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Social Security Debit Cards Are Changing: What Direct Express Users Should Do Now

Money Brief / Social Security

Social Security Debit Cards Are Changing: What Direct Express Users Should Do Now

Direct Express is moving from Comerica to Fifth Third. Here is what Social Security and other federal benefit recipients should do now to avoid payment confusion and scams.

last updated: June 27, 2026
Published by: Beelinger Editorial Team
Topic: Federal Benefits
Focus: Direct Express Cards
Editorial note: This article is for general education only. It is not financial, legal, tax, or government benefits advice. Always verify benefit-card instructions through official sources.

Quick Take

Direct Express debit cards are changing financial agents, but current cardholders do not need to rush, pay a fee, or give personal information to anyone who contacts them unexpectedly.

The most important move is simple: keep using your current Comerica-issued card until Direct Express sends official instructions and a new Fifth Third card.

Table of Contents
  1. What Happened
  2. Who Is Affected
  3. Why This Matters for Your Money
  4. What to Do Now
  5. Mistakes to Avoid
  6. Beelinger Takeaway
  7. FAQ
  8. Sources

What Happened

The U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service selected Fifth Third Bank as the new financial agent for the Direct Express prepaid debit card program, according to the Social Security Administration.[1] New Direct Express card enrollments with Fifth Third began in May 2026, while existing cardholder transitions are expected to begin later this year or early next year.

Direct Express says people who already have a Comerica-issued card can keep using it until they receive a new Fifth Third card, and existing Comerica cardholders should continue using their current app until further notice, according to the Direct Express website.[2] Fifth Third said Direct Express serves about 3.4 million people who receive monthly federal benefits by prepaid debit card, many of whom do not have a bank account, in its program announcement.[3]

Who Is Affected

This affects people who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, veterans benefits or other federal benefits on a Direct Express card.

The biggest group to pay attention is existing cardholders with Comerica-issued cards. For now, they should keep using their current card, current app and the phone number on the back of the card unless Direct Express sends official instructions.

Why This Matters for Your Money

A benefit card transition can create confusion, and confusion is exactly what scammers look for.

Direct Express warns that it will never ask for your card number, password, PIN or security code, and says Fifth Third, Comerica and Mastercard will not ask for that information either, according to Direct Express security guidance.[2] The FTC also warns that government imposters may claim you will lose a benefit unless you immediately provide money or personal information.[4]

What to Do Now

1. Keep Using Your Current Card

Keep using your current Comerica Direct Express card until you receive official instructions and a new Fifth Third card.

2. Update Your Contact Information

Make sure your mailing address and contact information are current with the agency that pays your benefit. SSA specifically says beneficiaries should keep contact information up to date so they receive transition notices, according to the SSA Direct Express update.[1]

3. Verify Before You Act

If someone calls, texts or emails asking you to “activate” a new card before it arrives, pause. Use only the number on the back of your card or the official Direct Express site.

Mistakes to Avoid

Do not throw away your current card too early. Do not download a new app just because a text message tells you to. Do not share your PIN, card number, security code, Social Security number or login information with someone who contacts you first.

Also avoid paying any “transition,” “activation” or “benefit protection” fee. That is a red flag.

Beelinger Takeaway

Direct Express users should treat this as a real change, but not an emergency. Keep using your current card, watch for official mail, update your contact information and verify any request through the number on your card.

Bottom line: Do not rush, do not pay a fee, and do not share personal card information with anyone who contacts you first.

FAQ

Will my Comerica Direct Express card stop working right away?

No. Direct Express says existing cardholders can keep using their Comerica-issued card until they receive a new Fifth Third card.

Do I need to enroll again?

Current cardholders should wait for official transition instructions. New enrollments began going to Fifth Third in May 2026.

How can I avoid scams during the switch?

Do not share your PIN, card number, password or security code. Contact Direct Express using the number on your card if anything seems suspicious.

Protect Your Benefit Payments

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Sources


  1. Social Security Administration: Direct Express Program Transitions to a New Financial Agent

  2. Direct Express: Manage Your Federal Benefits

  3. Fifth Third Bank: Fifth Third to Manage Direct Express Federal Benefits Program

  4. Federal Trade Commission: How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam

This article is for general education only and should not be treated as financial, legal, tax, or government benefits advice. For questions about your specific benefit payment, contact the agency that pays your benefit or Direct Express using official contact information.

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