What Does the Stimulus Debit Card Envelope Look Like?
Learn how to identify your official stimulus debit card envelope and what to do with it to safely access your government payment.
Some government stimulus payments were issued as prepaid debit cards rather than traditional paper checks or direct deposits. Recognizing the specific mailing for these Economic Impact Payment (EIP) cards is important to ensure you receive your funds and avoid accidentally discarding them, helping distinguish legitimate mail from potential scams.
Identifying the Stimulus Debit Card Envelope
The official stimulus debit card typically arrived in a plain white or off-white envelope, designed to appear as standard official mail. This design choice sometimes led recipients to mistake it for junk mail or unsolicited offers. The sender on the envelope was “Money Network Cardholder Services,” with a return address often originating from Omaha, Nebraska. The envelope usually included subtle indicators of authenticity. It might feature a small U.S. Department of the Treasury seal. Additionally, it could have text such as “Important information about your Economic Impact Payment” or “Economic Impact Payment Card” printed on it. It did not feature flashy government logos or bold, attention-grabbing phrases.
What to Expect Inside
The envelope contained the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) debit card. This card was typically a Visa-branded prepaid debit card. The card displayed “MetaBank, N.A.” or “Pathward, N.A.” as the issuing bank on the back. Alongside the debit card, the envelope contained an official letter or informational insert. This material provided details for cardholders. It included clear instructions on how to activate the card and outlined the terms and conditions for its use. This documentation also listed contact information for cardholder services.
Activating and Using Your Card
Upon receipt, activate your stimulus debit card to access funds. Activation involved calling a toll-free number (1-800-240-8100) or visiting EIPCard.com. During activation, you verified your identity with personal details like your name, address, and Social Security number. You also created a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) for secure transactions. Once activated, the card functions similarly to a standard debit card. It can be used for purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted (in stores, online, or by phone). Cash withdrawals are available at ATMs, with in-network ATMs typically offering fee-free transactions. Funds could also be transferred from the EIP card to a personal bank account. Sign the back of the card and keep your PIN confidential for security. Refer to the accompanying letter for specific instructions and contact details.