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Pay Cards for Payroll/Retirement Net Pay

FPP P.004

Bank Requirements

Payee identity verification

To issue a pay card, the bank must capture certain identifying information in compliance with the Patriot Act, as is required of all banking establishments. The payee must provide the following on the Pay Card Enrollment Authorization (74-224):

  • Payee name.
  • Physical home address (cannot be a post office box).
    • Pay cards will be mailed to this address.
    • Payee must provide the correct residential mailing address.
  • Social Security number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Country of citizenship.
  • Country of residency.

What payees can expect

If the timing does not permit the pay card to be loaded on the payment issue day, the payee will receive a warrant for that payment. After that, the payee can expect payments to be available on payday just like direct deposit. Once the initial payment has been made, payees should have access to the funds on the pay card.

Fraud protection process

The bank enforces standard fraud detection measures. A payee who selects a pay card must be informed of potential instances when funds could be delayed. The bank’s fraud detection process determines when a payment may be flagged for research. If potential fraud is identified, access to the payee’s account may be delayed for a short period, frozen until the issue is resolved or the funds may be returned.

Fees

The bank offers the state of Texas a nominal fee structure for pay cards. There is no fee for point-of-sale purchases, which may eliminate some costs to the payee.

This fee structure may change after the payee terminates state employment or requests the paying agency cancel the pay card. If employees have an existing pay card when they become state retirees, they must re- enroll using the Pay Card Enrollment Authorization form. Pay cards kept after state payments end may incur fees based on standard bank pricing. Payees are advised to ask the bank's customer service representatives about any potential fee changes.

Pay card questions

Paying agencies must provide the payee with the required disclosure forms about fees and any additional marketing materials before enrollment. Once enrolled, the payee needs to contact the bank with questions about:

  • Lost or stolen pay cards.
  • Account balances.
  • Account fees.

If employees or annuitants have questions about the payment amount, they must contact their paying agency.

Marketing the program

The bank provides pay card marketing materials that include warrant stuffers and flyers. The program is not limited to payees paid by warrant. It is available to employees and annuitants whose payments are processed through the Comptroller’s office, which excludes employees at institutions of higher education. The bank can also give presentations about the program upon request. For more information, contact the Payment Services Help Desk at (512) 936-8138 or tins.mail@cpa.texas.gov.

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