Stimulus by debit card?

Has anyone received your stimulus as a pre paid debit card?  Is it real, or a scam?   I'm leery.  Thanks.

According to the IRS website, people receive their stimulus payments one of two ways: direct deposit to a bank account designated by the recipient or already used for government payments, such as SSI, or via paper check.

I was curious why the government didn't deploy the debit card option for those who don't have a bank account and might have trouble cashing a check (homeless people, for example). Turns out that that would be against the law--hiring a private bank to perform a federal disbursement function. It's obscure, but is a major reason why the feds have never paid benefits via debit card.

That doesn't seem to be true for the states. Oregon, for example, pays the first week of UI via US Bank debit card.

I was under the impression I would receive a paper check.  Not sure why it couldn't have been direct deposit to my bank since I have other govt. payments auto direct deposit.  In fact I went to that "where is my stimulus" web site, put in my info, and the reply was that I qualified for a stimulus, and a "check with a letter of explanation" would be mailed on 5/22.  So today, May 26 comes in my mail this debit card, making the timing right.  The card is issued by private banks, and there are fees associated with withdrawals if your bank, ATM, merchant, etc., is not tied in with these institutions, which makes me suspicious.  It gives the usual direction to "activate" the card by calling a number, etc. like when you open a new credit card, web sites etc.  I'm going to take this to my bank (if they are open) and see what they say.

Actually, in theory it could be easier on the Fed, as you say, Kevin, to use this debit card method, easier for folks who don't have a bank, etc.  But it just strikes me wrong, especially about the fees.

An, Oh, Kevin, I so wanted one of those checks with Trump's picture on it!  LOL   LOL.  Calm down...just kidding!

I also got a gummint check when I expected to get direct deposit. So did my nephew, even though he gets disability via direct deposit. Seems bizarre that they would choose the slower and more expensive method.

That debit card stuff sure seems fishy. As for the letter, you're supposed to get a letter confirming that the payment was sent (however you got it) fifteen days later. I think that's supposed to be an additional safeguard against fraud.

Let us know what happens when you talk to your bank. I just can't see these disbursements being tied to possible bank fees---I mean, what an insane windfall for whatever bank or banks were enlisted to do that! Not that I consider it beyond the realm of possibility that some bank paid Trump or the GOP for the privilege.

And about the orange ape's signature---my bank had a sign up that said there would be a $50 surcharge to deposit any item with Trump's name on it. Fortunately, I had my Trump magic marker handy.

My stimulus "check" went straight into my checking account. Here in Texas we know how to do things correctly. Maybe someday the rest of the nation will catch up.

Since the stimulus payments are federal, whatever method they're received by has nothing to do with the policies of any given state. People in Texas were mailed physical checks OR paid by direct deposit. That's true of every state.

 " That's true of every state." Really? So are you calling Candy a liar?

You're starting to not make any sense, Stalker. Take your meds and lie down.

David Miller, I did get a state tax refund, and it was directly deposited into my bank account, no fanfare.  All stimulus, or "Economic Impact Payment" money came from the Fed, regardless of method of transit.  States had nothing to do with that.  Unemployment checks?  Yes, maybe state.  But not the one I'm complaining about.

Kevin, I have sent an inquiry to my congressional guy.  Very detailed, including my concerns.  He is good to reply quickly and I will share.

Candy, Stalker may be confusing--or conflating--regular unemployment insurance (states)  and the federal $1200 stimulus. Similarly, Pandemic Unemployment Insurance is being federally administered. 

It's still a work in progress here in Oregon, but they're saying the PUA should start flowing in two weeks. They have said that it will be sent by either check or debit card for the first week, and after that, direct deposit whenever possible.