Specific usage procedures may apply with the physical (aka plastic) prepaid VISA or Mastercard at select retailers (restaurants, gas stations, hotels, rentals & online/telephone purchases).

The following suggestions will help easily redeem your VISA or Mastercard gift card.

‍Restaurants and other Service Merchants – Retailers who commonly accept tips may automatically run an authorization transaction of 20 percent more than the total bill to ensure the gift card has enough funds to cover a gratuity. You may ask the retailer to either charge only the bill amount or reduce the bill amount by 20 percent and retry the transaction.

Gas Stations – Gasoline purchase transactions made at the gas pump often pre-authorize a charge for up to $100 when the card is inserted. Avoid purchase decline and having excess funds on hold by paying the cashier in advance. Request the cashier charge only the exact amount you specify and to process the charge as a “credit” transaction. It may take several business days for the hold to be released and for your funds to be available for spending once an authorization is attempted directly at the gasoline pump.

Hotels – Hotels often place a funds hold for the estimated amount of the stay, plus approximately 25%. To avoid excess funds hold on your gift card, use a credit card when checking into the hotel instead. At checkout you may easily use your gift card to pay the bill.

Rentals (auto, truck, etc.) – Most rental companies require a credit card to make a reservation. Reserve your rental with a credit card and pay the actual bill with your gift card.

Online & Telephone Purchases – If your name and/or address are requested to complete a purchase use your name and home address.

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