How To Activate a Prepaid Credit Card
What is Prepaid Credit Card?
A prepaid card is not linked to a bank or credit union account. Instead, you put money into the card account, sometimes called loading money onto the card, before you can spend it.
How To Activate a Prepaid Credit Card
Things You Should Know. Call the phone number on the front sticker or on the back of the card to activate it by phone. Provide the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and 3-digit security code. Visit the link on the front sticker or on the back of the card to activate it online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prepaid cards already activated?
If you’re wondering how to activate a Visa gift card, the good news is they are already activated and ready to use after they’ve been bought. So once you’ve been gifted a card, almost all of the work has been done for you — just make sure you sign the back of your card before using it!
How do you use a prepaid credit card?
A prepaid card functions in some ways like other cards. This means you can swipe or insert it into point-of-sale systems to make your purchases and, in some cases, use it at ATMs to withdraw cash.
How do I know if my prepaid Visa is activated?
Many Visa Gift cards are activated upon purchase and ready to use. However, if yours requires activation, you’ll typically see a sticker with instructions and a toll-free phone number.
Can you activate a prepaid card online?
Getting started with your Visa Prepaid card is easy. All you need to do is: Activate it online or by phone. Load it online or in-person.
What is prepaid card PIN?
Yes, most prepaid Visa cards have a personal identification number (PIN) that you can use to make transactions at merchants that accept Visa debit cards. The PIN is a four-digit code that you will need to enter when you use the card to make a purchase or withdraw cash from an ATM.
How do I know if my card is activated?
Call customer service: You can call the phone number on the back of your credit card to reach customer service. You’ll be able to check the status of your card and, if it is deactivated, you can ask about reactivation. Make a purchase: Another way to check if a card is active is to try and use it to make a purchase.
How much does it cost to activate a prepaid card?
Most prepaid cards charge monthly maintenance fees around $10, which is similar to checking account fees that can cost up to $15 a month. But you may also pay a fee to open your prepaid card, typically around $5.
How long does it take for a card to activate?
Activating your card lets your card issuer know you’ve received it. Activation is generally the same no matter which credit card you have and only takes a few minutes.
Can I withdraw money from a prepaid credit card?
A: Yes. You may withdraw cash against the balance on most Mastercard prepaid and gift cards at any ATM. However, not all prepaid and gift card issuers allow ATM or foreign transactions.
How do I activate my prepaid Mastercard?
You can activate your Gift Card at https://balance.mastercardgiftcard.com or by calling the toll-free number on the back of your Card (1-833-623-3266). You will need to provide your Gift Card number, Valid Through Date, and security code located on the back of your card.