Quitman County warns residents of Direct Express bank switch in 2026

Quitman County residents who receive Social Security, SSI or veterans payments on Direct Express cards should watch for a bank switch that will change their card issuer, their app access and, eventually, their plastic cards. The county posted a notice on May 20 saying Fifth Third Bank will take over the program from Comerica Bank, with new enrollments starting in May 2026 and existing-customer transitions beginning in summer 2026. Beneficiaries are being told to keep using their Comerica-issued cards until those cards expire, then use the new Fifth Third card they are mailed.

The change matters most for residents who rely on the prepaid card because they do not use a regular bank account. Treasury says Direct Express is designed to deliver federal benefits electronically, including Social Security, SSI and Veterans payments, and the card can be used at Mastercard-accepting merchants and ATMs. Treasury also says there is no credit check to get the card, no need to keep a minimum balance, and generally no monthly or overdraft fee. The county notice urged beneficiaries to keep their contact information current so replacement cards and other mailings do not miss the right address.

Fifth Third said the five-year financial agency agreement began on Sept. 9, 2025, and that Direct Express serves about 3.4 million Americans. The bank said 57% of cardholders have no other income beyond government benefits, a reminder that even a routine processor change can ripple through household budgets in Quitman County and beyond. Fifth Third and Treasury also said the new contract is meant to expand digital options, including mobile apps, virtual cards, cardless ATM access, bill payment services and wallet integration.

The transition does not end help for beneficiaries who need answers about deposits or card access. The Social Security Administration said people will receive advance notice of account changes and that it will continue handling benefit payment inquiries during the move. Direct Express’s updated FAQs say the legacy app will remain available for Comerica cardholders during the transition, while the new mobile app will work only with newly issued Fifth Third cards. For questions, beneficiaries can call 800-333-1795, and Quitman County’s notice says residents should be ready for the mailings and card changes before they arrive.