Create Direct Express Account Online

If you have a Direct Express Debit card account, there is a free and secure way to access your card account online. In this post, we will walk you through the step by step process to create Direct Express account online to access your government benefits. You must have a Direct Express card to create an online account.

If you already have a Direct Express debit card online account and need help logging in, see our post on Direct Express Card Account Login.

In this post, we will cover the following:

What is the Direct Express Card?
How to Create Direct Express Account Online
Login to Direct Express Card Account
Direct Express Card FAQs

What is the Direct Express Card?

The Direct Express debit MasterCard is a debit card you can use to access your government benefits. If you receive federal benefit payments like Social Security or disability benefits (SSI and SSDI), you can choose to receive your monthly benefit payments via the Direct Express card.

With the Direct Express card, your monthly benefits will be deposited directly into your card account on the payment date.

You can use the debit card to make purchases, pay bills, or get cash at thousands of ATM locations nationwide.

It is easy to access your Direct Express card account online.

However, to do so, you have to create an account. We will show you how below.

A Direct Express Account allows you to perform the following functions:

- Check your card balance
- Review posted and pending transaction history
- Get information on how to dispute a transaction
- pay bills online (for merchants that accept debit card payments)
- Set up optional services, including alerts

How to Create Direct Express Account Online

The first step is to visit the Direct Express Card website. Click here to be taken there.

Once there, click check the circle that matches the first six digits of your Direct Express Card number.

You may need to retrieve your Direct Express debit card to complete this step.

If your Card Number starts with 5332 48, you will be taken to a page that looks like the one below.

Next, click on “Create New User” as shown in the image below.

You will then be taken to a page like the one shown in the image below, where you will be asked to enter the following information to create your account:

Direct Express Card Number
3 Digit Security Code
Social Security Number (No Dashes)
Zip Code
Email Address
Create a User ID
Create Password
Confirm Password

Once you finish entering the requested information, including the security code, click the “Submit” link and follow the instructions provided to complete creating your Direct Express card online account.

If your Card Number starts with 5115 63, check the appropriate box and follow the instructions below to create your online account.

If your Card Number starts with 5115 63, you will be taken to a page that looks like the one below.

Next, locate the section on the page titled “Activate/Register Card” as shown below.

Enter your Direct Express card number in the space provided, then click “Activate/Register” and follow the instructions to complete your card registration process.

Once you have successfully created your Direct Express account, you can now login to check your card balance, view your transaction history, get information on how to get a replacement card, and more.

Login to Direct Express Card Account

Here’s how to login to your Direct Express card account:

Step 1 – Visit Direct Express Website

The first step to logging into your Direct Express online account is to visit the Direct Express website. Click here to be taken there.

Once there, you need to select your appropriate card number to be taken to the correct login page.

Step 2 – Select your Card Number

If your Card Number starts with 5332 48 or 5115 63, check the appropriate circle as shown below and follow the instructions.

Note that we have provided login instructions below for both. Scroll down to see the instructions for your specific card number.

Step 3 – Enter your Login Information

Once there, enter your User ID and Password in the space provided and hit the “Submit” or the “Login” button to log in to your account.

For more help in logging into your account, see our post on how to login to your Direct Express account online.

Direct Express Card FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked Direct Express card questions:

How do I get a Direct Express Statement?

You can view the last 90 days of activity online by logging into your Direct Express account.

In addition, you can sign up for a regular paper monthly statement for $0.75/month or get one for free from time to time by calling customer service at 1-888-741-1115.

Can I receive my Stimulus Payment on my Direct Express card?

Yes, you can. The IRS will pay Economic Impact Payments (COVID-19 Stimulus payments) automatically to the existing Direct Express card accounts.

This applies to those receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans, and Railroad Retirement Board recipients.

If you filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return, visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments Information Center website for more information.

Click here to be taken there.

Is the money on my Direct Express Debit Card safe?

The funds on Direct Express debit cards are FDIC-insured.

If the card or password to your account is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement card or change the password.

Also, if someone makes an unauthorized charge using your Direct Express debit card, you are liable for no more than $50 if you report the loss or theft.

However, you must report the unauthorized use within two business days of learning about it to be protected from further liability.

How do I check the balance on my Direct Express card?

You can check the latest balance information on your Direct Express card by logging in online into your account at USDirectExpress.com.

In addition, you can use the Direct Express mobile app. When you log in to the app, you can check your balance and view your account activity.

The mobile app is available to be downloaded on Android devices at the Google Play store and for iPhone and Apple devices at the Apple Store.

Furthermore, you can check the balance on your card by calling the Direct Express card toll-free phone number on the back of your card, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The automated system will give you your card balance and pending deposits.

Also, you can also use it to listen to transactions through the automated system.

Here’s the customer service number to call for your convenience:

Call – 1-888-741-1115

Outside the United States – (765) 778-6290 (collect)

Hearing Impaired – 1-866-569-0447