Stimulus payments may come via prepaid debit card, Better Business Bureau says

(WPMI) — Economic impact payments may come in the mail in the form of a prepaid debit card, the Better Business Bureau of Central and South Alabama says.

The BBB said they've received dozens of calls from consumers asking if these cards are authentic. The BBB released a statement Wednesday saying not to mistake the mailed prepaid card for a scam.

"The Treasury Department and IRS have started the delivery of millions of Americans' Economic Impact Payments, with this batch of funds being provided via mailed prepaid debit cards...The cards will be sent from Money Network Cardholder Services and come in a standard envelope with no government markings or identifiers, which has confused some consumers. BBB has received dozens of calls from consumers seeking assistance in determining the authenticity of the mailing," the statement from the BBB said.

The cards are issued by MetaBank N.A., which the BBB says has been the Treasury's financial agent since 2016. Recipients will have to activate the card and set a PIN, which can be done by calling 1-800-240-8100.

The BBB said purchases can be made with the card anywhere Visa is accepted. Features include surcharge-free cash withdrawals at in-network ATMs, cash back at the register with PIN debit purchases and the option to transfer funds to a personal bank account by ACH transfer. All of those features incur no cost or fees, according to the BBB.

An ATM locator is available on the EIP website. You can check your balance on the EIP website or by calling their 1-800 numbers found here.

"Certain use of the card could result in a fee. Out of network ATM withdrawals have no fee for the first withdrawal but incur a $2.00 fee for each subsequent out of network withdrawal. International ATM withdrawals incur a $3.00 fee. There is a $7.50 fee for lost or stolen card replacement. You also have the option of over the counter cash withdrawal from banks. The first over the counter withdrawal incurs no fee, but all subsequent withdrawals incur a $5.00 charge. There are transaction limits on the EIP cards including $1,000 per transaction and per day on ATM withdrawals, and $2,500 per transaction and per day on point of sale purchases," the BBB said.

If you haven't received your Economic Impact Payment, you can track your funds through the IRS using their Get My Payment tracker.