Direct Express^® Card

Common Questions

• Overview
  
• Enrollment
  
• Fees
      Fee chart for cards received before April 1, 2008
      Fee chart for cards received late April 2008 or after
  
• Using Your Direct Express^® Card
  
• Customer Service
  
• Privacy/Legal

OVERVIEW

1. What is the Direct Express^® Card?

The Direct Express^® Card is a type of debit card offered to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income check recipients who wish to receive their benefits electronically. The debit card offers cardholders the convenience and security of making electronic transactions to spend their money rather than using cash for everything. You do not need to have a bank account to sign up for the card. There is no credit check or minimum balance requirements.

2. How does the Direct Express^® Card work?

When you sign up to receive your Social Security benefits on the Direct Express^® Card, you get your payment every month without having to worry about cashing your check, losing your check, or having it stolen. Instead of receiving a check, your Social Security benefit money will be automatically deposited to your Direct Express^® Card account on your payment date. You can use your card to withdraw cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). You can also use it to make purchases at stores that accept MasterCard debit cards and get cash back when you make those purchases. You can use it to buy money orders at the U.S. Post Office, too.

3. Will my Social Security benefits be safe?

Yes, with the Direct Express^® Card, your money is FDIC-insured. In addition, the consumer protections required by Regulation E apply to your account. Finally, your money is protected even if you lose your card or your card is stolen and if you follow the rules for reporting your lost or stolen card.

4. How is the debit card different from a credit card?

You can only use your debit card if you have money in your account. Unlike a credit card, you cannot use the card to borrow money.

5. What are the benefits of the Direct Express^® Card?

Direct Express^® gives you the advantages of direct deposit even if you don't have a bank account, including:

• Safety: There's no risk of lost or stolen checks. Your money is protected even if the card is lost or stolen.
• Ease: Your money is automatically deposited to your card account on your payment day each month. You won't have to wait for the mail to arrive, or worry about lost or stolen checks.
• Convenience: You can make purchases anywhere MasterCard® is accepted and get cash at thousands of retail locations, banks and credit unions, and ATMs.

6. Why is a different bank serving as the financial agent for the expanded Direct Express^® card?

After a successful Direct Express^® pilot with JPMorgan Chase in 2006-07, Treasury decided to roll out the card nationwide and undertook a formal and rigorous selection process. Dozens of U.S.-chartered financial instructions competed for the Direct Express^® financial agent contract and were evaluated based on their respective track-records in prepaid debit card products, their cost structure, and the quality of their cardholder services. Comerica was ultimately selected. With the launch of the new, nationwide Direct Express^® card from Comerica this spring, the Direct Express pilot with JPMorgan Chase will come to an end. JPMorgan Chase Bank will not offer Direct Express^® Card services after August 1, 2008. Those cardholders who have JPMorgan Chase Direct Express cards will be notified about their options to either (a) sign up for the new Direct Express^® Card; (b) sign up for direct deposit to a checking or savings account; or, (c) sign up for JPMorgan Chase's Direct Benefit Card account.

ENROLLMENT

1. How do I sign up for the Direct Express^® Card?

It is quick and easy to sign up. There are no credit check or minimum balance requirements. Beginning in late April 2008, Social Security check recipients will be able to sign up for the Direct Express^® Card by calling Treasury's financial agent, Comerica Bank, at 1 (877) 212-9991 (toll-free) or by visiting www.USDirectExpress.com (coming in late April 2008). For faster service, we recommend that you have a copy of your Treasury check with you when you call or visit the Web site to sign up. Note: As of March 31, 2008, JPMorgan Chase is no longer accepting Direct Express^® Card enrollments, and will no longer offer any Direct Express^® Card services after August 1, 2008.

2. I signed up for a Direct Express^® Card before April 1, 2008. Will I automatically be signed up for the new Direct Express^® Card with lower fees and more features?

No. In order to receive the new Direct Express^® Card with lower fees and more features, you must call 1 (877) 212-9991 (toll-free) or visit www.USDirectExpress.com (coming in late April 2008) to sign up for the new card. If you are a current Direct Express^® Cardholder who signed up before April 1, 2008, you will receive a letter explaining how to sign up for the new Direct Express^® Card and other options available to you.

3. I signed up for my Direct Express^® Card before April 1, 2008. Am I required to sign up for the new Direct Express^® Card with lower fees and more features?

No. Direct Express^® cardholders who signed up before April 1, 2008, will have the option to (a) sign up for the new Direct Express^® Card; (b) sign up for direct deposit through their checking or savings account; or, (c) sign up for JPMorgan Chase's Direct Benefit Card account. If you signed up for your Direct Express^® Card before April 1, 2008, please be sure that JPMorgan Chase has your current address. To update your address, you may call JPMorgan Chase Customer Service toll-free at 1 (877) 789-5895, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. Am I be required to sign up for the Direct Express^® Card if I don't have a bank account?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Social Security Administration strongly recommend that you receive your benefits electronically - either by direct deposit to your bank account or to a Direct Express^® Card. However, you are not required to sign up for a Direct Express^® Card if you don't have a bank account.

5. How do I activate my Direct Express^® Card?

When you receive your Direct Express^® Card in the mail, you will receive instructions on how to activate your card.

6. Do I need to give the Social Security Administration my card information in order to receive my benefits?

No. After you sign up for the card, Comerica Bank will notify SSA that you have a debit card account and will give SSA the information it needs to send your benefit payments to your account.

7. I am a representative payee who receives Social Security benefits for someone else. Can I sign up for a Direct Express^® Card?

Yes. Beginning in late April 2008, representative payees will be able to sign up for the Direct Express^® Card by calling Treasury's financial agent, Comerica Bank, at 1 (877) 212-9991 (toll-free) or visiting www.USDirectExpress.com (coming in late April 2008). For faster service, we recommend that you have a copy of your Treasury check with you when you call or visit the web site to sign up. As of March 31, 2008, JPMorgan Chase is no longer accepting Direct Express^® Card enrollments.

8. I am a representative payee who receives Social Security benefits on behalf of more than one person. Can I receive all of the benefits on one Direct Express^® Card?

Please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to learn the rules related to holding funds for more than one beneficiary. If SSA's rules allow funds to be grouped together in one account, then you may receive benefits for more than one person on one Direct Express^® Card. If the funds may not be grouped together, then you may sign up for a separate Direct Express^® Card for each beneficiary.

9. Can recipients who have received a Direct Express^® Card switch to a traditional checking or savings account and receive their payment by direct deposit?

Yes. You may close your card account at any time at no charge by calling the Customer Service telephone number on your card. You will need to separately enroll in direct deposit if you want your Social Security check sent to a different bank account. If you have a bank account, please sign up for direct deposit at Treasury's direct deposit web site, www.GoDirect.org, or call Treasury's direct deposit helpline, Go Direct toll-free, at 1 (800) 333-1795.

10. I have a bank account. Should I sign up for the Direct Express^® Card?

If you have a bank account, please sign up for direct deposit at Treasury's direct deposit web site, www.GoDirect.org, or call Treasury's direct deposit helpline, Go Direct toll-free, at 1 (800) 333-1795. It only takes a few minutes to sign up for the safety and convenience of direct deposit of your Social Security payments to your account.

11. I plan to retire this spring or summer. Can I request a Direct Express^® Card when I enroll in Social Security?

If you plan to enroll in the near future for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits and you do not have a bank account, you may request a check for your monthly payment. Once your check arrives, keep it handy for signing up for the card. You can switch to the Direct Express^® Card by calling Treasury's financial agent, Comerica Bank, at 1 (877) 212-9991 (toll-free) or visiting www.USDirectExpress.com (coming in late April 2008).

12. What if I don't like the Direct Express^® Card?

You have nothing to lose by signing up for a Direct Express^® Card. While we believe that you will like your Direct Express^® Card, if you don't like it, you may close your card account at any time at no charge by calling the Customer Service Department at the telephone number listed on your card. Before you close your account, you should separately enroll in direct deposit if you want your Social Security check to be sent to a different bank account. To sign up for direct deposit, please visit Treasury's direct deposit web site, Go Direct, or call Treasury's direct deposit helpline, Go Direct, toll-free, at 1 (800) 333-1795.

FEES

1. How much do I have to pay for the Direct Express^® Card?

There is no cost to sign up for the card and there are no monthly fees. While there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions, it is possible to use the card for free. For cardholders who sign up for the Direct Express^® Card in late April 2008 or after, most services are free.(Click here for fee information if you signed up for your card before April 1, 2008.)

Services provided free of charge include:

• Purchases at retail locations, cash back with purchases, or cash withdrawals through bank or credit union tellers.
• One ATM cash withdrawal for each deposit posted to accounts each month when using a Direct Express^® network ATM.
  Surcharges may apply at other ATMs.
• Find out your balance for free at ATMs, by phone or online.
• Optional notification of deposits to debit card by phone, email or text message.
• Optional low balance alert when account balances falls below a certain level.
• Access to the toll-free customer service number or Web site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Optional services available for a fee include:

• More than one withdrawal per month or withdrawals outside the Direct Express^® ATM network (90 cents per withdrawal).
• Card replacement after one free replacement card is issued annually ($4.00 each time).
• Monthly paper statement mailed to cardholder (75 cents per statement).

The complete fee schedule for your Direct Express^® Card received in late April 2008 or after, is as follows:

* For each federal government deposit to your Card Account, we will waive the fee for one ATM cash withdrawal in the U.S. The fee waiver earned for that deposit expires on the last day of the following month in which the deposit was credited to the Card Account.

For cardholders who signed up for the Direct Express^® Card before April 1, 2008, there is no monthly fee, and you receive the following services at no cost to you:

• One automated teller machine (ATM) cash withdrawal per month at Chase Bank and Allpoint ATMs;
• Point-of-sale transactions at all retail locations that accept MasterCard, such as grocery stores, post offices, gas stations, and other places;
• Cash-back transactions at many retail locations when you use your card to make purchases; and
• Telephone or Internet customer service to check your balance and other account information. Depending on how you choose to use your card, some fees may apply.
• After your free monthly ATM cash withdrawal from a Chase Bank or Allpoint ATM, Chase Bank will charge you $2.50 for each additional ATM cash withdrawal you make during the month;
• You will also be charged a small fee for ATM cash withdrawals you make at any ATM that is not a Chase Bank or Allpoint ATM.

The fee schedule for your Direct Express^® Card received before April 1, 2008, is as follows:

¹ Additional fees may be charged to you at ATMs other than Chase or Allpoint ATMs. Surcharge-free transactions are available at all Chase and Allpoint ATMs.

² Typically, there is no charge for using the card at retailers, but retailer practices vary and a transaction fee may be charged.

The bank will automatically deduct its fees from your Direct Express^® Card account. Fees charged by other ATM owners will be charged to your account at the time you make your withdrawal.

2. How do I save transaction fees while using my Direct Express^® Card?

We encourage you to look closely at the fee summaries above so you can be sure to use your card wisely and avoid fees whenever possible.

• You can keep your fees low if you use a Direct Express^® network ATM to make your one free withdrawal. For subsequent withdrawals, use a Direct Express^® network ATM to reduce the amount of fees that you pay.
• You can avoid fees by using your Direct Express^® Card at retail locations when you make purchases instead of getting cash at an ATM.
• When you make a purchase, at many places, you can also get cash back for free.
• You can use your Direct Express^® Card to purchase money orders at the U.S. Post Office and other locations that accept MasterCard® debit cards.

Example: Mary receives Social Security benefits in the amount of $345 month. From. those funds, she needs to pay the following:

Rent		$150
Food		$60
Medicine		$25
Gas		$20
Utilities		$45
Cash		$45
TOTAL		$345

To keep her Direct Express^® Card costs low, Mary could use her Direct Express^® Card as follows:

• Make one free cash withdrawal at a Direct Express^® network ATM for $150 to pay her rent in cash, or use her Direct Express^® Card to pay her rent, without paying any fee to Chase, if her landlord accepts MasterCard debit cards.



• Pay for her food, medicine, gas, and utilities with her Direct Express^® Card, without paying any fee. If the utility company charges Mary to use the Direct Express^® Card, Mary could get a money order at any U.S. Office. Mary. would only pay a small fee to the Post Office for the money order, but would not pay any fee to Chase.



• Get cash-back at the grocery store, without paying any fee, when she uses her Direct Express^® Card to pay for her groceries.

If Mary does not live near a Direct Express^® network ATM, she would have to pay a surcharge fee to withdraw cash at a non-network ATM, even though she would not pay a fee to the bank for her first withdrawal. To minimize her costs, Mary could use her Direct Express^® Card as follows:

• If her landlord does not accept MasterCard debit cards, Mary could use her Direct Express^® Card to get a money order in the amount of $150 at any U.S. Office. Mary. would only pay a small fee to the Post Office for the money order, but would not pay any fee to Chase.



• Use her Direct Express^® Card to make purchases and get cash-back, as explained above.

3. What if I don't live near a Chase or Allpoint ATM? How do I get a free ATM withdrawal?

First, please visit the Chase and Allpoint ATM Web sites to determine whether there is a Chase or Allpoint ATM you. Although you may use your Direct Express^® Card at any ATM, you will be charged a fee by the non-Chase or non-Allpoint ATM owner. To avoid ATM fees, we suggest that you review the tips on how to use your Direct Express^® Card at retail locations to make purchases and get cash back for free.

4. What is a "surcharge fee?"

A "surcharge fee" is a fee charged to you by the owner of a non-Chase or non-Allpoint ATM when you use the owner's ATM to withdraw cash. When you use your card at an ATM that will charge you a surcharge fee, the ATM will tell you the amount of the fee before you withdraw your money. The surcharge fee is charged to you in addition to any fee that Chase may charge when you use the Direct Express^® Card to withdraw cash at an ATM (click here for information about fees). Neither Treasury nor Chase have any control over what the owner will charge you. To avoid or minimize ATM fees, we suggest that you review the tips on how to use your Direct Express^® Card at retail locations to make purchases and get cash back for free.

USING YOUR DIRECT EXPRESS^® CARD

THESE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE DIRECT EXPRESS PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH JPMORGAN CHASE.

1. How do I use the card?

Click here to learn more about how to use your Direct Express^® Card.

2. Where can I use my Direct Express^® Card?

You can use your Direct Express^® Card whenever you need to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get cash at ATM machines worldwide that display the Cirrus, Chase, Star, NYCE and Allpoint logos.

You can also use your Direct Express^® Card to make purchases and get cash back at retail locations that display the MasterCard or Maestro logo, such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and convenience stores. You can buy money orders at Post Offices, too.

You can call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) if you have questions about how to use your card.

3. Can I get cash when I need it with my Direct Express^® Card?

Yes. You can get cash at ATM locations that display the Cirrus, Chase, Star, NYCE and Allpoint logos. You can also get "cash back" with your purchase at many retail stores and other merchants when you use your debit card at retail locations that display the MasterCard or Maestro logo. You can use your Direct Express^® Card to buy money orders at the U.S. Post Office or other locations where the card is accepted.

4. What is the maximum amount of cash I can withdraw from an ATM with my Direct Express^® Card?

There is no daily limit for ATM withdrawals. You may withdraw up to the maximum amount allowed by the ATM owner. Most ATM owners set daily ATM withdrawal limits averaging between $500 and $1,000.

5. How will I know how much money I have on my Direct Express^® Card?

You can obtain balance information at no cost by calling Chase's Customer Service Department, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) or you can view your account information at Chase's Web site at myaccount.chase.com. For a small fee, you can also obtain balance information at any ATM that displays the Cirrus, Chase, Star, NYCE and Allpoint logo.

6. Can I pay my bills or pay for Internet purchases with my Direct Express^® Card?

Yes, if your providers accept MasterCard, you can use your Direct Express^® Card to pay bills and for Internet purchases. You can also use your Direct Express^® Card to buy money orders at the U.S. Post Office or other locations that accept the card.

7. How do I know what surcharges are charged at a non-Chase or non-Allpoint ATM?

ATMs must provide a notice before you have to pay the fee. When you receive this notice, you will be given the option of continuing or canceling the transaction. If you choose to continue, you will receive your cash and be assessed the fee. If you choose not to continue, you can back out of the transaction and not be charged.

8. How do I know if a retailer is charging me a fee for using my debit card?

Prior to using your card at a retail location, you should ask the cashier if there will be a fee. To find out if you have been charged a fee, you may call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) or view your account information at Chase's Web site at myaccount.chase.com.

9. Can I add my own money to the card?

No. You cannot load personal funds onto this card. The card will only accept monies paid to you by the federal government.

10. Can I use the card to buy money orders?

Yes. You can use your debit card to buy money orders at any U.S. Post Office or wherever MasterCard debit cards are accepted.

11. Can I use the card to buy gas at the pump?

Yes. Some merchants ask Chase to "hold" more than the amount you are required to pay until the debit card purchase clears. It may take 1-2 days for the purchase to clear. For example, a merchant may ask Chase to "hold" $50. If you buy $30 worth of gas, the merchant will complete the transaction by collecting the $30. The remaining $20 will be released into your account after the merchant receives his or her money.

12. Can I use my card to rent a car?

Many rental car companies will allow you to use your Direct Express^® Card to pay. You should be aware that the company will often put an authorization hold on the debit card during the rental, usually between $300 and $500. The unused funds will be returned to your account after you return the car, but it might take up to two weeks for the funds to be released back to your account.

13. Can I use my card to make a purchase when the balance left on my card is less than what I need to pay the cashier? How do I use my card to make a partial payment at a retail location that will accept my card?

You can use your Direct Express^® Card to make a partial payment towards your full purchase price. Tell the cashier that your Direct Express^® Card should be used for a set amount and that you will pay the rest of the balance with cash, check, or another card. Example: You buy groceries for $50, but your card only has $48.22 left on it. Tell the cashier to use your Direct Express^® Card to pay $48.22 and that you will pay the remaining $1.78 in cash (or some other type of payment).

14. Can I close my account and withdraw my money?

Yes. You may close your card account at any time at no charge by calling Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free). Prior to closing your account, you should withdraw your money at an ATM machine, by obtaining cash-back at a retail location, by using your card to obtain a money order at the post office, or by visiting a Chase Bank branch and requesting a teller check. Please note that fees may apply depending upon how you use your card.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

THESE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE DIRECT EXPRESS PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH JPMORGAN CHASE.

If you are an existing Chase Direct Express Debit Card holder and need assistance with your account, please contact the Customer Service number on the back of your card.

1. Who do I call if I have questions about how to use my Direct Express^® Card?

If you have questions about your Direct Express^® Card, you may call Chase's Customer Service Department, at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free).

2. What if my Direct Express^® Card is lost or stolen?

If your Direct Express^® Card is lost or stolen, immediately call Chase's Customer Service Department, at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free). A customer service representative will assist you and a new card will be sent to you. Generally, if you call right away to report that your card is lost or stolen, you will not lose funds deducted from your card by an unauthorized user and your Social Security benefits will be protected.

3. How do I notify Chase if I change my mailing address?

If you move or change your address, you should call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) and let them know your new address. You will need to separately notify the Social Security Administration about your new address. Chase will not provide this information to any federal agency.

4. What if I don't agree with my balance or one of the transactions?

If you have a question about your balance or a transaction, you should call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) to find out how to dispute a transaction.

5. What is a PIN?

Your personal identification number (PIN) is a number you choose when you activate your card. Your PIN is a four-digit number that you enter on the keypad at ATMs and retail locations.

6. What is an Access Code?

Your Access Code is a six-digit number that you choose when you activate your card. You use your Access Code when you call Chase's Customer Service to get information about your account.

7. Can I change my PIN or Access Code?

Yes. You may change your PIN or Access Code by calling Chase Customer Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) or by visiting Chase's Web site at myaccount.chase.com.

8. What if I forget my PIN or Access Code?

You should call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) for help.

PRIVACY/LEGAL

THESE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PERTAIN PRIMARILY TO THE DIRECT EXPRESS PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH JPMORGAN CHASE.

1. Will the government know what I buy or have access to my account?

No. Federal law (the Right to Financial Privacy Act) does not allow the government to ask Chase for information about your account and Chase is not allowed to give the government information about your account without your written permission, except under very limited circumstances.

2. What are Chase's privacy policies?

To learn about Chase's privacy policies, you may call Chase's Customer Service Department at 1 (877) 789-5895 (toll-free) or visit Chase's Web site.

3. What happens to my account if I die?

If you die while you are a Direct Express^® Cardholder, your account will not be closed until Chase's Customer Service Department (1 (877) 789-5895 toll-free) is notified about your death. Some of the funds on your card may need to be returned to the Social Security Administration. Any other funds on your card will be distributed in accordance with the laws of your state.

4. Can my money in the debit card account be attached by creditors?

Social Security benefit payments are protected from attachment under federal law. This means that your creditors do not have the right to have these funds taken out of your account. There are a few exceptions, however. For example, funds in your account can be taken to satisfy child support or alimony obligations you owe. If you have questions about a creditor's right to remove funds from your account, contact the Social Security Administration or your local legal services organization.