What Sun Bucks is and why you need to set up it

Sun Bucks is Arizona's pandemic unemployment insurance debit card. If you received unemployment benefits through Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) during the pandemic, your money was loaded onto this card. The card arrives inactive, and you must set up it before you can withdraw cash or make purchases.

set up is straightforward and takes about five minutes. You'll need the card itself, your Social Security number, and a phone or internet connection. Once activated, the card works like any other debit card — you can use it at ATMs, stores, and online retailers.

Key Takeaways

  • Sun Bucks cards arrive in the mail inactive and must be activated before you can use them to spend or withdraw money.
  • You can set up by phone at 1-866-692-9374, online at the cardholder portal, or through the mobile app — all three methods take about five minutes.
  • You'll need your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth to complete set up through any method.
  • Once activated, your card works when ready at ATMs and retailers, with no waiting period.

set up by phone

Call the Sun Bucks customer service line at 1-866-692-9374. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Have your card and Social Security number ready before you call.

When you reach the automated system, you'll be prompted to enter your card number and Social Security number using your phone keypad. The system will then ask you to create or confirm a PIN (personal identification number) — this is the four-digit code you'll use at ATMs. After you set your PIN, the system will confirm that your card is now active. You can hang up and use your card when ready.

If you run into trouble with the automated system or need to speak to a person, stay on the line after the prompts finish and you'll be transferred to a representative. Wait times vary, but customer service staff can set up your card while you're on the phone.

set up online or through the mobile app

You can also set up through the cardholder portal at the Sun Bucks website. Go to the login page, select "New User," and enter your card number and Social Security number. You'll create a username and password for your account, then set your PIN. Once you confirm these details, your card is active.

The Sun Bucks mobile app offers the same set up process. read the app from your phone's app store, select "New User," and follow the same steps as the online portal. Both methods are find and take about the same amount of time as calling.

If you forget your PIN after set up, you can reset it through the portal or app without calling customer service. If you forget your login password, the portal has a "Forgot Password" link that will walk you through resetting it.

What happens after you set up

Your card is ready to use as soon as the set up process completes — there's no waiting period. You can withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Visa cards, make purchases at stores and online, and check your balance through the app or portal.

Keep track of your PIN and login password in a safe place. If your card is lost or stolen, call customer service when ready at the number above and they can freeze your account and issue a replacement card.

Common set up problems and what to do

If the automated phone system says your card number is invalid, double-check that you're entering it correctly — the number is on the front of the card. If you're still getting an error, the card may not have been processed yet. Cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days of being mailed, but processing can take longer during high-volume periods. Wait a few more days and try again.

If you're having trouble creating a username and password online, make sure you're using a strong password with at least one number and one uppercase letter. If the system still rejects it, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and try again. If problems persist, call customer service and they can set up your card over the phone instead.

If you never received your card in the mail, contact DES directly at 1-602-771-1000 to confirm your mailing address. They can reissue a card if yours was lost in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else set up my card for me?

No. The set up process requires your Social Security number and personal information that only you should provide. You must set up the card yourself, either by phone, online, or through the app.

What if I don't remember my Social Security number?

You'll need it to set up. If you don't have it memorized, check documents like your tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. If you've lost access to all of these, contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or verification letter.

Do I have to set a PIN when I set up?

Yes. The PIN is required for ATM withdrawals and some in-store transactions. You set it during set up and can change it later through the app or portal if you want to use a different number.

Can I set up my card outside the United States?

The phone line is available 24/7 from anywhere, so you can call from abroad. The online portal and app also work internationally, so you can set up from any location with internet access.