How Do I Replace My Comerica Direct Express Card in 2026?
The U.S. Treasury moved Direct Express from Comerica to Fifth Third Bank in 2026. How to replace a lost card and keep your federal benefits flowing.
Quick Answer
If your Direct Express card was issued by Comerica Bank, you should still call the number on the back of your card to report it lost or stolen, but the entire Direct Express program is moving to Fifth Third Bank in 2026. The U.S. Treasury announced the change on May 18, 2026, and replacement cards branded for Fifth Third Bank are being mailed over the coming months and into 2027.
Do not throw your current card away just because of the switch. Use it until the new one arrives, then activate the Fifth Third card per the instructions in the envelope.
The 2026 Direct Express Program Change
The Social Security Administration's official notice dated May 18, 2026 confirmed that the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service selected Fifth Third Bank as the new financial agent for the Direct Express program. Comerica had been the program's only financial agent for over 15 years. The switch is one of the biggest changes to how federal benefits get paid since Direct Express launched in 2008.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Comerica Direct Express Card
If your current card is from Comerica:
- Call the customer service number on the back of your card. The Comerica-issued Direct Express line remains active during the transition.
- Or log in to your account at usdirectexpress.com and use the "report lost or stolen" workflow.
- Order a replacement card; standard delivery is normally 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need expedited shipping, ask the agent; fees may apply depending on the reason for replacement.
How to Replace a Lost Fifth Third Direct Express Card
Per the Direct Express website, Fifth Third cardholders have a separate process:
- Lock the card immediately using the "Lock Card" feature in the Direct Express online account or mobile app.
- Call the customer service number printed on the back of your Fifth Third Direct Express card.
- Request a replacement; the agent will verify your identity and confirm a delivery address.
If you cannot find your card at all, the lost-or-stolen flow on usdirectexpress.com walks you through reporting it regardless of which bank issued the card.
How the Transition Will Work for You
According to the Direct Express FAQs and SSA's advocate guidance, the transition is designed to be automatic for cardholders:
- Your federal benefit will keep posting on time throughout the change.
- You will receive a new Fifth Third-branded Direct Express card in the mail.
- You will need to activate the new card by following the instructions in the envelope.
- Once activated, your old Comerica-issued card will be deactivated.
Replacement cards are rolling out over the course of 2026 and into 2027, so do not panic if your neighbour gets one before you do.
Watch Out for Scams
A program switch this large is an open invitation for scammers. The SSA's notice specifically warns advocates to flag the change to their communities. Real Direct Express staff will never:
- Email or text you asking for your card number, PIN or one-time codes.
- Call to demand immediate payment or threaten to suspend benefits.
- Ask you to send money back to "secure" your account.
If anything feels off, hang up and call back using the number printed on your actual card or on usdirectexpress.com.
Activating Your New Fifth Third Card
When the new card arrives:
- Read the welcome letter carefully; it explains which features have changed.
- Activate online at usdirectexpress.com or by calling the number in the envelope.
- Set up your online account and download the Direct Express mobile app.
- Update any merchants that bill the card automatically.
- Destroy the old Comerica-issued card by cutting through the chip and magstripe.
What About Direct Deposits and Automatic Payments?
Your benefit payments will move with you, no action required. For private auto-debits (utility bills, subscriptions, rent paid by card), you do need to update the card number once your Fifth Third card is active. The new card will have a different 16-digit number even if the program brand stays the same.
Lost Card Without Access to Customer Service?
If you cannot reach Direct Express by phone, you can still:
- Lock the card from the Direct Express mobile app if you have already enrolled.
- Visit usdirectexpress.com and follow the lost-or-stolen flow online.
- Contact your local Social Security office for guidance if your benefit is at risk.
What Won't Change
The Direct Express name, brand, customer-service number convention and government-payment role are all staying the same. The bank behind the program is the change. For most cardholders the experience day to day will be very similar once the new card is in hand.
Bottom Line
To replace your Comerica Direct Express card in 2026, call the number on the back of your card right away. Expect a new Fifth Third Bank-branded Direct Express card in the mail over the next several months, activate it when it arrives, and stay alert for scams targeting the transition.