Is the MetaBank card legitimate?
Olivia Hensley
Updated on February 20, 2026
13News consulted with the IRS and Metabank, which is the U.S. Treasury Department's financial agent, and they verified the cards are legitimate. INDIANAPOLIS — Last year's first round of stimulus payments involved money directly deposited into bank accounts or actual checks sent to millions of people.
Why is MetaBank sending me a card?
The cards, issued by the Treasury's financial agent, MetaBank, were sent to 4 million Americans in an effort to speed up the process of getting out the payments. The delivery caught a lot of people by surprise, resulting in skepticism about the legitimacy of the payment.Is the stimulus card from MetaBank?
The IRS refers to the stimulus payment as an “economic impact payment” or EIP, so look for that wording. The debit card has the Visa logo on the front, and the issuing bank is MetaBank, the Treasury Department's financial agent.What kind of card is MetaBank?
6Visa prepaid cards and prepaid MasterCard cards are issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC. Pursuant to a license by Visa U.S.A. Inc. and MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.Why did I get a debit card for my stimulus?
People who receive debit cards or paper checks are those who didn't provide bank information on their 2019 or 2020 tax returns in order to get a refund or didn't register through the IRS nonfilers tool by November 21.Metabank is a joke
Does everyone get an EIP card?
EIP Cards are being issued to eligible recipients across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Residents of the western part of the United States are generally more likely to receive an EIP Card.How does the stimulus debit card look like?
The envelope should be white with a U.S. Treasury logo. Visible on the envelope will be the phrase 'important information about your Economic Impact Payment. ' The debit card should have a VISA logo on the front, and a MetaBank label on the back. MetaBank is the Treasury's "Financial Agent," according to the IRS.Why did I get a prepaid card in the mail?
If you get a prepaid debit card in the mail, it may be your stimulus payment, not a scam. Debit cards are being used to distribute federal stimulus money, but are being mistaken for junk mail or a scam.Why did I receive a money network card?
It's your Coronavirus stimulus payment. In lieu of a paper check for the Coronavirus stimulus payment, the government has sent some citizens prepaid debit cards. But many are mistaking the envelopes for junk mail.Where can I use a MetaBank card?
The Card is a Visa Gift Card that can be used to purchase merchandise and services anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the United States. It is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. It cannot be used at ATMs or at merchants requiring a manual card imprint.How much money is on my EIP card?
The Economic Impact Payments are worth up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, plus $500 for eligible dependents.How do I know if I get an EIP card?
The EIP Card was sent in a white envelope with a return address of “Economic Impact Payment Card,” and displays the U.S. Department of the Treasury Seal. The card has the Visa name on the front and the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. on the back.Why did I get a go2 card in the mail?
You were specially selected to receive a GO2bank offer because you're a prior customer OR you opted in to receive marketing from one of our trusted third-party partners.What to do if you receive a debit card that you didn't apply for?
Inform the representative who you speak to that:
- you believe the company sent you the unsolicited card in violation of the law.
- you don't want the card.
- the company must cancel the account, and.
- it must provide you with written evidence that it did not—and will not—report the account to any credit reporting agency.