3.6 million users face switch from Comerica to Fifth Third Bank, major changes to how Social Security debit card payments are made
social security payment In the United States, people receiving money via debit cards are undergoing a huge change. About 70.6 million Americans receive Social Security and SSI benefits, and more than 99% of them have received electronic payments instead of paper checks.
Most people get their money by direct deposit into a bank account or through a prepaid debit card system called Direct Express.
Exchange express card directly
A big change is coming for people who use Direct Express debit cards, as the company that manages the program is changing. The U.S. Treasury Department is changing the bank currently responsible for the card from Allianz Bank to Fifth Third Bank, according to the Treasury Department. According to USA Today, new people who signed up for Direct Express cards have already received cards issued by Fifth Third Bank.
End of paper check
this Social Security Administration The plan is to completely phase out paper checks and move all beneficiaries to electronic payments by the end of 2026. The move is part of the government’s larger plan to move all federal benefit payments to an electronic system. The change follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2025 requiring federal benefits to be paid electronically.
The government says the shift is designed to increase speeds, reduce costs and make people’s payments more secure. As of June 2026, less than 1% of Social Security recipients are still receiving paper checks. The SSA is now urging all remaining users to switch to electronic payments as soon as possible. Officials say electronic payments can help people get their money faster and with fewer delays every month. The government also expects to save millions of dollars annually by eliminating the use of paper checks entirely.
3.6 million users transferred
About 3.6 million people who already use Direct Express cards will slowly switch from Comerica to Fifth Third later this year or early next year. Ministry of Finance When the old card expires, Wusan Bank will send a new card to existing users and notify users before they receive the new card. Even after the switch, existing Direct Express cards will continue to work normally and benefits will still arrive on the same schedule without any changes.
Officials say people should update their address and contact information so they don’t miss new cards or important information. A retired Motley Fool analyst also suggested that users must keep their information updated so new debit cards arrive at the correct address.
