Tired of Direct Express fees and limitations? Switching to a regular bank account is straightforward, and you might even get your benefits earlier. Here's how to make the switch.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Why people switch from Direct Express
- How to switch step by step
- What to do with your Direct Express card
- Timeline for the switch
- Best bank alternatives
Why People Switch from Direct Express
Common complaints about Direct Express:
- ATM fees add up
- Limited free ATM locations
- Customer service issues
- No early direct deposit
- Can't write checks
- Limited online features
Benefits of switching to a bank:
- More ATM access
- Early direct deposit options
- Full banking features
- Better customer service
- Mobile check deposit
- Bill pay features
How to Switch Step by Step
Step 1: Open a new bank account
- Choose a bank that fits your needs
- Complete the application
- Get your account and routing numbers
- Don't close Direct Express yet
Step 2: Update your direct deposit with SSA
Online (fastest):
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Sign in to my Social Security
- Select "Change Direct Deposit"
- Enter new bank routing number
- Enter new bank account number
- Select account type (checking/savings)
- Confirm and submit
By phone:
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- Tell them you want to change direct deposit
- Provide new bank information
- Verify the change
In person:
- Visit local Social Security office
- Bring ID and new bank information
- Complete direct deposit form
- Get confirmation
Step 3: Wait for confirmation
- Change takes 1-2 payment cycles
- Keep Direct Express active until then
- Watch for first deposit in new account
Step 4: Empty and close Direct Express
- Wait until benefits deposit in new account
- Transfer remaining balance
- Call Direct Express to close (optional)
- Or simply stop using it
What Happens to Your Direct Express Card
After switching:
- Benefits will stop loading to it
- Any remaining balance stays available
- Card doesn't expire immediately
- Can keep it as backup
To close the account:
- Call Direct Express: 1-888-741-1123
- Transfer any remaining balance first
- Request account closure
- Cut up the card
If you don't close it:
- Card stays open but inactive
- No fees for zero balance
- Can reactivate later if needed
- Eventually expires
Timeline for the Switch
Typical timeline:
- Day 1: Open new bank account
- Day 1-3: Change direct deposit with SSA
- 1-2 months: First deposit arrives at new bank
- After confirmation: Close Direct Express
During the transition:
- Keep Direct Express active
- Monitor both accounts
- Don't spend all Direct Express balance
- Be patient—changes take time
If first deposit doesn't arrive:
- Verify change was processed
- Call SSA to confirm
- Check both accounts
- Request investigation if needed
Best Bank Alternatives
Look for these features:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No minimum balance
- Early direct deposit
- Free ATM network
- Mobile banking app
Purple advantages:
- Get benefits up to 4 days early
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance
- 55,000+ free ATMs
- Designed for benefit recipients
Other options:
- Credit unions
- Online banks
- Community banks
- Look for accounts for seniors/disabled
Things to Know Before Switching
You can switch anytime:
- No penalty for leaving Direct Express
- No approval needed
- Your choice of bank
- Benefits continue uninterrupted
One account at a time:
- SSA deposits to one account only
- Can't split between accounts
- Choose your primary account
- Can transfer after deposit
Keep receiving benefits:
- Benefits don't stop during switch
- One payment might come to old account
- Then switches to new
- No gap in payments
Common Questions
Will I lose benefits if I switch? No. Your benefits continue—they just go to a different account.
Can SSA deny my bank choice? No. You can use any legitimate bank account.
How do I know the switch worked? Check my Social Security online or call SSA to verify new account is on file.
What if I change my mind? You can switch again anytime using the same process.
How Purple Helps
Purple makes switching from Direct Express easy:
- Open an account in minutes
- Get routing and account numbers immediately
- Benefits arrive up to 4 days early
- No fees like Direct Express
- Better customer service
- Full mobile banking
Stop waiting in line for Direct Express ATMs. Switch to Purple and get your benefits sooner.