Prepaid cards, such as Visa® Prepaid or Mastercard® Prepaid Cards, offer a versatile payment option for transactions. It's important to understand the distinctions between virtual and physical cards, as they dictate the range and methods of usage. Whether you’re making online transactions, shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, or completing phone payments, these cards operate under specific guidelines that determine how they can be used.
Using a prepaid Visa or Mastercard
Visa® Prepaid Cards or Mastercard® Prepaid Cards are generally accepted worldwide wherever Visa or Mastercard Debit is used. Virtual cards work for online or phone payments but not in physical stores unless added to a digital wallet when possible. On the other hand, physical cards can be used in retail stores, online, or over the phone.
These prepaid cards function similarly to regular credit cards. However, they can only be charged up to the available amount on the card at the time of purchase. For instance, a $50 prepaid card can cover a $49.99 purchase but not a $50.01 one.
Declined prepaid Visa and Mastercard transactions
It's not uncommon for transactions to be declined, and there can be various reasons for this issue. Common causes include:
- Merchants declining a purchase
- Attempting to make purchases with insufficient funds on the card
- Using the card in an unauthorized manner.
Note: Some stores might not take prepaid cards. It's a good idea to ask the store directly if they accept prepaid cards before you try to use one. Checking beforehand can save you some trouble at the checkout.
Review the following rules, restrictions, and guidelines as they might explain why you have encountered a declined transaction.
If you continue to experience issues using the card, please contact the customer service team of the gift card brand you selected.
Common rules and restrictions with prepaid cards
Prepaid cards have rules and restrictions that, if violated, will lead to an error or your purchase being declined. These commonly include:
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Attempting a balance transfer
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Using rewards with platforms like PayPal, CashApp, or Venmo
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Using the card for recurring charges such as subscription fees or automatic bill payments
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Withdrawing cash from an ATM using your prepaid card
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Transferring funds from the prepaid card into a bank account
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Paying a credit card bill with your prepaid card
- Using the card to fund a commissary account for incarcerated individuals
Specific usage guidelines for your prepaid card option
Different prepaid card options have specific usage rules that vary based on the brand (Visa or Mastercard), the type of card (physical or virtual card), and the prepaid card supplier. These guidelines apply alongside the rules and restrictions mentioned above. In general, physical prepaid cards can be used online or in store. Virtual prepaid cards are meant to be used for online purchases and typically cannot be used in stores. For questions regarding specific usage guidelines for your card, please refer to the contact details provided with your card.
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Wallet and other third party digital wallets
Certain virtual Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards may be compatible with third-party digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet. However, not all virtual prepaid cards can be added to these wallets. For detailed information, please refer to the contact details provided with your card.
Please note that Tango cannot assist with issues related to third-party digital wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet. If you need help adding a virtual prepaid card to your digital wallet, we recommend reaching out to the support team for your specific wallet provider.
