Cardholder Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What are the benefits of having the EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
- 2. What will I receive with my EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
- 3. Will my name appear on my EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
- 4. Can my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account be a joint ownership account?
- 5. Can I use my EDD Prepaid Debit Card immediately?
- 6. How can I transfer my funds to my checking or savings account?
- 7. How can I check the current balance in my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
- 8. What are the fees associated with using my account?
- 9. What is a transaction fee?
- 10. When are transaction fees charged?
- 11. How do I use my EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
- 12. Will my EDD Prepaid Debit Card affect my credit score?
- 13. Can I get cash at a point of sale terminal?
- 14. How long do my benefit payments stay on my card?
- 15. How often are funds deposited on my card?
- 16. Is there a daily maximum I can take from my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
- 17. How do I keep track of my account transaction activity?
- 18. Who should I call with questions about my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
- 19. Am I responsible for transactions that I did not make?
- 20. What are the Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service hours?
- 21. Can I use my local Bank of America banking center for customer service on this account?
- 22. How do I change my address on this account?
- 23. What time of day can I withdraw or make purchases with my payment?
- 24. Are there any transactions that I can make with my card that will cause a “hold” on my funds?
- 25. If my purchase is greater than the available balance on my card, can I apply the balance toward the purchase?
- 26. How do I sign up for mobile text and e-mail alerts?
1. What are the benefits of having the EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
Card benefits:
- No more waiting for checks in the mail.
- Use where Visa debit cards are accepted – in stores, online, or by phone.
- Your Cardholder Agreement explains each of the ways you can spend this money, and how your use of your prepaid debit card or linked card account can be limited.
- Get access to cash at ATMs, point of sale* terminals, and at banks and credit unions where Visa is accepted.
- Use your card to pay bills.
* A point of sale is a business or place where a product or service can be purchased.
Link to Cardholder Agreement
2. What will I receive with my EDD Prepaid Debit card?
The following items are in your EDD Prepaid Debit Card welcome packet:
- EDD Prepaid Debit Card
- Instructions and information for activating and using your card
- Wallet-size Quick Reference Guide with customer service and fee schedule information
- California Employment Development Department Prepaid Debit Card Account Agreement
- Bank of America Privacy Policy
When you receive your card, carefully read all information to ensure proper activation and use of the card. We recommend you activate your card immediately.
3. Will my name appear on my EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
Yes, your name will appear on the EDD Prepaid Debit Card. The card is personalized in your name as the benefit payment recipient.
4. Can my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account be a joint ownership account?
No. All EDD Prepaid Debit Card accounts will be issued in your name only.
5. Can I use my EDD Prepaid Debit Card immediately?
Once the card is received you must call the Bank of America California Employment Development Department Prepaid Debit Card Service Center ("Service Center") toll-free at 1.866.692.9374 or go online at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard to activate the card and select your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Once activated, you may use your card.
6. How can I transfer my funds to my checking or savings account?
You may transfer your benefits to your checking or savings account by performing a one-time or recurring online funds transfer at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard or by calling the Service Center at 1.866.692.9374.There are limits on how much you can transfer. The limits may change, and limits in effect can be viewed online or you can ask about limits by calling the Service Center, unless we have security reasons not to disclose such limits.
Please Note: The Employment Development Department will not contact you under any circumstances to request personal bank account information. Any direct deposit transfer request must be initiated by you through Bank of America.
7. How can I check the current balance in my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
You can check your debit card balance 24 hours a day at no cost by using automated account information via the toll-free customer service number: 1.866.692.9374. You may also check your balance by doing a balance inquiry at an ATM, or online at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard. It is recommended you perform a balance inquiry before performing a transaction so you will know how much money is available in your EDD Prepaid Debit Card account.
Mobile text and e-mail alerts for daily balance and low balance are also available. Sign-up for alerts by logging in to your account and selecting Alert Settings and Alert Options under Profile.
8. What are the fees associated with using my account?
When you receive your welcome packet, thoroughly read your California Employment Development Department Prepaid Debit Card Account Agreement and Fee and Other Important Disclosures ("Fee Disclosure") to ensure you understand any transaction and service fees that may apply to your card.
We currently charge the following fees:
- International ATM withdrawals
- Emergency Cash Transfers
- International Transactions
Most fees can be avoided with careful use of your card. Most merchants do not charge a fee when you make a purchase. Many grocery stores also offer cash back without a fee when you make a purchase. You can get cash from ATMs and from tellers at banks and credit unions that accept Visa cards; however, while you will not be charged a fee by Bank of America, you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator, bank or credit union.
- Your Cardholder Agreement explains each of the ways you can spend this money, and how your use of your prepaid debit card or linked card account can be limited.
Link to Cardholder Agreement
You will not be charged a fee by Bank of America for the following:
- Cash-back with purchases at grocery stores, drug stores, and U.S. post office locations.
- ATM withdrawals at domestic ATMs.*
- Teller cash access at any bank or credit union that accepts Visa cards.
- Direct deposit transfers to a checking or savings account.
- Balance inquiries at ATMs* and online at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard
- Customer service inquiries.
- Card replacements.
*Non-Bank of America ATM owners may impose an additional "convenience fee" or "surcharge fee" for certain ATM transactions (a sign should be posted at the ATM to indicate additional fees); however, you will not be charged any additional convenience or surcharge fees at a Bank of America ATM which will prominently display the Bank of America name and logo.
9. What is a transaction fee?
A transaction fee is a fee that may be charged when making certain transactions, such as international ATM withdrawals or emergency cash transfers. A transaction fee may also be charged if you make an international transaction with your EDD Prepaid Debit Card. Please refer to your complete Fee Schedule in your Debit Card Account Agreement to ensure you understand any transaction fees that may apply to your card.
10. When are transaction fees charged?
Fees for prepaid debit card transactions are charged to your account on the day they occur. Please refer to your complete Fee Schedule in your Debit Card Account Agreement to ensure you understand any transaction fees that may apply to your card.
11. How do I use my EDD Prepaid Debit Card?
To use a card with only a magnetic stripe:
Purchases with a PIN:
1. Swipe your card.
2. Choose "debit." and enter your PIN.
3. If you want cash, select the amount and it will be added to your purchase if your balance is sufficient.
4. Take your card, cash (if applicable), and receipt.
To get cash or check your balance at an ATM:
1. Insert your card and enter your PIN.
2. Select "checking" to make a withdrawal or "checking" and "balance inquiry" to check your balance.
3. Enter amount you wish to withdraw.
4. Take your card, cash (if applicable), and receipt.
Purchases with a signature:
1. Present or swipe your card.
2. Choose "credit." (Please note that your EDD Prepaid Debit Card is not a credit card, and you will be able to use only the funds that are in your account.)
3. Sign, take your card, and receipt.
To use a chip-enabled card (new and replacement cards, only):
1. Insert your card, or if a terminal is not chip enabled, you can swipe your card.
2. Follow the prompts to complete the transaction. You may be asked to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or verify the transaction as you normally would. If you would like cash back from a Merchant, choose "debit" and enter your PIN, and the amount entered will be added to your purchase if your balance is sufficient. Otherwise, you may select "credit". (Please note that your EDD Prepaid Debit Card is not a credit card, and you will be able to use only the funds that are in your account.)
3. Remove your card from the terminal once your transaction is complete.
To get cash at a bank and credit union that accepts Visa cards:
1. Ask the teller for a "Visa Manual Cash Disbursement."
2. Present your card and say how much you want from your available balance. The teller should not charge you a fee for this service.Your cash withdrawal may be subject to certain restrictions set by us or the institution, including on the amount and frequency of transactions.
3. Take your card, cash, and receipt.
Transferring your money:
You may choose to transfer your benefits to a checking or savings account of your choice by setting up a one-time or recurring online funds transfer at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard or by calling the Service Center at 1.866.692.9374. There are limits on how much you can transfer. The limits may change, and limits in effect can be viewed online or you can ask about limits by calling the Service Center, unless we have security reasons not to disclose such limits.
12. Will my EDD Prepaid Debit Card affect my credit score?
No. The card is not associated with a credit line and will not show up on your credit report. Your EDD Prepaid Debit Card allows you to access your benefit payment funds out of your EDD Prepaid Debit Card account.
13. Can I get cash at a point of sale terminal?
Many merchants offer the ability to take up to a certain amount in cash back with a point of sale purchase. The amounts could vary by merchant, and usually are $20, $50, or $100.
14. How long do my benefit payments stay on my card?
Your card is valid through the expiration date shown on the front of your Card, which is three years from the date of issue. The funds in your Account do not expire.
15. How often are funds deposited on my card?
Benefit payments will be deposited into your account as instructed by EDD. If you have questions about the amount or frequency of your EDD benefits payments, please contact EDD at the following number(s):
- Disability Insurance 1.800.480.3287
- Paid Family Leave 1.877.238.4373
- Unemployment Insurance 1.800.300.5616
16. Is there a daily maximum I can take from my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
For security reasons, to avoid high risk activity or for other reasons, we sometimes put limits or restrictions on the amount, number, frequency, and/or type of transactions that you can make using your Account or Card, or on the merchants or terminals where you can use your Account or your Card, or on how you may use your Account or Card if the Card is swiped or inserted into a terminal or not. Most ATMs require that cash withdrawals be made in multiples of a dollar amount (e.g., $10 or $20). In addition, the maximum amount that may be withdrawn at an ATM in one transaction or over a period of time (e.g., daily) is limited, either by us or by the ATM operator. Many merchants limit the amount of cash that may be obtained in connection with a purchase transaction.
17. How do I keep track of my account transaction activity?
Your account transaction activity is available 24 hours a day at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard. You may also keep track of your prepaid debit card payments and balance information by downloading the Bank of America Prepaid Card app from any app store, or by calling toll-free Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service at 1.866.692.9374 for automated information on your recent deposits and transactions. Also, get notified immediately when you have a new deposit through the value load alert. Sign-up for alerts by logging in to your account and selecting Alert Settings and Alert Options under Profile.
If a monthly paper statement is desired, you may call Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service at 1.866.692.9374 and request statements at no charge.
18. Who should I call with questions about my EDD Prepaid Debit Card account?
The toll-free Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service number is 1.866.692.9374, 1.866.656.5913 TTY, or 423.262.1650 (Collect, when calling outside the U.S.) and is displayed on the back of your card, as well as on your Quick Reference Guide. You may also obtain account information online at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard.
19. Am I responsible for transactions that I did not make?
The Bank of America "Zero Liability" Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions if your card is lost or stolen. This Policy is subject to the terms and conditions in the California Employment Development Department Prepaid Debit Card Account Agreement. If you lose your card or someone uses your EDD Prepaid Debit Card without your permission, it is important that you contact the Service Center at 1.866.692.9374 as soon as you can to report the card lost or stolen, report any unauthorized transactions, and begin the error resolution or dispute process. The California Employment Development Department Prepaid Debit Card Account Agreement you received with your card provides specific instructions on the dispute process and the time frames that apply to the Bank of America "Zero Liability" Policy.
20. What are the Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Service Center hours?
For your convenience automated account information and dedicated customer service representatives are available 24 hours day, 7 days a week by calling 1.866.692.9374. You can also go online at www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard.
EDD Prepaid Debit Card automated account information options include:
- Activate your card
- Select or change your PIN
- Check account balance and recent transactions
- Check date/amount of last deposit
- Speak to a customer service representative
EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service representatives can help you with the above options, plus:
- Resolve a question about your account statement
- Process account history requests
- Assist with direct deposit funds transfer (s)
- File a claim for any unauthorized transactions on your account
- Process lost/stolen/damaged card reports
- Assist with questions about potentially suspicious activity on your account
- Request an emergency cash transfer
www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard options include:
- Card activation
- Balance inquiry
- Transaction history
- Direct deposit funds transfer
- Dispute Form/Affidavit
- ATM locator
- PIN change
- FAQs
21. Can I use my local Bank of America financial center for customer service on this account?
Financial centers can assist with teller cash withdrawal transactions from your EDD Prepaid Debit Card, but they do not have access to detailed account and balance information for the EDD Prepaid Debit Card. For all EDD Prepaid Debit Card service needs other than obtaining a cash withdrawal, visit www.bankofamerica.com/eddcard or call the toll-free Bank of America EDD Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service Center number at 1.866.692.9374.
22. How do I change my address on this account?
You must contact EDD to change your address on your Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, or Paid Family Leave claim. You may visit www.edd.ca.gov and click “Contact EDD” or call:
- Disability Insurance 1.800.480.3287
- Paid Family Leave 1.877.238.4373
- Unemployment Insurance 1.800.300.5616
EDD will notify Bank of America of the change.The EDD sends us updated addresses nightly, Sunday through Friday.
Please Note: The EDD will NOT, under any circumstances, request your personal bank account information.
23. What time of day can I withdraw or make purchases with my payment?
You can access the funds in your account 24 hours a day. Funds from the EDD are available for your use no later than the day we receive full and final credit for the funds from the EDD, according to the schedule agreed to by us with the EDD.
24. Are there any transactions that I can make with my card that will cause a “hold” on my funds?
Since your EDD Prepaid Debit Card functions just like a debit card, there are certain types of common transactions which may involve placing a "hold" of an estimated amount of final payment on your account to make sure you have enough money to pay the bill. For example, if you are paying at the pump at a gas station there may be a "hold" of up to $75 placed on your account; consider instead paying inside with the cashier and signing the receipt so that no "hold" will be placed on your card. In addition, hotels, auto rental, and restaurant merchants may place a "hold" on your account for the amount of your estimated bill until final settlement of the transaction, making these funds unavailable for other purchases. These holds may take a week to remove, so keep that in mind when making these types of transactions. Remember to always check your available balance before making a transaction.
25. If my purchase is greater than the available balance on my card, can I apply the balance toward the purchase?
If you wish to use your card to make a transaction that is greater than the then-current balance in your account, you must tell the merchant before completing the transaction. The merchant will require payment for the excess amount by cash or some other payment method.
26. How do I sign up for mobile text and e-mail alerts?
Using mobile text or e-mail alerts can help you stay informed about activity on your EDD Prepaid Debit Card. Receive email and mobile alerts anytime, anywhere.
It’s easy to manage alerts. Log in to your account online and activate the alerts you’d like to receive. Select Alert Settings under Profile to add your mobile phone number or e-mail address. Select Alert Options under Profile to choose the mobile text and e-mail alerts you want to receive.
- Choose to get notified as soon as you’ve received a new deposit. No need to call to find out if the deposit has hit your account. Activate ‘value load alert’.
- Choose to receive a low balance alert based on a specified dollar amount. Avoid being declined for insufficient funds. Activate ‘low balance alert’.
- Choose to receive an unusual activity alert to be notified when there are suspicious activities on your account.
Bank of America does not charge for mobile text alerts. However, your mobile service provider may charge for receiving text messages on your mobile phone. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges that may apply.
You are responsible for all charges and fees associated with usage of email or text messages imposed by your Internet, wireless, or cellular service provider(s).