Questions members frequently ask about Visa® Reloadable Cards

How does a Visa® Reloadable Card work?

It's a reloadable prepaid Visa® debit card, which means you can spend up to the value placed on the card anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. You can shop in stores, online, over the phone, and by mail order. You can get cash at Visa® Interlink or PLUS® ATMs worldwide. Each time you make a purchase, the amount of that purchase is automatically deducted from the card.

How do I know the balance on my Visa® Reloadable Card?

You can check your balance online by visiting NuUnion.org or by calling 866.760.3156 using the automated phone system. Since a merchant may not be able to tell how much money is on the card, it’s a good idea to keep track of your balance so you know how much you have to spend.

Where can my Visa® Reloadable Card be used?

Your card can be used to make purchases at millions of Visa® debit locations worldwide and to obtain cash at any Visa® Interlink or Plus® ATMs worldwide.

Why would I use a Visa® Reloadable Card instead of traveler's checks?

Unlike traveler's checks, the Visa® Reloadable Card can be reloaded up to three times (for non-personalized), and unlimited (for personalized), with additional funds via the Visa® website or by calling the toll-free phone number on the back of your card. It can also be used at ATMs to get cash in local currencies worldwide. Transactions are automatically tracked and can be reviewed online or by phone.

Are there any transactions or reload limits?

Purchase transactions are unlimited, up to the balance remaining on your card. However, for the protection of our cardholders, there are limits to the number and dollar amount of reloads, ATM withdrawals, and cash advances performed within a certain time period. To learn more about the current limits, refer to your Terms and Conditions.

Who can order or use the card?

Our Visa® Reloadable Card can be purchased by anyone that has a valid NuUnion debit or credit card registered in his or her name. The individual purchasing the card is defined as the primary cardholder. The address listed for the primary cardholder must match the billing address for the NuUnion debit or credit card used to purchase the Visa® Reloadable Card. Personalized primary cardholders can order online up to four personalized secondary cards for family members or companions. When purchasing a secondary card for a young person with no card experience, be sure to go over all of the materials that accompany the card.

Can I purchase a Visa® Reloadable Card as a gift or give to a teen to use?

No, Visa® Reloadable Cards cannot be given as a gift. You purchase the Visa® Reloadable Card for your own personal use. However, parents can purchase a personalized primary Visa® Reloadable Card for themselves and order a personalized secondary card for their teen. Only the parent can load value to the card.

How do I get a Visa® Reloadable Card?

You can order personalized Visa® Reloadable Cards directly at the Visa® website or purchase non-personalized and personalized Visa® Reloadable Cards at your local branch.

Does the cardholder need to sign an agreement?

Each card is distributed with Terms and Conditions which fully explains the use of the card. This document can also be viewed online. The cardholder accepts the terms and conditions by either signing the back of the card, using the card, or receiving the card by request.

How do I activate my Visa® Reloadable Card and obtain my PIN?

Non-personalized cards are activated at the time of purchase. Personalized cards can be activated by visiting NuUnion.org. Click on Visa® Reloadable Cards under Member Center. To activate, choose the Activate Card link. You can also activate by calling the customer support number listed on the back of your card. To obtain a PIN, call 866.760.3156 and an assigned PIN will be automatically spoken after your card is activated and you'll be given the opportunity to select a new PIN if you choose.

What happens if I need to return an item?

Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other Visa® transaction. They may credit your Visa® Reloadable Card, provide a cash refund, or a store credit. The return may take up to seven business days to be credited to your Visa® Reloadable Card.

What if the purchase is denied?

If a decline occurs, the card's available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. You may inform the merchant of the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant. Also, some merchants — for example, restaurants, car rental agencies, salons, mail-order companies, and cruise lines — preauthorize for an amount slightly higher than your actual transaction to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. This amount is "held" until the transaction settles to your Visa® Reloadable Card. Only the amount you sign for will ultimately be deducted from your card. Use of the card at automated fuel dispensers requires a minimum balance of $50.00. Again, only the actual amount spent will ultimately be deducted from the card. 

Can I reload the Visa® Reloadable Card?

Yes, the card can be loaded up to three times for non-personalized and unlimited times for personalized.  To reload using your registered funding accounts, primary cardholders can visit the Visa® website, call the number listed on the back of their card, or visit your local branch. Any applicable fee for reloading through the website or by phone will be charged to your funding source, along with the value being added to your card. 

What if I have a non-personalized Visa® Reloadable Card and I've reached the 3-load limit?

If you choose, a new Visa® Reloadable Card can be ordered from the Visa® website or by going into your local branch. You can continue to make purchases using your old card until the balance has been depleted.

Why might my initial load or reload be declined?

Possible reasons your initial load or reload might be declined are the name and/or address on file with NuUnion doesn’t match the primary cardholder profile on the Visa® Reloadable Card website, the NuUnion debit or credit card expiration date or three digit code listed on the website is incorrect, or the three load limit or other applicable limits have been exceeded. First, verify your funding source information and the total number of reloads performed to date. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, call the toll free number on the back of your card to discuss other limits that may have been exceeded.

Can the 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 cardholder will be required to either reload funds onto the card or make a payment to Cardholder Services to cover the negative amount.

How do I find an ATM when I travel - especially overseas?

Visit NuUnion.org or use the ATM locator found at VISA.com for participating Visa® ATMs, both domestic and abroad.

What is the exchange rate when I get to another country?

The exchange rate is determined by the rate of exchange on the date of purchase. Using your Visa® Reloadable Card at an ATM can be less expensive than using a currency exchange to get foreign currency.

When I travel, are my receipts in U.S. dollars or the local currency?

Your receipt will reflect the local currency. It’s always good to plan ahead and have a general idea of what the local exchange rates are before you travel. This helps you to understand what goods and services are actually costing you.

What happens if my Visa® Reloadable Card is lost or stolen?

We provide 24-hour toll-free support. Immediately report any problems or a lost or stolen card by calling 866.760.3156. A replacement card can be issued and any available balance transferred to a new card, less applicable fees that will be deducted from the card's available balance. Replacement cards are generally received in seven to 10 business days. Emergency card replacement can also be requested with guaranteed delivery within the next business day, or sooner in some cases. See the Terms and Conditions for fees that apply to lost or stolen cards and emergency card replacement. As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges. If traveling internationally or far from home, a secondary card should be considered. That way, if the primary card is lost or stolen, the secondary card can immediately be used to access the funds without having to wait for a replacement card.