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FAQ

We've gathered the most common Visa Incentive card questions all in one place. After you learn about your new card, be sure to check out the special deals and discounts you can access with it.

Questions

Answers


What are Visa Incentive cards?

Visa Incentive cards are prepaid cards that can be used at millions of locations where Visa Debit cards are accepted. Because Visa Incentive cards are prepaid, spending is limited to the amount of money placed on the card. Each time the card is used, the purchase amount is automatically deducted from the card balance.
Businesses offer Visa Incentive cards to valued employees, partners, and customers. For employee incentive and reward programs, cards are given for performance recognition, holiday bonus, sales incentive, and safety awards. Additionally, Visa Incentive cards are offered as channel incentives for distributors, vendors or third party sales channels. And consumers receive the cards through rebates and promotions. Promotions can be one-time or recurring, including new product trials, event giveaways, coupons, discounts, contests/sweepstakes, door prizes, corporate gifts, and loyalty award payments.

Are Visa Incentive cards different from Visa Gift cards?

Yes. Visa Incentive cards are always funded by a business, while Visa Gift cards may be purchased by a consumer. However, some small businesses may use Visa Gift cards to offer incentives. Visa Gift cards are not reloadable, but certain Visa Incentive cards may be reloadable.

What are the benefits of using a Visa Incentive card?

Visa Incentive cards provide you with shopping flexibility, choice, convenience and immediate easy use. They work like all other Visa Debit cards, so recipients can purchase whatever they want, anywhere Visa Debit cards are accepted without the inconvenience of having to cash a check or complete additional steps in the fulfillment process.
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Can Visa Incentive cards be used outside of the United States?

Although Visa Incentive cards cannot be issued outside the United States, some can be used outside the country. If the card states "Valid only in the United States" on the front, the provider has issued a Domestic Use Only card. Such cards will not be accepted at locations outside of the United States.

Do I need to activate my Visa Incentive card?

Usually, yes. Review the materials that came with your card for details. The activation process varies, depending on the provider that issued your card.

How do I get a PIN?

See your card provider's information or call them to see if your card is PIN eligible, and for instructions on getting a PIN. Their contact information can usually be found on the back of your card.
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How do I know the balance on my Visa Incentive card?

You can check the card balance at your card provider's web site or by calling them directly. Keeping track of your balance is a sure way to know how much you have to spend.
The provider issuing your card may also allow you to check your balance at ATMs or other locations. Contact your specific provider to learn about the balance-checking options they offer.

What happens if my Visa Incentive card is lost or stolen?

Visa Incentive cards are covered by Visa's Zero Liability policy1, which protects the cardholder from fraudulent use of a lost or stolen card. Report a lost or stolen card immediately to the card issuer. To do so, call the phone number listed on the back of the card or in the card documentation. You will need to provide the lost or stolen card number so you should write that down and keep it in a safe place. Reference the materials that came with your card for more details. More on Visa security and protection.

Can I overspend the available balance on my Visa Incentive card?

Many merchants cannot access the balance on the card, so it is important that cardholders know the balance before they shop. If you try to purchase something that exceeds the value on the card, the transaction will be declined. However, you may choose to cover the difference with a second payment method. When making the purchase, tell the cashier in advance how much to deduct from the Visa Incentive card and how much will be covered through the second payment method.
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Are there any special types of transactions I should know about before I shop?

Some transactions are handled differently, so please keep these scenarios in mind.
Gas Stations - Paying at the pump may cause a hold of up to $75; consider paying inside with the attendant for the exact amount and signing the receipt instead.
Restaurants - Restaurants may verify if you have enough money on your card for the dining bill, so you should also make sure you have enough for any anticipated tip..
Hotels - Hotels may put a "hold" on the amount of your estimated bill, making that amount unavailable for other purchases. When you check out, that hold may take a few days to be removed.
Auto Rentals - You may use your card for final payment of a rental car bill, but a credit card may be necessary to reserve a rental car
Returning Purchases - Store return policies may vary. You may receive a credit to your card, a cash refund or even a store credit, depending on the particular store. A credit to your account may take up to one week to process before it's available for use.

What should I do if my Visa Incentive card is declined?

If a transaction is declined, the merchant will let you know. To help prevent this, keep track of your balance by visiting the web site or phone number provided with your card.

What if I change my mind and want to cancel a purchase?

If the merchant cancels a transaction at your request, it may take three to seven days for the authorization hold to be removed from your card. Contact your provider for specific details about authorization holds.
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How long can I use my Visa Incentive card?

You can make purchases using your Visa Incentive card until the expiration date shown on the card, or until the value of the card has been depleted.

Are Visa Incentive cards reloadable like some other Visa Prepaid cards?

Reloadable cards can be continually funded with cash for ongoing use. Only some Visa Incentive cards are reloadable depending on the issuer. To find out if yours is reloadable, please call the number on the back of your Visa Incentive card or check the informational material it came with.

 
1Visa's Zero Liability policy covers U.S.-issued cards only and does not apply to ATM transactions, PIN transactions not processed by Visa, or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholder must notify issuer promptly of any unauthorized use. Consult issuer for additional details or click here.

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