Reimbursements
Making Educational
Spending Easier
*Please read below for more information if you are a family with funds on a U.S. Bank Focus Card.
Direct Bank Transfer
Securely deposit funds directly into your bank account via an ACH transfer.
Check
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can select to have a check mailed to the address in your EMA profile.
Factors to Consider
After the reimbursement request has been approved, transactions often occur within 10 business days. However, it may take additional time to transfer funds from a PayPal® account to a bank account or a credit/debit card. Paypal® is also widely accepted on various websites, and it allows for quick peer-to-peer transfers.
Note: By selecting this method, families may be subject to receiving a 1099-K form. Click here to learn more. Step Up is not able to provide tax advice. For additional questions related to the 1099-K form, please speak with a tax professional.
Selecting Your Preferred Payment Method
Families who intend to submit reimbursement requests will need to log in to their EMA account to select their preferred payment method before submitting a reimbursement.
- Log in to your EMA Account
- Click on the “Profile” icon in the top right corner of the dashboard
- Select "Edit Profile"
- Scroll down to the “Payment Method” section and click on "Manage"
If you need to change your address, please do so in your EMA parent profile then return to the Payment Method screen. - Select “Next” and choose your payment method from the dropdown menu
The fields will vary based on the payment method selection. Please ensure all details are accurate before submitting. - Save Changes
Save the changes to update your profile. You will see a green box confirming your “Payment Method Connected.” You are now ready to submit a reimbursement. - It may take up to 12 hours for this change to be reflected in your EMA account. If you continue to see the "Payment Method Needs Attention" message after updating your payment method, please log out, open a new window and log back in.
Additional Resources
Accessing and Managing Funds on Your U.S. Bank Focus Card
Families with a balance on their U.S. Bank Focus Card can continue to use those funds until they run out; however, reimbursements approved after January 8, 2024 will be accessible through the new process in the family’s EMA account.
Card users can access the funds on their US Bank Focus Card in the following ways:
Cardholders can make a cash withdrawal from a network of ATMs* free of charge. View the ATM Map >
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the reimbursement process recently changed?
What if I have funds left on my U.S. Bank Focus Card?
Families with a balance on their U.S. Bank Focus Card can continue to use those funds until they run out, withdraw them at a bank or call U.S. Bank and request a check for the balance that remains on the card. New reimbursement funds will not be added to the U.S. Bank Focus Card after January 8, 2023. If you need assistance with your U.S. Bank Focus Card, call (888) 863-0681.
What factors should I consider when choosing between a direct bank transfer, mailed check, or PayPal®?
When choosing between direct bank transfer, Check, or PayPal®, consider factors such as speed of access, convenience, banking access and accessibility. Click here for details >
Do I need to be concerned about receiving a 1099k from PayPal®? What should I do if I receive it?
If you receive a 1099k from PayPal®, it means that you have reached the threshold for receiving payments that require additional tax reporting. To address this, it is important to consult with a tax professional. You can learn more on PayPal's website here.