Here’s how to activate your California inflation relief debit card once it arrives

Qualifying Californian taxpayers expecting inflation relief debit cards should find their new prepaid Visas of up to $1,050 mixed with their mail starting as soon as late October or early November.

Payments are expected to roll out through Jan. 14 depending on last names and previous stimulus payments. Cards will be mailed in white envelopes, according to Franchise Tax Board’s debit card distributor Money Network, branded with a California state seal and “California Middle Class Tax Refund” printed in the return address.

“Not a bill or advertisement. Important information about your Middle Class Tax Refund” should be sketched on the envelope’s cover. Once inside the slip, “Visa” should be printed on the front of the prepaid card and issuing bank “My Bank Direct” should be scripted on the back.

Information inside the white envelope should also explain that it’s your Middle Class Tax Refund debit card. If everything checks out, you’re ready to start swiping plastic.

How do I activate my debit card?

First, sign the back of your debit card.

Then call Money Network’s customer service at 1-800-240-0223, according to Money Network’s website, to activate your debit card and set up your four-digit pin.

If the card displays two names, the “cardholder shown first must call to activate the card.” The service line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Where can I use my debit card?

Middle Class Tax Refund debit cards can be used in stores, online and by phone accepting Visa debit cards.

You can sign for transactions or enter your four-digit pin to process purchases. You can also get cash back by entering your pin.

You will be charged a $1.25 fee, according to Money Network’s website, for using ATM machines outside of your card’s network. Instead, use one of the dozens of surcharge-free in-network ATMs scattered throughout California.

Remember: The prepaid debit card is capped at a $600 transaction limit during ATM and over-the counter cash withdraws and bank account transfers.

How do I check the balance of my debit card?

You can check the balance of your prepaid debt card, according to Money Network’s website, in three ways:

1. Create a Money Network account using your debit card’s up to 19-digit card number and its expiration date.
2. Use the free Money Network Mobile App, available for download at the App Store or on Google Play.
3. Call Money Network customer service at 1-800-240-0223.

Can I transfer debit card funds to my bank account?

There are three ways to transfer the funds from your prepared Middle Class Tax Refund debit card to an existing bank account.

To make the transaction, according to Money Network’s website, you’ll need your bank’s routing number and your bank account number handy. You also must activate your debt card before transferring funds.

Allow up to three businesses days for the payment to post to your bank account.

Here are your payment transfer options, according to Money Network:

ONLINE

1. If you haven’t already, create a Money Network online account. Once inside your personal profile, click “transfer in U.S.” under “money out.”
2. Follow the steps to set up the information for the bank account your funds will go to.

MOBILE APP

1. Click “new user” on the Money Network Mobile App and create a User ID and password.
2. Click the top left menu and select “send money to an external bank account” under “move money out.”

3. Follow the steps to set up the information for the bank account your funds will go to.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Call Money Network’s customer service at 1-800-240-0223 and follow the authentication prompts.
2. Once authenticated, follow the prompts to set up the information for the bank account your funds will go to.

What if my debit card is lost or stolen?

This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Here’s how to activate your California inflation relief debit card once it arrives."