Defend Your Dollars

CU comments to the proposed Department of Treasury’s Interim Rule allowing federal payments to be deposited onto prepaid cards

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:45:29 -0800

Public Benefits and Wages on Prepaid Cards: Better Protections Needed Now

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:11:14 -0800

Consumers Union and National Consumer Law Center call for better consumer choices and protections against high fees associated with government- and employer-issued prepaid cards

Treasury Announces Low-Cost Prepaid Card for Tax Refunds

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:50 -0800

This year, some consumers who do not have direct deposit will be offered a prepaid card as an alternative method of receiving tax returns. Here's what you need to know about the card.

Feds propose end to checks for benefit recipients

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:00:28 -0800

CU urges Feds to let consumers continue receiving benefits by check and to improve electronic payment options

CU comment on “end of checks” proposed rule

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:59:50 -0800

Comment on Treasury proposal to amend 31 CFR Part 208.

The end of SS, SSI, VA checks is NOT yet a done deal!

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:44:34 -0800

The Department of Treasury has proposed to end federal payments by check beginning March 2011 for new recipients and March 2013 for existing beneficiaries--substituting direct deposit or deposit onto prepaid cards.

Comments to Treasury’s proposal to change the types of accounts into which federal payments can be directly deposited

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:46:13 -0800

Senate debate on financial reform heats up

Wed, 05 May 2010 11:50:48 -0800

Now that the Senate floor debate on financial reform has started in earnest, supporters are ofering a number of amendments to strengthen the bill so that it better protects consumers from unsafe financial products and creates new rules to stop banks from getting so big that they could threaten the financial system.

New Rip-offs

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:11:58 -0800

Have you been ripped off by unfair lending or financial practices?

California Unemployment Insurance Card

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:05:37 -0800

Government agencies are issuing payments on plastic cards that resemble and act like debit cards. Consumers should have access to their funds without bearing additional cost and have strong protections against fraud and loss.

Relief for Unemployment Debit Card Users Coming Soon?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:08:15 -0800

We hope more relief will come to people who are relying on unemployment benefits, especially those using unemployment debit cards. The U.S. Department of Labor has spoken…at least on unemployment insurance debit cards. The DOL guidelines lay out the following recommendations to states:

Banks should provide CA EBT clients with surcharge free ATM access

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:06:16 -0800

Group letters sent to BofA, Chase and Wells Fargo

Gift Cards

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:50:53 -0800

Do you have gift cards you can no longer use?

Government Issued Cards

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:10:28 -0800

State and federal government agencies are disbursing benefits onto prepaid cards, such as unemployment benefits, child support and social security benefits. While these cards may be more cost effective to issue, many consumers are being crushed by high fees at a time when they need every penny the most.

Tips for Consumers Using Unemployment Cards

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:24:10 -0800

If you are obtaining your unemployment insurance benefits through a state issued prepaid debit card, here are some tips.