The Direct TV access card allows your satellite provider to capture what it needs to bill you each month and also contains details about your service plan. You cannot get satellite TV service without an access card. If you have Direct TV and you can’t get any programs or shows to come up on the screen, it may be because your access card is not properly working. Access cards fail to work for a number of reasons–everything from faulty activation to improper installation. Most of the time fixing your Direct TV access card is easy and should not take more than a few minutes of your time. Warnings Writer Bio