Social Security Is Changing How Millions Get Paid - Here’s What to Know

For millions of Americans, the Direct Express card is how their Social Security and other senior benefits arrive each month. After more than 15 years with the same provider, that system is getting an update.

A new bank is taking over the Direct Express program, which means replacement cards will begin arriving over the coming months and into 2027. The switch is expected to happen automatically, but knowing what to expect can make the transition much easier when your new card arrives.

Millions of Direct Express users will get new cards

Direct Express is the Treasury-backed prepaid Mastercard used by people who receive federal benefits without a traditional bank account. About 3.4 million Americans use it, and for many, it's their only way to access income each month.

Since the program launched in 2008, Comerica Bank has managed those payments. That role is now being handed over to Fifth Third Bank, which means millions of existing users will eventually receive a replacement card.

New enrollments began moving to Fifth Third in May 2026, and existing cardholders will be transitioned in phases starting in the summer of 2026 and continuing into 2027.

Because the rollout is spread across many months, your card could be replaced anytime in that window. What matters is that you'll receive advance notice before the switch takes place, so there shouldn't be any surprises.

What happens to your money during the switch

The good news is that your benefit payments should continue without interruption. The bank managing Direct Express is changing, but the amount you receive and your payment schedule are expected to stay the same throughout the transition.

Until your replacement card arrives, keep using your current Comerica card as you normally would. Nothing about your day-to-day access to your benefits should change during this period.

Once the card arrives, the switch itself should be straightforward. Activation works much the same way it has in the past, either through the phone number included with the card or through the Direct Express website.

Follow this important step before your new card arrives

One of the easiest ways to avoid problems during the transition is to make sure your mailing address is current. Replacement cards and official notices are sent to your last known address, so if yours is out of date, important mail could go to the wrong place.

If you've moved recently, update your information before your replacement card is issued. You can do that through your account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Scammers may try to target Direct Express users during the switch

Phishing schemes have followed Direct Express for years, usually arriving as a fake text or call claiming your card has been suspended over an error that needs your attention.

With genuine new cards and official notices in the mail over the next several months, fake versions of those messages are likely to start showing up too. A useful rule of thumb is that Direct Express will not contact you asking for:

• Your card number or PIN
• A password or security code
• Any account information through a link

If you receive an unexpected message asking for any of that information, treat it as suspicious until you can verify it through official channels.

What a legitimate replacement card looks like

Your current Comerica card has the Comerica logo on the front, while a genuine Fifth Third card includes "This card is issued by Fifth Third Bank" on the back. If a card or message does not match what you were expecting, take a moment to verify it before responding.

If you think you may have already shared information with a scammer, acting quickly can help limit the damage. A few steps are worth taking right away:

• Call the customer service number on the back of your card to report the incident.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Contact the Social Security fraud hotline through oig.ssa.gov or at 1-800-269-0271.

Reporting the problem quickly gives you the best chance of protecting your account and preventing further issues.

Why the change is happening

Comerica's handling of Direct Express drew complaints and federal scrutiny for years before things came to a head in December 2024, when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued the bank.

The agency alleged Comerica had disconnected millions of customer-service calls, charged improper ATM fees to more than a million cardholders, and mishandled fraud claims. Comerica disputed the allegations, and the suit was eventually dropped, but the Treasury had already decided to find a replacement.

The first choice, BNY, fell through, and Fifth Third Bank was named the new operator effective September 2025. The situation took an unusual turn a few months later when Fifth Third acquired Comerica outright in a deal that closed in February 2026, meaning the incoming bank now owns the outgoing one.

As for what comes next, Fifth Third has said it plans to add features over the life of the contract, including virtual cards and digital wallet support.

Bottom line

Big changes to government programs usually sound scarier than they turn out to be. If you use Direct Express, this switch should mostly happen behind the scenes, and the way you get your benefits probably won't change much day to day.

The time to pay closer attention is the stretch right around the change. New cards and official notices are arriving during a period when scammers are especially active, creating more opportunities for financial mistakes. Taking a moment to confirm information before responding can help the entire process go more smoothly.