For decades, Social Security benefits have been available for payment by check, but all of that is changing. Starting September 30, 2025, all payments will be made digitally as part of an effort to modernize the benefits system. This change is happening across the benefit system, but you don't need a traditional bank account to continue receiving payments.
Read on to learn the different ways you can receive your benefits, even without a checking or savings account. By acting now, you can prepare yourself for when the big switch happens this fall.
Why the government requires electronic payments
Currently, just 1% of benefit recipients get payments via check, as most have already transitioned to getting their benefits via bank transfer or debit card. However, if you’re one of those benefit recipients still needing to transition to digital, you may be wondering why it needs to happen now.
First, an executive order was issued directing all payments from the Treasury and various federal agencies to transition to electronic payments. The government is hoping to reduce fraud and waste, as these payments are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments.
Electronic payments are also much faster. Consider that paper checks have to be processed, printed, and then sent through the mail to reach your home. If there’s a disruption at any point in that process, your check could be delayed — or not get to you at all!
Paper checks currently cost $0.50 per payment, whereas electronic payments are more affordable at less than $ 0.15 per payment. The U.S. government estimates this transition can save millions of dollars in unnecessary costs to American taxpayers.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has been taking steps to make sure no benefit recipient is left behind. They are sending out notices to those still receiving paper checks, but you don’t have to wait to act.
Alternative ways to get your Social Security benefits
The Social Security Administration offers three ways to get your payment: deposits directly into a bank account, deposits to a debit card, or using the Direct Express® card.
Direct Deposit
The SSA recommends direct deposit when available, as this payment goes into your account with no need to swipe a debit card or go to the ATM. If you have an existing account, simply choose one of these options to set it up:
- Sign up online via the Go Direct website (the official website for government benefits deposits).
- Call 1-800-333-1795 to speak to a representative over the phone.
- Work with an agent at your bank, savings and loan, or credit union.
All three ways can work but using the Go Direct website may be the most clear-cut. Once set up, the benefits will arrive at the usual time each month, automatically sent to the account you specify. You don’t need to do anything to continue receiving SSA benefits online through your bank. This will serve as your deposit account until you specify otherwise using your account through the my Social Security account website.
This method works for all U.S. banks, even those without brick-and-mortar locations, such as neobanks. (If you are unsure about specific directions for your neobank direct deposit setup, contact customer service.)
Direct Express card
People without a bank account can have their funds deposited directly into a prepaid debit card made just for federal benefit payments, like Social Security. If you receive multiple benefits, this card may be more convenient, as it ensures your money all goes to one place.
To get your card issued and begin receiving benefits on it, see the Social Security website. You can also register for a Social Security prepaid card from the GoDirect main page. Both are run by the government and will be updated with the latest information on how to receive funds, when your card will arrive, and what to expect for future payments.
This prepaid debit card can’t be used for other money, just for benefits. However, it comes with many free services, including one monthly fee-free withdrawal from network ATMs and registration to be able to use it for online purchases. If you like the convenience of a debit card, but don’t want to maintain a bank account, this option is a secure and convenient alternative.
Prepaid Debit Card
The Direct Express card isn’t the only debit card solution available to you. While you can certainly sign up for one (as well as use the debit card that comes with a standard checking account), you may find yourself needing a card for federal benefits and other funds.
In this case, a Netspend® Prepaid card1 could work well. It allows you to have your Social Security benefits deposited safely each month, as well as other money you may receive from employers. If you need to manage multiple sources of income (including child support or a settlement), this ensures you have all your cash in one place, with no bank account required.
The Netspend® Prepaid card can be used to pay bills, shop, and get gas — all the things you do with a regular bank debit card. You can’t overdraw your account, making it an ideal way to manage benefits and ensure you use it wisely throughout the month.
To sign up for a card, visit the website for your preferred prepaid card, such as Netspend, Green Dot, or Chime. Registration is usually fast and convenient. Once you receive it, you can use the methods above for direct deposit to get your funds deposited each month.
What you’ll need to set up direct deposit without a bank
No bank? No problem. You can have your Social Security benefits deposited to your debit card each month, even without a checking or savings account.
You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Login information for the SSA.gov website (with access to phone or email for two-factor authentication)
- Account and routing information for your prepaid debit card or neobank card
Your card will come with a routing and account number to make the process easier. Follow the directions that came with your card to access this information. Some debit cards, like the Netspend card, provide a number you can text to quickly access this information. Remember to keep these numbers private. To keep your account funds safe, you won’t want to share these details with anyone else.
How long does it take to receive benefits?
The process varies from start to finish, depending on whether you already have a debit card. The timeline generally looks like this:
- Sign up for a prepaid debit card: 3-5 minutes
- Receive the card in the mail: 7-10 business days
- Card activation: 3-5 minutes by providing your 16-digit card number, security code, and personal verification information
- SSA account update: 3-5 minutes via online account (phone may take longer)
- Direct deposit processing: One business day
- Payment date: If you submit your deposit request within one week of your payment date, it should go into effect in time for the next payment. Changes that need additional verification may not take place until the following benefit period.
It can take two to three weeks in total to change how you receive your benefits, so leave plenty of time. With direct deposit becoming mandatory for the September 2025 benefit period, it makes sense to act now to avoid delayed payment.
How to choose the right option for you
Many people get Social Security benefits without bank accounts but figuring out which method to receive funds is a very personal choice. Ask yourself the following questions to discover what works best with your lifestyle:
What fees can I pay?
While debit cards don’t charge fees for many services, they can charge for ATM usage outside of the network, foreign purchases, and paper statements. Read fee schedules carefully to understand what you’ll pay for. Ideally, you want to pay no fees to access your own benefits.
How do I access funds?
The Direct Express debit card allows one ATM withdrawal per month, which might be enough for some people. If you want to carry less cash and get funds more often, another debit card option may be better. This is likely for those who want to stretch out cash throughout the month by not having so much accessible at one time.
What other features do I need?
Some prepaid debit cards come with convenient features. For example, Netspend offers Payback Rewards2 for purchases from select merchants, account notifications, and Purchase Cushion3 if you find yourself short of cash. Plus, you can have your paycheck deposited on the same card. The Direct Express card can only be used for federal benefits and doesn’t come with extras.
Which card is best for your Social Security benefits?
The card you’ll use most is the right card for you. If you only need a card for benefits, the Direct Express option could suffice. Otherwise, going with a prepaid debit card gives you the flexibility to earn, save, and spend any way you like, with any cash you want to have loaded with the card.
