| Payment Options: Direct Deposit or ReliaCard Visa |
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You have the option of receiving benefits by ReliaCard or applying for Direct Deposit.
If you do not apply for direct deposit to your own bank by the time the first payment is issued on the claim, you will automatically be enrolled for a ReliaCard Visa debit account.
Electronic deposit ensures prompt payment of benefits to eligible unemployed workers.
When you are issued unemployment insurance payments, the payments are automatically deposited to your account. It normally takes two business days for a payment to be available in your bank or ReliaCard account. A payment issued Monday evening should be available Wednesday morning. Federal and banking holidays will delay payment receipt.
Your First Payment
For most new claims, the first payment is made by check. All subsequent payments will be issued electronically, either by direct deposit or ReliaCard (ORS 657.150).
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| Option 1. Direct Deposit |
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With Direct Deposit, we electronically transfer your weekly benefit payment into your checking or savings account at your bank, credit union or savings and loan. Your financial institution does not have to be in Oregon. There is no fee for direct deposit, and you can apply for direct deposit at any time during the life of your claim.
You can apply by completing the online application or the Authorization for Direct Deposit Form (.pdf). This form is also found in the Claimant Handbook, mailed to you at the time we process your initial claim. Mail or fax the completed form to the address listed on the form. After processing, we are permitted to pay your benefits by direct deposit. When applying by paper, attach a voided personal check to the authorization form if you want your payment deposited in a checking account. The voided check ensures the account number and the financial institution’s routing numbers are correct. To use a savings account, enter your savings account number, bank routing number and attach a voided deposit slip. You will be paid by paper check until direct deposit begins after a verification period (approximately one week).
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| Option 2. Prepaid ReliaCard Visa Debit Account |
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ReliaCard Customer Service: 1-866-276-5114
Unemployment insurance payments will be issued through U.S. Bank® Visa® debit cards unless you apply for direct deposit to your own bank account.
Watch the Mail:
The card should arrive in a plain white envelope with a Fargo, ND return address in 7 to 10 days. Do not throw away the card, even if you apply for direct deposit. In the event your direct deposit fails, we will automatically resume payments by ReliaCard.
Activate the Card:
You must call the toll-free number on the back of the card to activate the account and select a PIN before using the card.
Start Using Your Card:
Future unemployment insurance benefits will be loaded to the card automatically unless you apply for direct deposit to your own bank account. You can use the money on the card to make purchases and get cash.
*Note: The U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa is issued by U.S. Bank, N.A. Refer to the cardholder agreement that comes with your card for specific details. *ATM Network owners may charge a fee. Additional ATM fees may apply according to the agreement sent with the card.
There are No Fees for the Following:
- The first two ATM cash withdrawals each month at any U.S. Bank ATM or any VISA/PLUS-branded ATM in the United States.
- The first two teller cash transactions per month, at any participating financial institution that accepts VISA at their teller window.
- Purchases from merchants who accept Visa debit cards (look for the Visa logo).
- Cash back with purchase from Interlink® Merchants who accept Visa debit cards.
- Replacement of lost cards.
- Monthly statements - on line and paper.
- ATM balance inquiries.
- Customer services inquiries.
Transaction Fees Apply for the Following:
- The third or more ATM, or, third or more teller withdrawal per month.
- Rush delivery of a replacement card is $15. The card arrives in 2-3 business days. Standard card replacement (3-5 days) is free.
- Inactivity fees of $2 per month are assessed if the account is inactive for 360 days (no purchases, transactions, withdrawals or balance inquiries) and continue until the account balance reaches $0 or until the account becomes active again.
- Effective August 15, 2010, federal law requires financial institutions to require consumers to confirm their intent to opt into overdraft coverage associated with ATM or point-of-sale card transactions. If you have opted into overdraft coverage, U.S. Bank can allow a transaction to occur without sufficient funds on your account. You will be charged $17.00 fee for overdraft protection. If you decline overdraft coverage or do not respond, U.S. Bank will not authorize ATM or prepaid card transactions if there are not sufficient funds in your account. Simply put, you will be denied at the time of the transaction and not charged an overdraft fee.
- As with all traditional bank customers, if you use an ATM that is owned by other than your own bank, or in this case the card issuing bank, you may be charged a fee that the card issuing bank has no control over. Such fees could be for withdrawal requests, balance inquiries, etc. and are at the exclusive control of the ATM owner.
Is there a fee for using this card to purchase goods at a store?
No. These transactions are called Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions. When using the ReliaCard Visa to make purchases, there is no fee associated with it. It works like a debit card, except it is paying the merchant from the amount stored on your card. You can request cash back without paying a fee at participating Interlink merchants such as grocery and discount stores.
Must I have a PIN to use the card?
No PIN is needed to make Point-of-Sale (POS) signature-based purchases, but you may need to show ID. You must use a PIN for cash withdrawals at ATMs. You choose your own PIN when you receive your card. For security reasons, it is important that you pick a PIN that only you would know. Do not share your PIN or the card with anyone. You should never write your PIN on your card. If you forget your PIN, call ReliaCard customer service; the Oregon Employment Department does not have access to your PIN.
Can State agencies view or track my transactions?
No. For privacy reasons, U.S. Bank does not share card account numbers or transaction details. However, for reconciliation purposes, the Employment Department does have access to the amount and date of deposits to individual accounts.
Must I go to a U.S. Bank ATM or U.S. Bank branch to get cash?
No. You can obtain cash from any Visa/PLUS branded ATMs throughout the world, or over the counter at any bank or credit union that accepts Visa. You can also get cash back on purchases made at Interlink merchants throughout the United States, such as grocery and discount stores.
What happens if the card is lost or stolen?
Call ReliaCard Visa customer service to report a lost or stolen card. A new card will be issued. If you report the missing card immediately and have not compromised your PIN, you will not be responsible for any confirmed fraudulent activity that occurs on your card.
What if I decide to switch from ReliaCard Visa to direct deposit to a checking/savings account?
Simply submit the direct deposit authorization that is included in your Claimant Handbook or complete the Authorization for Direct Deposit online to request payments be directed to your financial institution.
When using an ATM to withdraw funds, which selection (checking, savings, or credit card) do I choose?
You should select "checking" when making a withdrawal at an ATM.
Will I be able to add other funds to my card, in addition to what Employment Department puts on it?
No. Only the Employment Department can deposit funds to the card.
Will I earn interest on the funds in my ReliaCard Visa account?
No. The account does not earn interest.
Will I receive a monthly paper statement in the mail?
Yes, by request only. Statements and transaction history are posted online at www.reliacard.com. US Bank will not issue paper statements unless you specifically request to receive them. If you want paper statements please contact ReliaCard Visa customer service.
What if I have a change in address?
The Employment Department will not forward address changes to the Bank. Contact both the Employment Department and ReliaCard customer service to update your address.
Can I view my account online?
Yes. View your account activity online at www.reliacard.com, a secure web site.
You can perform the following functions online:
- Change your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- Perform a balance inquiry . View your current month's transactions.
- View previous statements for the last 12 months.
Can someone other than the person whose name is on it use the card?
For security reasons, you should never share your PIN or allow anyone else to use your card.
Can I use the card to build a credit history?
No. The card does not help establish credit history as no credit check is required to receive the card or tied to a credit-line.
What services does ReliaCard Visa 24-hour customer service provide?
You can perform the following services by calling ReliaCard Visa customer service:
- Choose/Change your PIN.
- Perform a balance inquiry.
- Review recent transaction history, including deposits.
- Report card lost or stolen and have it reissued.
- Speak directly to a representative if additional assistance is needed.
Can I contact my local bank or the local U.S. Bank for customer service on my ReliaCard Visa account?
No. You must direct all of your ReliaCard Visa questions to the toll-free customer service line. You may also utilize the web site www.reliacard.com for inquiries.
Can I request a second card for another individual such as a family member?
No. Only the person approved for unemployment compensation benefit payments will receive a card.
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