How do you use an EPPICard debit card?

You can use the EPPICard to pay for purchases and get cash back at any business that accepts MasterCard. You may also withdraw cash at a bank teller window or from an automated teller machine. As with any debit card, the amount is immediately deducted from your account.

Before you can use the card, you must activate it by calling the activation number on the label attached to the card. An automated voice system walks you through a short process. The other condition for using the card is that there must be money in your account. No credit is available for EPPICards. Depending on how your state uses EPPICards, money deposited into your account may come from unemployment, child support or welfare payments.

Some automated teller machines add surcharge fees for withdrawing money or checking your balance. You also incur a fee for calling customer service. Your state may allow you a certain number of free withdrawals before charging for them.