North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Guide
If you have a North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card (North Carolina Bank of America Debit Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.
This post will cover:
- What is the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card?
- Benefits of North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card
- How the Unemployment Debit Card Works
- Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
- North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Login
- How Do I check my North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
- Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
- North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
What is the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card?
The North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card is used by the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) to pay unemployment benefits.
It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.
If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in North Carolina, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.
You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.
Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.
You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.
The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.
Benefits of North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card
There are several benefits to receiving your North Carolina Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.
Here are the key benefits of the North Carolina DES Bank of America Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:
Benefits of the card include:
- Get your money sooner.
- Use it everywhere VISA is accepted (in stores, online, and by phone).
- Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
- Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
- Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
- Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.
How the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Works
Here’s how the cards will work:
Once you select to receive your payments on the North Carolina DES Debit Card, Bank of America will create an account in your name.
After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
You should receive the card within 7-10 days.
Whenever you are due to receive your North Carolina Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.
It is important to note that the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.
Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.
How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?
If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.
The card will not be forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, you need to call the DES and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.
How to Activate the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card
If you have received the North Carolina Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:
Option 1: Activate your card Online.
You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America North Carolina Unemployment Benefit debit card website.
Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.
Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.
Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.
For security reasons you will need:
- the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
- the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
- the last four digits of your social security number.
During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).
The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases
Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.
Option 2: Activate your card by Phone
You can activate online or by calling 1.855.847.2026 toll-free.
Once activated, you may use your card.
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Login
If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.
Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Login Guide
To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.
Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website
The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.
Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.
Step 2 – Enter Your Username
Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.
This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.
If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.
Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.
Forgot Username?
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
How Do I check my North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.
Option 1: Log Into Your Account
The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.
Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.
Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone
You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1.855.847.2026
- There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
- Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.
Option 3: Via an ATM
Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.
There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.
To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.
For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:
Phone (toll-free): 1.855.847.2026
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650
Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or DES programs.
If you have questions about your North Carolina Unemployment benefits or application, call the DES at the number below:
DES Customer Call Center: 1-888-737-0259
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card:
What happens to my debit card if it is mailed to the wrong address?
The card will be returned to the Bank of America debit card center.
You must contact the North Carolina DES customer service or go online to update your address.
Once you have updated your address with the DES, contact the Bank of America Debit Card call center at 1-855-847-2026 to request a new card be mailed.
A replacement card will be issued to you. Please keep in mind due to mailing time it can take up to seven (7) to ten (10) days.
Do you offer other payment options for me to receive unemployment benefits?
You have the option to receive your North Carolina unemployment benefit payments in the form of a Direct Deposit.
If you have a checking account with a bank or credit union, you can set up a direct deposit for your unemployment benefits into your account.
Can I add Money to my Unemployment Debit Card?
No. You cannot make any additional deposits to the debit card account.
Only unemployment insurance payments made by the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES).
Can I change my Debit Card Address with Bank of America?
No. Your address cannot be changed via the Bank of America website nor by Bank of America customer service.
Please contact the North Carolina DES to update your address.
How do I Transfer Funds from the Debit Card to my Personal Bank Account?
Here’s how to transfer funds from your card account to a traditional checking or savings account.
First, sign on to the website and select the “Transfer Funds” option from the Account Summary page.
Next, you will need to register a “transfer-to” account prior to performing your first transfer.
Once your “transfer to” account is authenticated (this can take up to 5 business days), your transfer will be made.
After you have transferred funds online, it can take up to 2 business days to receive your funds in your account, and the transfer cannot be canceled once entered.
If your account is a Bank of America account, the funds could be available the next business day, if not sooner.
A minimum value of $20.00 may be transferred.
Note that you can only transfer funds to a traditional checking or savings account owned by you at any U.S. financial institution
Transfers Cannot Be Reversed
Once funds are transferred to your checking or savings account, you will not be able to have the funds returned to you.
Therefore, it is important to make sure the routing number or account number you provide for your checking or savings account is correct.
What’s the Website for North Carolina Unemployment Debit Card?
If you are trying to login to your North Carolina DES Bank of America debit card, click here to be taken there.
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Replacement
If your debit card is lost or stolen, the Bank of America “Zero Liability” Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions (subject to certain conditions).
Contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-855-847-2026 to report your card lost or stolen and to request a replacement card.
If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance.
If the post office is unable to deliver a Debit Card, it will be returned to the bank.
Contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-855-847-2026 for help on how to update your address to have a new card mailed to you.
Can I get Tracking for my Replacement Card?
There is no tracking information for the debit card mailed through the post office.
However, you can pay $15 to have your card mailed by express delivery with tracking.
You will have to contact customer service for an update on tracking information.
Are there fees associated with this debit card?
You are allowed unlimited free ATM Cash Withdrawal at any Bank of America ATM or Allpoint ATM.
When you use an ATM that is NOT a Bank of America ATM, a $1.00 fee will be deducted from your card balance.
These ATMs may charge additional surcharge fees for using the machine.
Here is the list of all the fees for the North Carolina Unemployment Debit Card.
All fees |
Amount |
Details |
| Spend Money | ||
| Per purchase with PIN | $0 | |
| Per purchase with signature | $0 | |
| Get cash in the U.S. | ||
| ATM withdrawal, in-network | $0 | “In Network” refers to Bank of America or Allpoint ATMs. Locations can be found at www.bankofamerica.com/ncdesdebitcard. You will not be charged a fee by Bank of America. |
| ATM withdrawal, out-of-network | $1.75 | “Out of Network” refers to all the ATMs outside of Bank of America or Allpoint ATMs. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction.* |
| Bank teller cash withdrawal | $0 | Available at financial institutions that accept Visa cards. Limited to available balance only. |
| Emergency cash transfer, domestic | $15.00 | All emergency cash transfers must be initiated through the Prepaid Debit Card Customer Service Center. |
| Information | ||
| Customer service | $0 | |
| Online account information | $0 | |
| ATM balance inquiry | $0 | |
| Using your card outside the U.S. | ||
| Each international transaction | 3% | Of total U.S. Dollar amount of transaction |
| International ATM withdrawal | $2.25 | This is our fee. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction. |
| Other | ||
| Online funds transfer | $0 | |
| Replacement card, domestic | $5.00 | You will be charged this fee after 1 free each year. |
| Replacement card, express delivery | $15.00 | Additional charge |
| Replacement card, international | $15.00 | Additional charge |
| Inactive Account | $0 | |
How do I get a weekly Unemployment Insurance payment?
After your first benefit payment, you must tell the DES that you’re still unemployed and eligible to keep receiving Unemployment benefits.
To do this, you must answer a series of questions for each calendar week that you wish to receive benefits.
This is called completing your weekly certification.
Weekly certifications must be filed online.
Click here to be taken to the DES weekly certification website.
If you do not have an account, click “Sign Up” to set up an online account.
However, if you don’t have access to a computer, you can contact the DES customer call center to complete your certification by phone.
The number to call is 1-888-737-0259.
What happens if I forget to file my weekly certification of benefits?
In order to complete a weekly certification, it must be filed in a timely manner.
In North Carolina, you must file your weekly certification within fourteen (14) days from the week ending date of the week you are attempting to claim.
However, if you fail to complete a timely weekly certification, you will:
- NOT receive payment for the week,
- Be required to reopen your unemployment benefits claim,
- Be required to serve a waiting period week (non-payable week).
What are the Options for Receiving North Carolina Unemployment Benefits?
The preferred way to get North Carolina Unemployment benefits is by direct deposit to your bank or credit union account.
However, if you do not have a bank account, you may also choose to receive benefits by the North Carolina Unemployment debit card (issued by Bank of America).
I did not Receive my Unemployment Benefit payment. What should I do?
Benefit payment information is available online through the UI Online portal.
Also, you can get information about when your last payment was issued by calling customer service.
Here’s the number to call:
1-888-737-0259
However, If you have not received your payment within 14 days after your weekly certification is filed, here’s what you can do:
Contact DES by email at des.ui.customerservice@nccommerce.com.
North Carolina Unemployment Phone Number
If you have questions about your North Carolina Unemployment benefits, call the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES) at the number below:
DES Unemployment Insurance Customer Service
Call the number below to:
Get help with filing a claim by phone, general UI questions, and technical help with online registration, password resets, and DES Account Numbers.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone number:
Customer Call Center: 888-737-0259 (Do not call if you are an employer. This is for claimants only).
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance line: 866-847-7209.
Fax: 919-857-1296
North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card Summary
We hope this post on North Carolina DES Unemployment Debit Card was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Unemployment Benefits or North Carolina Unemployment benefits specifically, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Maryland Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Michigan Unemployment Debit Card Guide
California Unemployment Debit Card Guide
New Jersey LWD Unemployment Debit Card