Direct Express® card Reviews 280

Sometime after Christmas (according to 1 CS at DE) Master Card started declining to allow card holders to use their physical cards. Found this out after my card was decline at my local grocery and Walmart. I can still use it online (maximum of 2 or 3 transactions then account is locked for 24 hours).

I opened a bank account, changed my direct deposit with SSA, immediately received my new debit card, then went about trying to transfer funds to my PayPal debit card to then transfer to my new bank.

There's an unknown limit on the amount to I did 3 small transfers, then was locked out. Tried again today and it only let me make 2 transfers. And, I was charged a fee. Grr!

called CS to complain and ask how I can access my funds. I had to email front/back of my state ID, routing/account numbers, copy of new debit, and account agreement sheet with the bank's info and my name/address to prove I have an account.

Was told it'll take a "few" days for someone to review it, then they have to approve allowing me to transfer funds. WTF

They will randomly flag normal purchases as fraud and automatically send me a new card without telling me, if I order something on my phone and the ip doesn't match my physical location. Deactivating my card in the process.

This leaves me without my money for as much as two weeks while I wait for the replacement I didn't ask for. This happens once every 3-6 months.

Absolute garbage company. I would use them unless I had to. Their customer service is extremely rude. They’ll talk over you, then hang up on you when they feel like it. STAY FAR AWAY. If you have a choice. I’ve sent in MANY complaints about this so called “bank” and to no avail.

If I could give this company less than one star I would. They are the worst...they allowed me to pay my bills, but that's it. Wouldn't let me do a cash advance at the bank, wouldn't let me withdrawal from the atm, wouldn't let me make purchases in store. They are completely useless...I'm in the process of going to direct deposit. I will never recommend this card to anyone

I disputed a transaction over a month ago gave them all the information I've called atleast 10 times this week to talk to someone they put you on hold and never answer again the absolute worst customer service ever

Poor customer service.
Ridiculous unwarranted declined transactions

Do not use even SS said they do not recommend my card would not work so I sent for a new one charging 17 for expedited got card now they are asking to email birth certificate and SS card keep denying every time I call I get different answers they say I can't get my money until my id verification is approved but they keep denying it I even had SS scan and send I need a lawyer stop using this card

Terrible service. I have been working with an individual who has requested a new Direct Express card, but they have not sent it. After waiting for a very long time, we have repeatedly been told to send front and back copies of her birth certificate, state issued picture ID, and social security card. We have sent these items in at least 6 times, but only receive an automated reply instructing us to send these items. Consequently, the individual is not able to access her SSI, and is at risk of eviction.

I worked for Conduent which dealt with direct express and the customers are a joke. For one this is not a bank. Its a prepaid debit card. You cant use it to transfer money into your account. There is no routing and account number either. Also these customers are either ghetto, non internet savvy, elderly or illiterate. Im so glad I no longer work for this joke of a company. I worked at their Guaynabo location which is another joke. People please dont get direct express. Its too easy to get hacked. Get a bank account and have social security deposit it there.

I'm going to help those maggots get better when I file a federal lawsuit against their f****** asses

I issued a new card supposedly the 19th. Never recieved my card. I have been calling for days. Its been over 13 days no card. Cant pay rent. They dont care. Waited 20 mins today and a lady got on the phone finally and even laughed at the fact that i got to pay my rent. She said it was issued out the 11th then said the 19th. I cant rememmber the exact date but this service never answers your call anymore. They cant track it or help me. Im going to get my own bank. They have went downhill terribly. Dont use them if you can get a different bank.

they need to stop stealing our money we meef to get together md stop them

They police what a grown adult can use their SSI for. There are too many locations and products they deny payment. NEVER trust Direct Express as your payment card while on a vacation. When they do deny you the ability to pay for something with your card, you will not be able to solve the problem by talking to a real representative. I've had enough of this insanity. This week I'm switching my SSI deposits to a checking account and dumping Direct Express.

Sorry sorry you can’t transfer money if so a certain amount and no more. I’ve gotten rid of that card. They hold the funds pending for days instead of releasing like other 2 or 3 days in your account. Don’t like for you to transfer all the accounts with fund keep them in business. They needs to get with the program like everyone else and not try to control something that’s not theirs. If I need to transfer they shouldn’t decide on how much you can transfer they are ridiculous and needs to be investigated and shut down with all these negative reviews they are pitiful and need to look at these reviews so they will know they is bad business.chime ,PayPal,cash app,net spend and other beats this mess. I got my funds going somewhere else starting next month and I will have my funds in my account and not sitting in account pending for days. Out of this miserable frustrating account and place. Get SMART people and RUN and dont think twice it other out there that appreciate your business.

Well, an update.... I go to send ACH documents to Direct Express to transfer money off my new card to my new bank. It gets quietly denied. Thats the result of my call today to DX/Conduent/Comerica Bank. I ask to be transferred to a manager. I was assured I would speak to one. I never did. I did find out that DX denied my ACH info, which included my bank letter with my name, address, routing number and account number (PDF), and 2 photos of State ID. All required items on 1 single page, but had 4 pages, which included my deposit slip on page 3, which had all of the requested info. No reason for the denial. I cannot wait to get away from this company/companies. As noted in my last review, they put limits on transferring and spending afterwards. Thats why all my transactions were denied. I cannot be a slave to this card company. It is literally killing me. Very bad company. "Zero-star" service. Only looks out for itself.

If only I could post the pictures sent (redacted, of coarse)!!!!!!!

Update on 12/04/25: I have chosen to open a new bank account, as my REQUESTED documentation from my new bank was denied to link my new bank to DX card THREE TIMES. If all goes well, SSA should deposit to my new bank in Jan '26 then my account will be exhausted and closed. Shame on you Comerica! Someone needs to go to Congress and go up against you! You are at least breaking 1 FEDERAL law, especially the abuse towards disabled citizens and how you are funded.

I notice how you do not reply back. Guess that only happens on BBB'S reviews page. Screw with my money in Jan '26, I will be there reviewing you too. I want ALL of my money gone from your accounts.

Again no star now since I have reported the direct express I can’t even get into my account this only happens when I report them for what they are because I had reported them to the BBB before and the same thing happened and. It was hell getting to my money. I just think people should know thank you

I wish we could do a negative number please please do not use them get a bank account they closed my card for no reason I gave them my info they said it wasn't correct send my ID i did and was told wait for a email like whattt 7 day later and me still with no money bills and kids I finally get the email and guess what the same info they said was incorrect and send in my ID is the same info they used to verify the account and unlock the card I don't know who has authority BUT THIS COMPANY SHOULD BE FIRED AND FINED THEY DONT HAVE NOT ONE GOOD REVIEW THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES MAYBE THE GOVERNMENT WILL WAKE UP AND FIND A BETTER COMPANY BECAUSE DIRECT EXPRESS ISNT IT

2 weeks ago, I called direct express because my card was not working properly. They said I should wait 20 minutes and it would be working. I called back after 40 minutes to repeat my complaint, today the card will only charge if I enter the security code, in person. I'm not sure what happened. I am disabled and can not always be present to purchase items. I'm not sure what's going on but this is ridiculous. Again, I am disabled, shouldn't they know there are concerns with asking me to be present for all purchases or do they not care?

I have been with Direct Express for about 10 years. They use to be fine. No problems at all. About 4 months ago, I went on-line to check my account. It did not work. So I tried a few times to call and was on the phone for almost two hours. When I finally reach a person, I was told my account was on a hold. I was immediately transferred, no one would give me an explanation, but I was told that the hold was released and I can now get into my account on-line. I ask how long and was told immediately. Not true, I kept trying for two hours and then made that hold forever call again. This happened twice. So when it wouldn't work the second time, I just ask how much to get another card. I was put on hold and the peson came back and said,you have a new card coming. You should have it tomorrow. No explanation, I said I did not order another card. Finnaly I am using the new card for a month and all of a sudden bills I pay every month with that card were not honored. When I made a call they said my account was frozen and that i had to send them my drivers license copy, ss card copy , and acouple other things before they would unfreeze my account. They advertise that their employess will never ask you for that information, yet they were holding around $200.00 that they are out right stealing. They have no right to. Wheni could not get my money,I went to the social security office. Made a change away from those people. I ask the agent how to get my money, I was told they use to have a direct line to Direct Express, but not anymore. I was told that Direct Express is causing customers a lot of problems, that I am no means the first. They have been cancelled now 3 months and they wont send me my money. Outright theft. Direct expres is for mostly the ederly seniors getting their monthly benifits, its a crime to rip us off. Please help. It is sure good there is acompany like yours to help give people a voice. Thanks

Direct Express should be ashamed of themselves, they have not verified my identity in over 8 full days! They claim that my identity needs verified, I've been with them for years n years and they EXACT PICTURE OF MY DRIVERS LICENSE I SENT IN 2 MONTHS AGO WAS APPROVED IN 48 hours, but for some reason they keep denying all my attempts to activate my own debit card, and now I can't access my money that has been in my account since Oct 1st..it's ridiculous..My husband of 21 years just passed away, and I have lost everything and these people are being rude and uncooperative..Help me get my SSI benefits, please .THEY DONT CARE