FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ReadyCARD Mastercard card?
Your Card is a prepaid Mastercard that can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted, including mail order, online, telephone and point of sale retail merchants, subject to the terms of this Agreement. Each time the ReadyCARD Mastercard is used, the purchase amount is deducted from the available balance until that balance reaches zero. Once the entire card amount has been spent, it can no longer be used as a method of payment. Consult the Cardholder Agreement and these Frequently Asked Questions for information on how to get the most from your ReadyCARD.
Can I add money to my ReadyCARD?
ReadyCARDs are not reloadable.
How do I register my card?
You can register your card on this website.
Are there any fees when using my ReadyCARD?
Yes, please refer to the Cardholder Agreement for a description of the fees.
Can I make cash withdrawals from the Card?
No
Does buying or using my ReadyCARD build my credit rating?
No. The ReadyCARD is not a credit card. It is a prepaid card. Because no credit is granted and no payments are required, the ReadyCARD does not build credit history.
Are my funds safe and secure?
Yes. All money is secure in the banking system, except in the case of cardholder negligence.
What should I do if my ReadyCARD is lost, stolen or damaged and needs to be replaced?
You should call us immediately at 1-844-753-7583. All transactions carried out on your Card before you notify us will be considered to have been made by you.
Can I spend more money than I have on the ReadyCARD?
No. It is important to keep track of your ReadyCARD balance to avoid having purchases declined for insufficient funds.
Can my ReadyCARD ever have a negative balance?
Any authorization request that is greater than the ReadyCARD's available balance will be declined. However, there can be times when a merchant puts an item through without prior authorization. If this happens and you exceed your ReadyCARD's funds, you will be billed for the excess amount. Before making a purchase and to avoid charges, visit a ReadySTATION or log in to your card account on this website to check your card account balance.
Can I use my ReadyCARD at a restaurant?
Yes. However, most restaurants will attempt to authorize the transaction for the total bill plus an estimated tip. The addition of the tip may be more than the balance remaining on the card causing the transaction to be denied. Notify the server if the balance on your card is not sufficient to cover the total bill plus the tip.
Can I use my ReadyCARD for online purchases?
Yes. As long as prepaid cards are accepted. Most online companies confirm the name and address of the cardholder before approving the purchase.
Can I use my ReadyCARD to book a hotel room?
It depends on the hotel. When you make a reservation at a hotel it is called an "open end transaction." That means the total amount due is unknown. The hotel has the right to authorize more than the initial payment to cover damages that could occur during your stay. The hotel can place a hold on these funds for 30 days. Many times the card will not have sufficient funds to cover additional charges; for this reason some hotels do not accept prepaid cards. However, some hotels will accept prepaid cards under special rules; therefore, we recommend you first call the hotel and inquire about their prepaid card policy.
I bought something from a website, but they never deducted the money off my ReadyCARD. Why?
The reason is that most websites only charge your card account when the merchandise is shipped, not when it is ordered. So, let's say you bought something that was out of stock or was not available for shipping for a few days. The merchant may not charge your ReadyCARD until they ship your merchandise a few days (or weeks) later.
I bought something for $x.xx but my ReadyCARD balance is only down by $1. Why?
Many website and phone merchants will do what is called a "dollar authorization." This means that they check to see that your account is valid, but they only hold $1.00 until they ship the merchandise. Then, they will charge the full amount.
I bought something, but my balance doesn't show any money being taken off. Why?
Many website and phone merchants will do what is called "batch authorizations." This means that they will take a bunch of orders over a period of time and then submit them all at once for authorization from the credit card company later. Therefore, when your ReadyCARD is approved at that time, then you'll see your balance decline by the purchase amount.
I bought something online and it said that my ReadyCARD was OK, but then they e-mailed me later and said my ReadyCARD had been declined. Why?
Many website and phone merchants will do what is called "batch authorizations." This means that they will take a bunch of orders over a period of time and then submit them all at once for authorization from the credit card company later. Therefore, at first, they tell everyone that their Card was approved. But then when they submitted your ReadyCARD for approval later, they found out that it was declined.
How do I check the balance of my ReadyCARD?
FREE balance checks are available online on this website and at any ReadySTATION. You may also call Customer Service at 1-844-753-7583.
What happens when I call Customer Service?
When you call customer service, you will be prompted through an automated voice service where you will have options, such as checking your balance. You will also have an option to speak with a Customer Service Representative, who will be able to help you with your ReadyCARD questions.