Direct Express Card Not Working [Why and How To Fix]


If you are here to learn a little about reasons associated with the Direct Express Card not working or wondering what number to call or what details are needed to fix your card to be able to use your Direct Express Card to the best extent possible, then perfect! You have found the right article.

In this article, I’m going to give you all the Direct Express facts that you need to know about your card so that I can help you out with using your card and benefiting the most.

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Why Is My Direct Express Card Not Working?

Insufficient Funds 

Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account since this is one of the most common reasons why Direct Express cards get declined. Since Direct Express MasterCard is a debit card, it’s not possible to overdraft the account. 

You can use your Direct Express card only as long as you have funds to cover your payment. If you have enough funds, debit cards can still be declined even with enough money. 

Simple Checks

  • Verify you have money
  • Use the right personal identification number (PIN)
  • Make sure that the card has been activated. 

Fraudulent or Suspicious Activity

Your card type may not be accepted or may have been flagged for fraudulent or suspicious activity because of multiple attempts to use your Card to make a purchase.

Direct Express Website Down 

The Direct Express server could possibly be down. You can download the mobile app available for Android, iPad, or iPhone, or use your personal computer to check whether the Usdirectexpress.com server is down right now or having outage problems for everyone or just for you.  

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Expired Card

The other possible reason why your Direct Express Card is not working is when the card is expired. A good thing to do is order a new card before it expires, of course. Call customer service to get a replacement card mailed to you, and when you receive the new Card, call to activate the new Card.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Suspicious Transactions

Multiple failed attempts to use the card to withdraw money at an ATM.

For example, if you have entered your ATM pin wrong in multiple attempts, then the card gets automatically blocked.

That’s because Direct Express may think there is an attempt at committing fraud with your card.

As a result, your card may be blocked temporarily or in some cases permanently.

You will have to call customer service to have them unblock your card.

Take Steps To Protect Your Direct Express Card From Unauthorized Use

Always protect your personal information and your card.

Don’t give out your card number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), or security code to anyone. This is because Direct Express Customer Service will not contact you to ask for this personal information so if anyone calls you, emails you, or texts messages you to ask you, you will know it’s someone trying to scam you.

If this has happened to you or does happen to you, then inform Direct Express customer service immediately by calling 

1-888-741-1115 (toll-free)

RELATED:

  • Learn all the info on what to do when your Direct Express card is lost.
  • Discover all the facts about how Direct Express’s Emergency Cash program works.
  • All you need to know about Direct Express Routing Number.
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How To Fix The Problem And Get Your Direct Express Card Working

If your card is associated with any of the above reasons detailed in this article, then your Direct Express card could be locked. It will remain locked until you speak with someone in Customer Service and answer questions for them to unblock your Card if this is why it doesn’t work. 

Make sure you find out asap, so you are not required to be issued a new card. If your card has been canceled, and even though this seems like a hassle to wait up to two weeks to receive a new replacement card, remember this was done to protect your funds in your account.

Unfortunately, you cannot unlock your Direct Express card online. If your Card does not work for whatever reason or has been locked; you will need to call Direct Express customer service at

Customer Service: 1-888-741-1115

Hearing-impaired: 1-866-569-0447

Internationally 1 (765) 778-6290 (collect) to unblock your card.

(To avoid this problem Internationally, it is advisable to inform Direct Express in advance that you will be using your card abroad).

All numbers above are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Your identity will then be verified by Customer service before they unlock your Card. Then you can once again use your Direct Express card immediately.

Get A Replacement Card

You will need to call Customer Service to get a replacement card because Direct Express won’t allow this to be done online. So make a report with Customer Service by calling them at

  • Customer Service: 1-888-741-1115 or 1-866-606-3311
  • Hearing-impaired: 1-866-569-0447
  • International:         1-765-778-6290 (Collect)
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When you reach Customer service, they will verify your identity, they will then proceed to cancel your current card and finally, they can send you a new replacement card. 

When your new Direct Express card has arrived in the mail then, call the Customer Service Department for Direct Express to activate your new card. Look on the back of your Direct Express card and you can also find the phone number.

Any funds from your old card will be put on your new replacement card.

How To Cancel Card

If you don’t like your card, you can close your account at no charge by simply calling 1 (888) 741-1115, and customer service will assist you.

And it is recommended to enroll in the direct deposit program for future payments if you decide to close your account by simply 

  • calling 1 (800) 772-1213 and the Treasury’s GoDirect Hotline will assist you
  • or by the Treasury’s internet website at  www.godirect.org   
  • Or by the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov 
  • You can also sign up at your local bank or credit union.