A debit card transition could impact how millions of people get their Social
Security benefits this summer. The Social Security Administration (SSA)
announced the transition to a new Direct Express debit card financial agent for
beneficiaries who don’t use traditional bank accounts.
Here’s what to know about the new debit card, whether it might impact you, and
what you need to do to prepare for the transition.
The Direct Express debit card program
The Direct Express debit card program is intended for beneficiaries who don’t
use traditional bank accounts and who have chosen to have their monthly benefits
loaded to Direct Express prepaid debit cards.
Rather than relying on direct deposit, beneficiaries may access their Social
Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Veterans benefits through the debit
card without having to open a traditional bank account or deal with the process
of cashing paper checks. It’s an alternative payment method that helps
beneficiaries access funds in a way that works best for them.
The Direct Express transition
On May 18, the SSA announced a change to its Direct Express debit card program.
Fifth Third Bank has been selected to become the new financial agent for the
program, replacing Comerica Bank.
The transition is scheduled to begin promptly, with Fifth Third Bank assuming
new Direct Express card enrollments in May 2026. Social Security beneficiaries
who are existing Direct Express cardholders should see their accounts
transitioned over to Fifth Third Bank in the near future.
Who uses the Direct Express program
The program, launched in May, 2008, is widely used by approximately 3.4 million
Americans. Most Direct Express enrollees don’t have traditional bank accounts
and aren’t able to accept and cash paper checks.
Of Direct Express participants, about 49% cardholders are Supplemental Security
Income recipients, and about 48% are Social Security recipients. About 2% of
cardholders use the cards to receive Veterans benefits.
Approximately 57% of Direct Express participants have no income aside from their
government benefits, so successfully navigating the program transition is
essential for many beneficiaries.
What you need to do to prepare for the transition
According to the SSA, current cardholders should receive advance notice about
when their accounts will transition to Fifth Third Bank. Until then, cardholders
should continue using their Comerica-issued card until they receive and activate their new Fifth Third card.
To ensure you receive all communications about the transition and your new card
when it’s issued, be sure to update your contact information with the SSA. It’s
a good idea to log into your My Social Security account to verify that your
contact information is correct, especially if you’ve recently moved.
Then, keep a close eye on your mailbox, especially after you receive notice of
the transition and that your new card should be arriving. Make sure that you
open any notices you receive, since doing so may help you stay updated about
this transition.
Replacing your old card
As current cardholders are transferred over to Fifth Third Bank, new Fifth Third
Bank Direct Express debit cards should be sent out. Once you receive your new
card, you may download the Direct Express mobile app and use the app to activate
the card. Once activated, Direct Express cards may be used anywhere Mastercard
debit cards are accepted.
How to get answers to questions
The SSA encourages any cardholders with questions to use the Direct Express
contact page available on the website. If you have benefit payment inquiries,
you may continue to contact the SSA for help with those inquiries.
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The option of direct deposit
This transition is a natural time to consider whether choosing direct deposit
may make sense for you. If you have a bank account, choosing direct deposit
means you’ll be able to access your benefits directly through your account, and
there’s no need to worry about potentially losing your card or making purchases
from retailers who don’t accept the card.
You may use your My Social Security account to set up direct deposit; plan to
have your ID, your bank’s routing number, and your account number ready.
Alternatively, you may call the SSA or schedule an appointment at your local SSA
office to set up direct deposit.
Bottom line
The Direct Express transition should only impact cardholders, and if you’re
already signed up for direct deposit, you shouldn’t see any change in your
benefit delivery during or after the transition. If you’re enrolled in Direct
Express, the transition should occur in 2026 through 2027, but the SSA hasn’t
specified exact dates.
Be sure to stay informed about the transition and carefully watch for any
notices from the SSA. If a friend or family member participates in Direct
Express, consider sharing this information with them to help them prepare, too.
Social Security benefits may help supplement your
income, and keeping your contact information current is a great way to
ensure you receive any important information about the program.