State of GA law - can employer force employee to use pay card or direct deposit?

Talk to the National Labor relations board; but I think they have the right to stop using checks and pay that way,

Short answer, yes, but with some caveats. In general, the law requires that employees be paid in some form of instrument that they can access. It does not have to be a check, it can be direct deposit, cash, even stock if they wanted. That said, if they insist on direct deposit, they have to make sure you have a way to access it. Most payroll companies offer a demand account via ATM for just that reason, if you do not have or cannot get a bank account, they will hold the money at the payroll company and give you an ATM card. If you don't have a bank account now, most banks offer a free basic checking account (I know bank of america, TD bank and ING do) as long as one direct deposit is maid per month. Direct deposit is cheaper for employers, often cheaper for employees (don't have to drive to bank or pay for a check cashing service).

Why not? The boss may not always be right, but he is always the boss.

If you want the job, follow the rules.