To activate your MCTR Payment Card, call 1-800-240-0223. For cards that have two names embossed, the cardholder shown first must call to activate the card. Sign the back of your Middle Class Tax Refund Debit Card
To activate your California Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) card, follow these steps:
1. Locate Your Card and the Activation Instructions
You should have received your MCTR debit card in the mail along with an instruction letter.
The letter will provide details on how to activate the card and how to use it.
2. Call the Activation Number
To activate the card, you will need to call the activation phone number. The number should be provided in the instructions you received along with the card.
Typically, the activation phone number for MCTR cards is 1-800-240-0223.
3. Provide Your Card Details
When you call, you’ll be asked to enter your card number and security code (the 3-digit number on the back of the card).
Follow the instructions to complete the activation process.
4. Create a PIN (Personal Identification Number)
After entering your card details, you’ll likely be prompted to create a PIN for your card.
The PIN is used for making in-store purchases and withdrawing cash from ATMs. Choose a PIN you can remember, but ensure it’s secure.
5. Complete the Activation
Once you’ve completed the process, your card should be activated and ready for use. You may receive a confirmation on the phone or via mail, confirming that your card is now activated.
6. Check Your Card Balance
You can check your balance on the California MCTR website or by calling the same phone number provided on the card.
You can also check the balance through the online account portal or by using the mobile app associated with your card.
7. Use Your MCTR Card
Once activated, you can use your card like any other debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs.
You can also use the card for online purchases, depending on the retailer.
The California Middle Class Tax Refund Card (“MCTR Card”) is a prepaid debit card distributed to qualified recipients that contains the Middle Class Tax Refund (“MCTR”) payment, a one-time payment to provide relief to qualified Californian personal income tax filers.
You are eligible if you:
- Filed your 2020 tax return by October 15, 2021;
- However, if you applied for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) but did not receive it by October 15, 2021, you must have filed your complete 2020 tax return on or before February 15, 2022.
- Meet the California adjusted gross income (CA AGI) limits;
- Were a California resident for six months or more in the 2020 tax year;
- Were not eligible to be claimed as a dependent in the 2020 tax year; and
- Are a California resident on the date this payment is issued.
To learn more about the Middle Class Tax Refund payment amounts and to estimate your payment, visit ftb.ca.gov/MyEstimate.
Use your Card
- Shop anywhere Visa® Debit Cards are accepted: in-store, online or by phone³
- Get cash back at the register when making PIN debit purchases at participating merchants
- Find a surcharge-free in-network ATM where you can get cash
- Learn more about how and where to use your California Middle Class Tax Refund Debit Card in the help center
Get your balance
- Log in here by registering as a new user
- Call Customer Service at 1.800.240.0223
How will I receive my payment?
If you qualify, you will receive either a direct deposit payment to your bank account or a payment by the MCTR prepaid debit card. You will receive your payment by direct deposit if you filed your 2020 return electronically and indicated direct deposit for your tax refund. Otherwise, you will receive your payment by MCTR prepaid debit card. Taxpayers receiving payment by the MCTR prepaid debit card include:
- Taxpayers who filed a paper return
- Taxpayers who received their tax refund by check regardless of filing method
- Taxpayers who had a balance due for their 2020 tax return
- Taxpayers who received their Golden State Stimulus I and/or II payment(s) by check
- Taxpayers who received an advanced refund from their tax service provider, or paid their tax preparer fees using their tax refund.
When will I receive my MCTR Card?
How do I activate my Card?
If you have received a MCTR Card and want to activate it, call 1-800-240-0223. For cards that have two names embossed, the cardholder shown first must call to activate the card.
Your MCTR Card will arrive in a white envelope that prominently displays the California state seal and includes “California Middle Class Tax Refund” in the return address. The envelope also states that it is “Not a bill or advertisement.
Important information about your Middle Class Tax Refund.” The Visa® name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, My Banking Direct, a service of New York Community Bank. Information included with the Card will explain that the Card is your Middle Class Tax Refund Debit Card.
How can I get cash using my MCTR Card?
- Cash from an ATM:
- There’s no fee to withdraw cash at in-network ATMs that carry the Allpoint or MoneyPass® brands, but fees may apply if you use an out-of-network ATM. To find surcharge-free in-network ATMs, use our ATM Locator found at mctrpayment.com or in the Money Network® Mobile App.³
- To get cash at an ATM:
- Enter your 4-digit PIN
- Select “Withdrawal” from “Checking”
- There’s no fee to withdraw cash at in-network ATMs that carry the Allpoint or MoneyPass® brands, but fees may apply if you use an out-of-network ATM. To find surcharge-free in-network ATMs, use our ATM Locator found at mctrpayment.com or in the Money Network® Mobile App.³
ATM Withdrawal Limits Apply: $600 per transaction (ATM operator limits may be lower). Please see your Cardholder Agreement and Fee Schedule online at
- for more information.
- Cash-back from participating merchants:
A convenient way to get cash back with your Card is at the places you already shop, like grocery and convenience stores.- To request cash-back from a merchant:
- Select “Debit” on the keypad
- Enter your 4-digit PIN
- Select “Yes” for cash-back
- Enter the amount and hit “OK”
Availability, limits, and fees² may vary based on merchant practice. Please see your Cardholder Agreement and Fee Schedule online at mctrpayment.com for more information.
- To request cash-back from a merchant:
- Cash from a bank or credit union teller:
You can visit any bank or credit union branch that features a Visa logo to withdraw cash for a fee².- To withdraw cash at a bank:
- Know your balance beforehand – the teller cannot tell how much money you have on your Card
- Ask the teller for the amount you would like to withdraw
- You will need your 4-digit PIN and may be asked for an additional form of ID
Bank/Teller Over-the-Counter Withdrawal Limits Apply: $600 per transaction (bank limit may be lower). Please see your Cardholder Agreement and Fee Schedule online at mctrpayment.com for more information.
- To withdraw cash at a bank:
