Frequently Asked Questions About our Gift Cards
Where can I use my card?
Your card may be used anywhere debit cards are accepted. The brand marks on your card indicate where the card is accepted and typically will be displayed on the merchant’s store front. Your card can also be used for online and telephone purchases once the card has been registered.
How do I use my card?
To use your Gift Card as a signature based transaction at point-of-sale, please select the “credit” option. If your card is a MasterCard or Visa Gift Card, you may obtain a Personalized Identification Number ("PIN") by calling the number on the back of your Card and following the interactive voice recognition ("IVR") prompts and instructions. After obtaining a “PIN” you can select “debit” at point-of-sale. Your Card cannot be used to obtain cash at ATMs or obtain cash back in any purchase transaction.
Can I add funds to my card?
Gift Cards are disposable one time use cards. Therefore additional funds cannot be added to the card.
What happens if my card is declined at the point-of-sale?
A couple different scenarios may have caused your transaction to be declined.
- The merchant does not accept the association type.
- The merchant selected ‘gift’ instead of ‘credit’ or ‘debit’ to run the transaction.
- The merchant attempted to process the purchase for a greater amount than what is available on the card.
If this happens, you should ask the merchant to run a “split-tender” transaction which will allow you to pay a portion of your purchase with your card and the remaining balance with another form of payment.
What is a split tender transaction and how does it work?
If you wish to use your Gift Card to purchase an item for more than the available funds, depending on the Merchant’s policy, you may be able to use your Gift Card toward a portion of the final purchase price, and then use another form of payment to pay the remaining balance. This is called a “split tender” transaction because you would be splitting the final transaction amount between your Gift Card and another form of payment. Before you request a “split tender” transaction, you will need to know your card value. Then, you must ask the Merchant if two forms of payment will be accepted. If the Merchant agrees, request that the Gift Card value be used as the first form of payment, and then use another form of funds to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers will only allow a “split tender” transaction if the second form of payment is cash or check. Online and most mail order merchants do not permit “split tender” transactions. We do not guarantee that the Merchant will accept two forms of payment, such as two prepaid cards.
Can I still make a purchase if I don’t have enough funds on my card?
Since this is a prepaid card, you may only use the amount of funds you have available on your card. If you create a negative balance on your card, you are responsible for the negative balance. Some merchants can run a split-tender transaction which will allow you to pay a portion of your purchase with your card and the remaining balance with another form of payment.
Can I use my card at restaurants?
Yes, you may use your Gift Card at a restaurant the same as you do at any other merchant. However, it is common for service-oriented merchants to automatically factor in an additional percentage (often times, up to 20% over the purchase price) to cover any gratuity you may leave on the card. You should ensure that your Gift Card has an available balance that is 20% greater than your total bill.
How do I use my card at hotels and car rental agencies?
Like restaurants and other service-oriented merchants, companies associated with travel services may automatically factor in an additional percentage to cover incidental charges that you might incur. Each entity varies in the amount they are able to over-authorize. To prevent a decline, we advise you to check with the company to determine their policy for over-authorizing.
Can I use my card at the ‘pay at the pump’ gas stations?
Your card can be used at automatic fuel dispensers. However, an authorization of $75 for Visa and MasterCard and $100 for Discover will be authorized to your account. This authorization may not be removed from your account for several days. To prevent a potential over-authorization, we suggest that you pay for your gas in the service station.
Can I use my card in a foreign country?
No, the card will be accepted within the United States and countries considered to be U.S. territories. Current countries designated as U.S. territories are:
- Puerto Rico
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Virgin Islands
- American Samoa
- Guam
How do I get a list of my balance or transactions?
You may obtain your current balance or a list of all your transactions through www.myprepaidbalance.com or by calling customer service at the phone number provided on the back of your card. In order to receive your transaction history online, you must first create a profile and add the gift card to your profile. Please note that the website will not display pending authorizations but only completed transactions.
How do I register my personal information online and what’s the benefit of doing so?
You may register online at www.myprepaidbalance.com by creating a profile, adding your Gift Card to your profile and then editing the registered user name. Registering your card will provide the additional security required to allow you to check your balance, view transaction history, use your card for phone and internet purchases or request a replacement should your card become lost or stolen.
What if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card has been lost or stolen, contact customer service by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. We recommend that you keep the phone number in a safe place for future reference. You will be able to speak to a live agent and obtain a replacement card. There will be a $5.00 fee assessed to your card balance to replace your card. It may take up to 30 days to receive a replacement card.
What can I do if there is fraud on my card?
If you notice transactions on your account that you have not made, contact customer service immediately by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. They will follow normal dispute processes to investigate the fraudulent transactions.
Are there any fees associated with my card?
There is a $2.95 inactivity fee after 12 consecutive months of inactivity.
What is the minimum age to purchase a Gift Card?
There is no minimum age to purchase a Gift Card.