, you can set up the transfer to your ReliaCard as described above.
Can I transfer money back to my ReliaCard if I need to?
Yes. Once you have added your ReliaCard as an external account at your bank, you can transfer money back to it the same way you transferred money out. This is useful if you want to move money back to your ReliaCard for safekeeping or to avoid spending it. The transfer takes 1 to 3 business days in both directions.