ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card issued by US Bank, most commonly used to receive government benefits

ReliaCard is a prepaid debit card that US Bank issues on behalf of government agencies. It functions like a regular debit card—you load money onto it, swipe it to pay, and withdraw cash from ATMs—but the money comes from a government program rather than a personal bank account. The card itself is free, and there are no monthly fees for basic use.

Most people encounter ReliaCard when they receive unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or other state-administered payments. Instead of waiting for a paper check or setting up direct deposit to a bank account, the state deposits your payment directly onto the card. The card arrives in the mail, and you can start using it when ready once it's activated.

ReliaCard is not a credit card and does not build credit history. It is purely a way to access money that has already been paid to you by a government program. You cannot borrow against it, and you cannot carry a balance. Whatever money is on the card is yours to spend.

Key Takeaways

  • ReliaCard is issued by US Bank to deliver government benefit payments, most commonly unemployment or workers' compensation.
  • The card is free and has no monthly maintenance fees, though some transactions like out-of-network ATM withdrawals may carry charges.
  • Money appears on the card within one to two business days of the government agency processing your payment.
  • You set up the card by phone or online, and it works like any debit card for purchases, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals.

How money gets onto your ReliaCard

When a government agency approves a payment to you—whether unemployment, workers' comp, or another benefit—they have several ways to send it. One option is ReliaCard. The agency submits your payment electronically to US Bank, which deposits the funds onto your card account. This process typically takes one to two business days from the time the agency processes the payment.

You do not request this method; the state or program determines how it pays you. Some programs default to ReliaCard. Others give you a choice between ReliaCard, direct deposit to your own bank account, or a paper check. If you have a choice and prefer not to use ReliaCard, you can usually select direct deposit instead during your initial claim setup.

Once money lands on the card, it stays there until you spend it. There is no expiration date on the funds themselves, though the card itself may expire after a set period (typically five to seven years). When your card expires, US Bank will mail you a replacement card with the same account number, and any remaining balance transfers automatically.

What you can and cannot do with ReliaCard

ReliaCard works like a standard debit card for most transactions. You can use it to buy groceries, pay for gas, make online purchases, and pay bills. You can withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Visa (ReliaCard is a Visa card). You can also set up automatic bill payments or transfer money to another account.

What you cannot do: you cannot overdraft the card. If your balance is $50 and you try to spend $75, the transaction will be declined. You cannot use it to get cash back at a store if you do not make a purchase. You cannot take out a loan or borrow against future payments. You cannot use it internationally in most cases, though some ReliaCard versions do allow foreign transactions—check your specific card's terms.

You can check your balance online, by phone, or at an ATM. You can view your transaction history and set up alerts for large withdrawals. Most ReliaCard accounts come with a mobile app so you can monitor activity in real time.

Fees you should know about

US Bank does not charge a monthly maintenance fee for ReliaCard, and there is no fee to receive deposits or make purchases at stores. However, some transactions do carry charges:

  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals typically cost $1.50 to $3.00 per transaction, depending on the ATM operator. Using an in-network ATM (usually Allpoint or MoneyPass) is free.
  • Overdraft protection, if you add it, costs money when you use it.
  • Replacing a lost or stolen card usually costs $5 to $10.
  • International transactions, if allowed on your card version, may include a currency conversion fee.
  • Some customer service calls to a non-toll-free number may incur charges, though most support lines are free.

The specific fees depend on which state program issued your card and which ReliaCard product version you received. Your cardholder agreement, which comes with the card in the mail, lists all applicable fees.

Activating and using your ReliaCard

When your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. set up is free and takes a few minutes. You can set up by phone (the number is printed on the card), online through the ReliaCard website, or through the mobile app. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the card number.

Once activated, the card is ready to use when ready. You can swipe it at any merchant that accepts Visa, insert it into a chip reader, or use it for online purchases. If you plan to use it for online shopping, you may need to register the card and set up a password for security.

If you forget your PIN, you can reset it by phone or online. If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card to report it when ready. US Bank will freeze the account to prevent unauthorized use and mail you a replacement card, usually within five to seven business days.

ReliaCard versus direct deposit to your own bank account

If your benefit program gives you a choice, you might wonder whether ReliaCard or direct deposit to your personal bank account makes more sense. ReliaCard requires no bank account—it is the card itself. Direct deposit sends money to a checking or savings account you already own at any bank.

ReliaCard advantages: no bank account needed, card arrives by mail, no minimum balance requirements, and you can use it when ready. Direct deposit advantages: you keep your money in your own account where you may earn interest, you avoid out-of-network ATM fees if your bank has many branches, and you have more control over the account.

If you have a bank account and prefer to use it, direct deposit is usually the simpler choice. If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to open one, ReliaCard is a straightforward way to access your benefits. Both methods are free.

What happens if you have questions or problems

US Bank customer service for ReliaCard is available by phone, online chat, and through the mobile app. The phone number is printed on the back of your card. You can report a lost card, dispute a transaction, check your balance, or ask about fees through any of these channels.

If you believe a transaction was unauthorized or fraudulent, report it to US Bank as soon as possible. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges, but the sooner you report the problem, the faster it can be resolved. Keep your transaction history and any receipts as evidence.

If you have questions about your benefit payment itself—why it was delayed, why the amount changed, or whether you are still receiving benefits—contact the government agency that issued the payment, not US Bank. US Bank handles only the card and account; the agency handles the benefit information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ReliaCard outside the United States?

Most ReliaCard versions do not work internationally. Some newer versions may allow foreign transactions, but they typically charge a currency conversion fee. Check your cardholder agreement or call customer service to confirm whether your specific card can be used abroad.

What if I do not set up my card?

If you do not set up your card within a certain period (usually 90 days), US Bank may freeze the account. Money that has been deposited will remain yours, but you will not be able to access it until you set up the card. Contact US Bank to reactivate if this happens.

Can I transfer money from ReliaCard to another person's account?

Yes, you can set up transfers to another bank account or use peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or PayPal if your card is registered with those services. Some transfers may take one to three business days to complete.

What if my card is damaged or the magnetic stripe stops working?

Contact US Bank to request a replacement card. There is usually a small fee ($5 to $10), and the new card arrives within five to seven business days. Your account number and balance transfer to the replacement card automatically.

Do I need a Social Security number to use ReliaCard?

You need a Social Security number to set up the card, but once it is activated, anyone can use the physical card to make purchases or withdraw cash. The card itself does not display your Social Security number, only your name and card number.