Millions of Social Security recipients will receive new debit cards: What you need to know

Millions of Social Security recipients who receive their monthly benefits through Direct Express prepaid debit cards are beginning to see changes as the federal government transitions the program to a new banking partner.

The change affects approximately 3.6 million beneficiaries who use Direct Express cards to receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other federal benefit payments. Most beneficiaries who receive their payments through direct deposit into a bank account will not be affected.

The Social Security Administration announced that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service has selected Fifth Third Bank as the new financial agent for the Direct Express program, replacing Comerica Bank. New enrollments with the program began transitioning to Fifth Third in May. Existing cardholders will begin receiving replacement cards later this year, continuing into early 2027.

According to the SSA, beneficiaries currently using Comerica-issued Direct Express cards should continue using those cards until they receive instructions and a replacement card from Fifth Third Bank. Benefit payment amounts and payment schedules will not change as part of the transition.

New enrollees in the Direct Express program are already receiving cards issued by Fifth Third Bank. Existing users will receive advance notice before their new cards are mailed. Federal officials are urging recipients to make sure their mailing address and contact information are up to date to avoid delays in receiving important communications.

The Direct Express program provides an alternative to traditional bank accounts by allowing federal benefit recipients to access their monthly payments through a prepaid debit card. The cards can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including retail stores, ATMs and online merchants.

In addition to receiving a new card, beneficiaries transitioning to Fifth Third Bank will have access to a new Direct Express mobile app that can be used to activate cards and manage accounts. Current Comerica cardholders can continue using existing services until their accounts are migrated.

Officials are also warning recipients to remain alert for potential scams during the transition. Beneficiaries should only respond to official communications from the Social Security Administration, the Treasury Department or Direct Express and should never provide personal information to unsolicited callers or messages.

The transition comes as the federal government continues efforts to move benefit payments to electronic methods. The Social Security Administration recently reiterated that electronic payments are faster and more secure than paper checks, which are significantly more likely to be lost, stolen or delayed.

For more information about the Direct Express transition, beneficiaries can visit the Social Security Administration at SSA.gov or the Direct Express program website at Direct Express.

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