Tips for Different Card Types

General Purpose Reloadable Card Tips

  • Shop around for the best card for you. Reloadable prepaid cards come with different features, benefits and fees. Think about how you plan to use the card, then find the card that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Know what you're buying-in advance. Important information about the card may appear on the card itself, on the accompanying sleeve or packaging, in the terms and conditions, on the issuer's Web site or another custom Web site. Pay special attention to fees (if applicable) and when those fees are charged. Also, check the card’s expiration date and policy.
  • Record the card number and the customer service telephone number. Keep the information in a safe place.
  • Familiarize yourself with the security and loss prevention features of your card. The brand mark on network branded prepaid cards provides added security not available with checks and cash. If the card is lost, stolen or used for purchases without authorization, it may be reissued and the funds replaced. Make sure to report any losses or unauthorized purchases to the customer service number immediately.
  • Check your card balance. Most cards offer a phone, text or online option to do this. If you're making a purchase that's more than your card balance, tell the cashier in advance.
  • Load funds and track your spending regularly. Loading funds onto the card in advance helps you stick to a budget. Developing a disciplined approach to manage spending and your balance (through email, text alerts, etc) will help keep you on track.

Gift Card Tips

  • Rest easy, using the card is fee free. No branded gift card recipient will be charged any fees until at least one year after the card is loaded with funds so your recipient has plenty of time to spend all the funds without any fees.
  • Give the gift of time and choice. The funds on branded gift cards don’t expire for at least five years, meaning your friends or family can use your gift for what they want, when they want.
  • Enjoy the convenience of your prepaid gift card. Use your branded gift card anywhere the logo on the card is accepted – even online. Before you go shopping, make sure you know your available balance; most cards offer free online balance tracking, text or telephone alerts.
  • Select gifts that are both versatile and personalized. Shop around this season and you’ll find lots of festive options, including gift cards that come with fun packaging and cards that can be personalized specifically for your recipient.
  • Find everything you need to know right on the card. New branded gift cards will have the expiration date, fees, toll-free customer service number and website on the cards themselves, so finding information or getting help is easier than ever before.
  • Give a gift that is safe. Unlike cash, the balance on a branded gift card can be refunded if the card is lost or stolen. The funds are protected by the zero liability policies of the card brand if you go through the simple registration process.
  • Register your card to take advantage of all its protections. Be sure to register the card and keep the customer service number in a safe place. If your gift card is displaced, you can receive a free replacement card or the balance.

Rebate Card Tips

  • Familiarize yourself with the security and loss prevention features of your card. The value associated with your card can be recovered if the card is lost or stolen.
  • Take a few moments to read about how to use your rebate card. Being knowledgeable about how your card works will help you have a great experience.
  • Use your rebate card right away for the purchase of your choice. Unlike rebate checks, you don’t have to visit a bank or check cashing store to access your rebate.
  • Check whether fees are associated with non-usage. If the rebate card goes unused for several months, fees may kick in.
  • Keep track of your spending and follow the instructions on the back of your card to verify your rebate card balance. If you are making a purchase for more than the balance on your card, tell the clerk the exact balance on the card before he/she rings up the sale and provide another form of payment for the balance.

Benefit Card Tips

  • If you currently receive your benefits via direct deposit, continue to do so. All states offer a direct deposit option. Prepaid cards are a replacement for paper checks.
  • Prepaid card funds are available on the day of payment. There are no more trips to the bank and no more waiting for a check to clear.
  • With a little bit of effort it is easy to virtually eliminate any fees or surcharges. All state unemployment programs offer surcharge free withdrawals. For example, the State of Maryland and the State of Kansas offer free funds at all Citibank locations, Citibank network ATMs and participating retailers such as convenience stores. They also offer free bank transfers, a toll-free, interactive voice response system and online account management for greater control over funds. Take five minutes to read the information that comes with your card to understand how you can access your money surcharge free for your particular state program.
  • Prepaid cards are consistently cited by users to be cheaper than using check cashing facilities. Use it responsibly and you will save money.
  • As a cardholder you are protected if the funds are lost or stolen. Unlike paper checks, funds can be recovered if the card is lost or stolen and the card can be replaced.
  • Use your benefits card just like a credit or debit card to make purchases at any merchant that accepts the card brand. Enjoy the safety and convenience of not having to carry around as much cash.