First Interstate Bank

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Travel Card Solutions

Find support and answers to your most common questions.

We've compiled a list of the most common questions related to First Interstate Bank's Travel Cards. Simply click on the individual issues listed below to see a solution. If there is a problem you are experiencing that isn't in this list, please call your local branch or our toll-free at 1-800-914-6710 or through our website via our online contact form.

 

General Questions

Where can I use my card?

Your card may be used anywhere debit cards are accepted. The brand marks on your card indicate where the card is accepted and typically will be displayed on the merchant’s store front. Your card can also be used for online and telephone purchases.

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How do I use my card?

At point-of-sale, use your Gift Card as a signature based transaction. Please select the “credit” option. If you select “debit”, the terminal will prompt you for a PIN which is not available with the gift card.

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How does the companion card work?

You may request a second card (at the time of purchase only) which will have a different card number but will share the same account information and balance as the primary travel card. Both cards will be fully functional but if one becomes lost or stolen, you can cancel it without impacting the use of your other card.

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How do I set up my PIN?

You may set up your PIN by contacting customer service by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. Please note that the use of your PIN may not be available immediately after it is established through customer service.

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What if I forgot my PIN?

You can reset your PIN by contacting customer service by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. You will need to speak with a live agent who will ask you questions to verify your identity and then reset your PIN.

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How do I change my PIN?

You may change your PIN by contacting customer service by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. Listen to the automated system to change your PIN.

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How do I get cash from my card?

You may obtain cash from your card at any ATM location associated with the brand mark that is displayed on your card. When doing so, please withdraw cash by selecting “checking”. You may also use your card as a PIN based point-of-sale transaction which will allow you to get cash back at some merchants. Or you may visit a financial institution and do an over the counter cash withdraw. All of these options are subject to transaction fees. Please reference your Terms and Conditions for the associated fees.

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What is the daily ATM or cash advance limit?

You may obtain cash from an ATM or through a cash advance for up to $500 per day.

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How can I add funds to my card?

You may add funds to your card by returning to the financial institution where your card was purchased. You may reload your Card up to 23 times.

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What happens if my card is declined at the point-of-sale?

Different scenarios may have caused your transaction to be declined.

  1. The merchant selected 'gift' instead of 'credit' to run the transaction.
  2. The merchant attempted to process the purchase for a greater amount than what is available on the card. If this happens, you should ask the merchant to run a “split-tender” transaction which will allow you to pay a portion of your purchase with your card and the remaining balance with another form of payment.

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What is a split tender transaction and how does it work?

If you wish to use your Gift Card to purchase an item for more than the available funds, depending on the Merchant's policy, you may be able to use your Gift Card toward a portion of the final purchase price, and then use another form of payment to pay the remaining balance. This is called a "split tender" transaction because you would be splitting the final transaction amount between your Gift Card and another form of payment. Before you request a "split tender" transaction, you will need to know your card value. Then, you must ask the Merchant if two forms of payment will be accepted. If the Merchant agrees, request that the Gift Card value be used as the first form of payment, and then use another form of funds to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers will only allow a "split tender" transaction if the second form of payment is cash or check. Online and most mail order merchants do not permit "split tender" transactions. We do not guarantee that the Merchant will accept two forms of payment, such as two gift cards.

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Can I still make a purchase if I don't have enough funds on my card?

Since this is a prepaid card, you may only use the amount of funds you have available on your card. If you create a negative balance on your card, you are responsible for the negative balance. You may also be charged a fee for the overdraft. Some merchants can run a ‘split-tender’ transaction which will allow you to pay a portion of your purchase with your card and the remaining balance with another form of payment.

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Can I use my card at restaurants?

Yes, you may use your Travel Card at a restaurant the same as you do at any other merchant. However, it is common for service-oriented merchants to automatically factor in an additional percentage (often times, up to 20% over the purchase price) to cover any tip you may leave on the card. You should ensure that your gift card has an available balance that is 20% greater than your total bill.

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How do I use my card at hotels and car rental agencies?

Like restaurants and other service-oriented merchants, companies associated with travel services may automatically factor in an additional percentage to cover incidental charges that you might incur. Each entity varies in the amount they are able to over-authorize. To prevent a decline, we advise you to check with the company to determine their policy for over-authorizing.

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Can I use my card at the 'pay at the pump' gas stations?

Your card can be used at automatic fuel dispensers. However, an authorization of $75 for Visa and MasterCard and $100 for Discover may be posted to your account. This authorization may not be removed from your account for several days. To prevent a potential over-authorization, we suggest that you pay for your gas in the service station.

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Can I use my card in a foreign country?

Yes, your card will be accepted worldwide excluding current OFAC sanctioned countries. Current countries that are sanctioned are: Belarus, Burma, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Western Balkans, and Zimbabwe

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How do I get a list of my balance or transactions?

You may obtain your current balance or a list of all your transactions through www.myprepaidbalance.com or by calling customer service at the phone number provided on the back of your card. In order to receive your transaction history online, you must first register your card. Please note that the website will not display pending authorizations but only completed transactions.

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How do I register my personal information online and what's the benefit of doing so?

You may register online at www.myprepaidbalance.com by creating a profile, adding your Travel Card to your profile and then editing the registered user name. Registering your card will provide the additional security required to allow you to check your balance, view transaction history, use your card for phone and internet purchases or request a replacement should your card become lost or stolen.

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What if my card is lost or stolen?

If your card has been lost or stolen, contact customer service by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. We recommend that you keep the phone number in a safe place for future reference. You will be able to speak to a live agent and obtain a replacement card. There will be a $5.00 fee assessed to your card balance to replace your card.

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Can I get an Emergency Card Replacement or Emergency Cash?

The Travel Card does offer both of these options. You must call the toll-free number listed on your hangtag for more information.

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What can I do if there is fraud on my card?

If you notice transactions on your account that you have not made, contact customer service immediately by calling the phone number provided on the back of your card. They will follow normal dispute processes to investigate the fraudulent transactions.

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Are there any fees associated with my card?

We do bill nominal fees for the use of the card. Please reference your Terms and Conditions for the associated fees.

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What is the minimum age to purchase a Travel Card?

You must be 16 years or older to purchase a Travel Card.

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