Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.
Archived News Article: Information may be out of date
October 30, 2019

How to Use Direct Express for Federal Payments

How to Use Direct Express for Federal Payments
How to Use Direct Express for Federal Payments

Direct Express is a direct-deposit option for receiving your federal benefits, recommended by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Anyone receiving federal benefit payments, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or Veterans assistance, can enroll.  As the official benefits website of the U.S. government, Benefits.gov provides information on over 1,000 federal benefits, including Direct Express, to help you understand how government assistance programs work and how to apply.

What is the Direct Express card?

The Direct Express Debit MasterCard card is a convenient, secure way to get your federal benefits, even if you do not have a bank account. Even if you already have a bank account, you may prefer to get your federal benefits on the Direct Express card. With the Direct Express Debit MasterCard, there is no need to cash a check or carry cash. Moreover, there is no minimum balance to keep on the card and no credit check is required to receive the card. The Direct Express card is not a credit card and can only be used if you have money in your account.

The Direct Express card is designed to work exactly like a debit card from any bank, with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insuring your money up to the maximum amount that the law allows. Additionally, once you receive your card, you will select a personal identification number (PIN) that you will enter at ATMs, online, and in stores whenever you use your card. If your card is ever lost or stolen, it will be quickly replaced by Direct Express customer service.

What are the benefits of a Direct Express card?

The Direct Express card provides the benefits of direct deposit without the need of a bank account:

  • Secure: With the Direct Express card, there is no need to carry cash and no risk of lost or stolen checks. You will be provided with the added security measures of FDIC insurance and a self-selected PIN.
  • Simple: The Direct Express card will have your benefit payments deposited directly into your account each month.
  • Convenient: The Direct Express card allows you to make purchases anywhere a MasterCard is accepted or withdraw from any MasterCard-network ATM.

How does the Direct Express card work?

With the Direct Express card, your money is automatically deposited to your card account each month on your payment date. When you need to withdraw cash from your card, you can go to any bank, credit union, or ATM that shows the MasterCard logo, even if you do not have a bank account. You can make purchases from any vendor that accepts debit card payments and pay your bills online or over the phone using your Direct Express card.

How do I apply for a Direct Express card?

Signing up for the Direct Express card is quick and easy. If you currently receive federal benefit payments or have benefits that require you to receive your payment electronically, visit the Direct Express website to request a card, call the enrollment center at 1-800-333-1795, or visit your local federal paying agency. There are no sign-up fees or monthly account fees.

After you receive your Direct Express Card, you will not need to inform the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other federal paying agencies that you have a Direct Express account. Direct Express will automatically provide the agency the information it needs to send your benefit payments to your account.

Benefits.gov exists to make your search for government assistance easier. Read more about what we can do for you and use our Benefit Finder to find information on federal benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Compass logo

Compass Newsletter

Stay connected for important news and updates on federal benefits you may be eligible to receive.