Visa® Prepaid Debit Card FAQs
It’s an alternative card that only lets you spend the money you load onto the card. Unlike a regular
debit card, a prepaid card is not tied to a checking account. Your prepaid card is accepted wherever Visa® is, whether you’re in California or on the other side of the world.
Simply load your card with an amount you select, then use it to make your purchases or at ATMs. You can load more money onto the card whenever you want* and
manage your card online anytime.
Your initial load amount must be at least $50.00 and no more than $5,000. Reload maximum is up to $15,000.
The SMCU Visa® Prepaid Debit Card can be used by anyone, but it’s especially popular with:
- Travelers who don’t want to carry cash
- Students and young people whose parents want to retain some control over spending
- Households that don’t have a checking account
- People on a fixed income
* Cards can be reloaded unlimited times however a limit of three (3) reloads per day in a seven (7) day period. Non-personalized cards can only be reloaded three (3) additional times after the initial load. The San Mateo Credit Union (SMCU) Visa Prepaid Debit Card is not a credit card. You may use this prepaid debit card when there is a balance remaining on the card and only up to the amount left on the card. Purchases will be deducted from the prepaid debit card until the value reaches zero. If you are given value through the use of the card greater than the balance remaining you will pay San Mateo Credit Union, on demand, the amount by which your transactions exceeded the balance on the prepaid debit card. To make a purchase greater than the balance remaining or available on your prepaid debit card, you will need to use a second payment to cover the difference. Prepaid debit cards may not be used at some merchants including non-financial money exchange establishments and gambling establishments. Some merchants, like gas stations, restaurants, hotels or rental car agencies may attempt to submit authorizations against the prepaid debit card for an amount greater than the actual purchase amount. If a merchant attempts an authorization greater than the balance remaining, your transaction may be declined.