Here’s a quick guide to show you how the Visa Government Prepaid card works.

When the government makes a payment, the funds are automatically deposited to your Visa Government Prepaid card. There’s no waiting for a check. Access to your money the instant it’s loaded on to your card.

To start using your card, follow the activation instructions that came with your card. Then immediately sign the back for added protection.

Go open a new world, and use your card online, over the phone, and at millions of places where Visa Debit cards are accepted – restaurants, grocery stores, medical offices, web sites, gas stations, retail stores, and more¹. You can use your card with confidence because your money will be replaced if your card is lost or stolen and you are protected from unauthorized use with Visa Zero Liability².

Access deals from popular merchants through Visa Discounts and enjoy great money-saving offers (as permitted by law). Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to receive news about future offers.

You can conveniently get cash at more than a million ATMs by simply inserting your card into the machine and entering your PIN¹. Certain merchants – like drug stores and supermarkets – also let you get cash back when you make a purchase. How to get a PIN number and get cash.

You can use your Visa Government Prepaid card to pay just about any bill. Follow the instructions on your bill and enter your card details as requested.

To return an item you purchased with your Visa Government Prepaid card, have the card with you. If the merchant’s return policy allows it, they will credit the amount back onto your card. The credit usually takes three to seven business days to appear.

If a purchase costs more than the balance on your card, you can use a second form of payment – cash, check, or credit card – to cover the difference. Tell the cashier in advance that you will be using more than one payment method.