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The Daily Insight Hub

What bank issues EDD cards?

Author

Jackson Reed

Updated on February 04, 2026

Bank of America
According to the EDD, Bank of America will start issuing chip-enabled debit cards to some residents who collect unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits beginning July 25.

What bank does California use for unemployment?

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Despite calls for change from cardholders, lawmakers, and even the bank itself, California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is extending its relationship with Bank of America.

Does unemployment in California send checks?

Receive Your Benefit Payments It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to most eligible workers. When your first benefit payment is available, you will receive a debit card in the mail. Once you activate the card you can track, use, and transfer your benefit payments.

Does EDD check your bank account?

Unemployment benefits are weekly cash payments you may qualify for if you lose your job. There are eligibility requirements for receiving unemployment benefits. However, no qualifying rules are based on your bank account balance or any other assets you own.

What is wrong with Bank of America EDD?

Over objections from Bank of America, which says it has lost hundreds of millions of dollars on the contract in the last year, and taken a reputational hit for its affiliation with EDD and the rampant fraud that’s happened during the pandemic. It’s estimated that $31 billion in benefits have been lost to fraud.

Did Bank of America stop EDD?

It means Bank of America will continue delivering unemployment benefits on EDD debit cards for up to two more years despite rampant fraud, frozen accounts and a class action lawsuit. Instead of reimbursing him, Bank of America froze his account.

Is unemployment going to be extended California?

This legislation: Continues the federal increase for all unemployment benefits, which adds $300 to each week of benefits through September 4, 2021. Extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) up to 29 weeks through September 4, 2021.

Can you get California unemployment direct deposit?

The state does not do direct deposit. It only pays unemployment benefits by paper check or debit card.

How long after I certify Do I get paid in California?

After you submit your first two-week continued certification, you will be paid for the first week of your claim.

Where can I get an unemployment debit card in California?

The California EDD Unemployment Debit Card is used by the California Employment Development Department ( EDD) to pay unemployment benefits. It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.

Do you have to have a bank account to use Bank of America unemployment card?

It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America. If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in California, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America. You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card. Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.

How long is the California EDD unemployment debit card valid?

The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years. There are several benefits to receiving your California Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail. Here are the key benefits of the California EDD Bank of America Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:

How long does it take to get unemployment debit card from Bank of America?

It takes at least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and issue payment to most eligible workers. If you have never had a debit card from the EDD before, and your first benefit payment has been approved, Bank of America will put the card into the mail the next business day.