The U.S. Treasury just announced Fifth Third Bank will replace Comerica as the financial agent for the Direct Express card program. About 3.4 million Americans — most relying on government benefits as their sole income — are about to receive new cards. In this video, I walk through exactly what changed, why the Treasury switched, and the three things you should do this week to protect your benefits during the transition.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

What the May 18, 2026 Treasury announcement actually says
The full transition timeline: May 2026 enrollments and Summer 2026 rollout
Why the Treasury is replacing Comerica — the CFPB allegations and the BBB record
The Koeppen case — $70,000 locked up for 2 months and what we learn from it
Three things to do this week to prepare for your new card
What to do the day your new Fifth Third card arrives
How to handle a late or missing payment during the transition

CHAPTERS
0:00 — Direct Express Is Switching Banks
0:25 — The Koeppen Case ($70,000 Stranded)
1:00 — What This Video Covers
1:25 — Who Is Affected (3.4M Cardholders)
1:55 — The May 18 Treasury Announcement
2:35 — The 3 Dates That Matter
3:10 — Why The Treasury Switched (Comerica's Record)
4:15 — 3 Things to Do This Week
5:30 — Free Guide: 7 Biggest Social Security Mistakes
6:00 — When Your New Card Arrives
7:00 — Protect Large Balances
8:00 — If Your Payment Is Late
9:00 — Your Action Plan + Resources

RESOURCES MENTIONED
🟡 FREE GUIDE — The 7 Biggest Social Security Mistakes
→ https://benefitsinsider.co/social-security-mistakes

🔵 SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT AUDIT — find every dollar SSA owes you ($47)
→ https://seniorfirststore.com/products/social-security-benefit-audit

Direct Express customer service: 1-888-741-1115
Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
Update your contact info: ssa.gov
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DISCLAIMER: Benefits Insider is not a government website or agency and is not associated with the SSA, USDA, or any federal entity. Content is for informational purposes only — not legal or tax advice. Based on 15+ years of research and experience.

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