The perfect gift for any occasion
Mastercard® Gift Cards Tips, Info & FAQs
A Mastercard gift card with a fixed amount of cash
One size thrills all. Next time, give a gift they can really use – even online! If you’re a member of United Texas Credit Union, you can purchase a prepaid gift card for anyone. These cards are safe, secure, and far more versatile than any single retailer’s gift card. With a style all their own that’s thoughtful and personal, they’re accepted anywhere Debit Mastercard is accepted. They make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and more.
Stop by any of our branches to get yours today!
4 Benefits of Prepaid Gift Cards
Not sure if a prepaid gift card is the right purchase? Here are four reasons they can be a fantastic option:
1. They are more secure
Prepaid gift cards are an easier, safer way to give a large amount of money than cash. You can report a lost prepaid card and get your money refunded.
2. You can give them to anyone
Your recipient doesn’t need to be connected to a financial institution to enjoy using one of these cards. For instance, you could give a prepaid gift card to a child under 18 who doesn’t have an account.
3. They offer complete freedom
If you are unsure of what kind of gift to give, a prepaid gift card offers limitless opportunities. It can be spent on almost anything!
4. They are great for travel
If someone you love is planning an upcoming trip, a prepaid gift card is a highly convenient way to support them and help fund their travel. They are safer than cash or a credit card.
FAQs
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What kind of gift cards do you have?
We offer a variety of designs, including thank you, birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, Christmas, and more.
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How do I use my card?
At a merchant or store, you can use your card by selecting “credit” at the merchant’s card terminal. Also, you may obtain a PIN (personal identification number) by calling the customer service number on the back of your card and following the automated instructions. Once you have a PIN, you can select “debit” at the point of sale. If you are making a purchase online or over the phone, just make sure the billing address you provide matches the one registered to your card. All of these options are subject to transaction fees. Please see your Terms and Conditions for a listing of the associated fees.
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Where can I use my card?
You can use your card anywhere Debit Mastercard® is accepted in the U.S. Plus, your card can also be used for online and phone purchases.
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Can I use my card at restaurants, hotels and car-rental agencies?
Yes, but keep in mind many service-oriented merchants automatically factor in an additional percentage to cover any gratuity you may leave or incidental charge you may incur. When using your card at restaurants, it’s best to have an available balance that is 20 percent greater than your bill, and when using your card at hotels and car-rental agencies, check with the merchant to find out how much, if any, they over-authorize their transactions.
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Can I withdraw cash from my card?
Sorry – you cannot withdraw cash from your Gift Card. It is for point-of-sale, online and phone purchases only.
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Can I use my card to pay at the pump at gas stations?
Yes, however, an authorization of at least $75 may be held on your account. This authorization may not be removed from your account for several days. To avoid this over-authorization, simply pay for your gas inside the service station.
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How much can I load on the card?
You may load any amount from $10 – $1,000.
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If I lose it, can I get the money back?
Yes, as long as there is a balance on the card.
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Does this card have continuous fees?
No. However, after 12 months the card will assess a $2.95 monthly inactivity fee if it is not being used.
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Can I reload a gift card?
Unfortunately, you cannot. It is a one-time use card. If you need this option, we also offer reloadable prepaid cards.
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How long until the gift card expires?
The expiration is stated on front of card.
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Who can I contact if my card is not working, or if I need to know my balance?
Call our toll-free customer service line at 1-866-496-6183. You can also visit myprepaidbalance.com.
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How do I register my card and what is the benefit of doing so?
You may register your Gift Card online at MyPrepaidBalance.com by creating an account, adding your card and editing the default registration information to your own information. Registering your card will provide the additional security required to allow you to check your balance, view your transaction history, use your card for phone and online purchases, and request a replacement should your card become lost or stolen.
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Where can I find my balance or transaction history?
You can get your card balance and a list of all your transactions by logging into MyPrepaidBalance.com or by calling the customer service phone number on the back of your card.
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Can I use my card in a foreign country?
Unfortunately, no. Gift Cards are for domestic use only and, as such, can only be used in the United States and areas considered to be U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam.
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How much is it to purchase a gift card?
There is a $4.00 fee per gift card.
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Are there any other fees associated with my card?
There are a few fees to keep in mind. Take a look at the Terms and Conditions that you received with your card for the associated fees. If you have any questions about fees, feel free to call the customer service number on the back of your card.
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Can I still make a purchase if I don’t have enough funds on my card?
Yes, it’s possible but only if the merchant allows split-tender transactions (see “What is a split-tender transaction and how does it work?”).
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What is a Pending Transaction?
These transactions are reflected in your available balance but won’t be finalized until posted by the merchant. The amount listed may not be the actual final amount.
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What is a split-tender transaction and how does it work?
Sometimes your purchase is for a greater amount than what’s on your card. And since you can only spend what you load, you will need to split the payment across multiple methods. Depending on the merchant’s policy, you can request a split-tender transaction – just use an additional card or alternative payment method to cover the remaining cost of the purchase beyond your card’s balance. Keep in mind, some merchants may only allow you to do this if the second method of payment is cash or a check. Also, online and most mail-order merchants do not permit split-tender transactions. There is no guarantee that every merchant will accept two forms of payment, such as two prepaid cards.
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What if my card is declined at the point of sale?
When making a purchase in-person, the merchant may have attempted to process the purchase for a greater amount than what is available on the card. If this happens, ask the merchant to split the payment across multiple methods. You can only spend what you load on your card – any amounts beyond that will cause a decline. You also may have selected “gift” instead of “credit” or “debit” to run the transaction (see “How do I use my card?” under “Using Your Card”).).
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What can I do if there are fraudulent transactions on my card?
Let us know! If you notice transactions on your account that you have not made, call the customer service number on the back of your card immediately. A live agent will follow a standard dispute process to investigate the fraudulent transactions and help remedy the situation.
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What if my card is lost or stolen?
No worries. If your card has been lost or stolen*, call 1-866-496-6183. A live agent will walk you through obtaining a replacement card. Keep in mind, there will be a $5 fee assessed to your card balance to replace your card. It may take up to 10 days to receive your replacement card. A lost or stolen Gift Card cannot be replaced if the card was never registered via MyPrepaidBalance.com.
*Registered cards are insured.
Next Step
Go To Next StepMastercard® Gift Cards Why United Texas
Mastercard® Gift Cards
- Choose any amount from $10 to $1,000
- Offers the recipient plenty of flexibility
- More secure than cash or a check
- Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- $4 fee per card
Testimonial
Love our Boerne Branch! Great staff. Amazing branch manager. Kris always makes it a great and friendly experience every time we go in there. Makes it feel like we're part of a family!
Devin M., member since 2016
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Next Step
Go To Next StepMastercard® Gift Cards How it Works
Purchasing a prepaid gift card with United Texas is fast, safe, and simple.
STEP 1.
If you are not already a member of our credit union, sign up today. All you need to do is open a $5.00 minimum savings account.
STEP 2.
Head into any of our branches, where you’ll be able to purchase a prepaid gift card that can be used practically anywhere.