Why is the Direct Express card better than paper checks? Paper checks can be delayed, lost and stolen. In fact, in 2009, an estimated $69 million in Treasury-issued checks were fraudulently endorsed. The Direct Express card provides safer, easier and faster access to money. The benefits are clear: Safe. No need to carry large amounts of cash and no risk of lost or stolen checks. Money in the card account is FDIC-insured (up to the maximum amount allowed by law). Easy. Money is automatically posted to the card account on payment day, so there’s no need to wait for the mail to arrive.

Convenient. Cardholders can make purchases and pay bills anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted. The card can also be used to get cash at retail locations, ATMS and banks and credit unions throughout the world. Recommended. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Treasury Department encourage VA Compensation and Pension check recipients to sign up for the card.                                          Are there fees associated with the card? There are no sign-up fees, monthly fees or overdraft charges. Most services are free. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on fees and features, call (877) 212-9991.

Are current Direct Express cardholders satisfied with the card? So far, approximately one million people have signed up for the Direct Express card. The vast majority of Direct Express cardholders have expressed satisfaction with the card because it offers convenience, safety and immediate access to their money. According to Treasury Department research, 95 percent of cardholders surveyed said they are satisfied with the card and 86 percent said they are very likely to recommend the card to family or friends who receive a federal benefit payment.

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