Is the San Mateo Credit Union Gift Card a credit card?
No. It is a prepaid Visa® card that carries a fixed cash amount determined by the giver at the time of purchase. Each time the gift recipient uses the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the available balance.
Where can a Gift Card be used?
It can be used to make purchases everywhere Visa cards are accepted.
Is there a limit as to how much value the Gift Card can have?
Yes. Personalized Gift Cards ordered online have a minimum value of $25 and a maximum value of $500. If purchased at an SMCU branch, the minimum value is $25 and the maximum value is $1000.
Does the gift recipient need to sign an agreement?
Each card is distributed with a Cardholder Agreement & Disclosure. This agreement fully explains the terms and conditions regarding the use of the card. This agreement can also be viewed online. The gift recipient accepts the terms and conditions by either activating the card, signing the back of the card or using the card.
Why does a Gift Card purchased online over $399.00 need to be shipped to the purchaser?
It is a security measure in place to prevent potential Gift Card purchases with a fraudulent or stolen card.
How does the recipient check the balance on the Gift Card?
Go to www.libertygiftcard.com/ or call 1-866-244-5360.
Can the Gift Card be reloaded?
No, the card cannot be reloaded.
What happens if the card is lost or stolen?
Recipient should immediately report any problems or a lost or stolen card by calling
1-866-244-5360. A replacement card will be issued and any available balance will be transferred to the new card, less the $5 lost/stolen fee that will be deducted from the card’s available balance (a new card issuance fee may also apply). As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, the cardholder is not responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges.
What are the fees?
It costs $3.95 - $5.95 for each card if purchased at any SMCU branch depending on the value or amount purchased. If the card is purchased online, the fee per card ranges from $5.95 - $7.95, depending on the value or amount purchased. There will be a $2.50 monthly service fee deducted from your SMCU Visa Gift Card beginning 6 months after the purchase date, so be sure to use your card before then. For more fees that may apply, please refer to the Terms and Conditions.
Can the cardholder use the Gift Card at an ATM?
No, the card can be used for purchases only.
Will a Personal Identification Number (PIN) be issued with the Gift Card?
No, the card works just like a credit care where you sign for a purchase.
Does the cardholder select debit or credit at the point of sale?
The cardholder should select credit.
Can the cardholder get cash back from a merchant?
No, cash back is not an option on the Gift Card.
Does the Gift Card have an expiration date?
Yes. It expires when the remaining balance is $0 or on the expiration date shown on the front of the card. Once the card expires a $10 monthly fee will be assessed until the balance is zero, or until the cardholder requests a new card. The cardholder may terminate the card and receive the funds via a check. Within six to eight weeks of a written request a check will be sent less the $25 service fee.
What happens if there is a balance remaining after the Gift Card expires?
The cardholder may request that a new card be issued and the remaining balance transferred to the new card. A balance/transfer fee of $5 will be deducted from the balance and a new card issuance fee may also apply. Once the card expires a $10 monthly fee will be assessed until the balance is zero, or until the cardholder requests a new card. The cardholder may terminate the card and receive the funds via a check. Within six to eight weeks of a written request a check will be sent less the $25 service fee.
Can the Gift Card ever have a negative balance?
Any authorization request that is greater than the card’s available balance will be declined. However, there can be times when a Visa merchant puts an item through without prior authorization. If an overdraft occurs, the card recipient will be required to make a payment to cardholder services to cover the negative amount.
Payments should be sent to:
Cardholder Services
PO Box 550160
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33355-0160
What if a purchase is denied?
The card’s available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. Call 1-866-244-5360 for the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant. Also, please be aware that use of the Gift Card at some merchants — for example, restaurants, mail-order companies, and cruise lines — requires the card have an available balance greater than the purchase amount to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. Use of the card at automated fuel dispensers requires a minimum balance of $30. However, only the actual amount spent will be deducted from the card.
How are disputes handled?
Simply call the Visa Gift Card toll-free customer service number, 1-866-244-5360, and they will walk the cardholder through the process.
How are returns handled?
Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other Visa purchase.
