cooperacard

Transactions

Are there special types of transactions I should know about before I shop with my card?

Yes, there are special types of transactions that you should know about.

Gas Stations - Paying at the pump may cause a minimum hold until the transaction clears; consider paying inside with the attendant for the exact amount and signing the receipt instead.

Restaurants - Restaurants may authorize your card for the amount of the dining bill to verify you have enough money in your account. Make sure you have enough funds on the card to cover any additional tips or gratuities.

Hotels - Hotels may put a hold on the amount of your estimated bill, making that amount unavailable for other purchases. When you check out, that hold may take a few days to be removed.

Auto Rentals - You may use your card for final payment for a rental car bill, however, a credit card may be necessary to reserve a rental car.

Returning Purchases - Store return policies may vary. You may receive a credit to your card, a cash refund or even a store credit, depending on the particular store. A credit to your account may take up to one week to process before it is available for use.

What should I do when I've spent the original amount I loaded on my card?

In most cases, you can simply add more money to your card. You can reload at your financial institution, through direct deposit of your wages, online or at any ReadyLink merchant.
You will want to keep your card — even after the balance is depleted and you decide not to add additional money to it — in case you need to return any purchased items. You might be asked to present the card when returning items purchased with the card.

What should I do if my card is declined?

If a transaction is declined, the merchant will let you know. To help prevent this, keep track of your balance by using your card registers to keep track of all of your transactions. Visit your financial institution when you need additional registers. Verify your card balance by calling 866.466.0058 (954.377.4496 outside the U.S.) or online.

What if I change my mind and want to cancel a purchase?

If the merchant cancels a transaction at your request, it may take three to seven business days for the authorization hold to be removed from your card.

What if I need to return an item that I purchased with my card?

Present your card at the time of a merchandise return. If the merchant’s return policy allows it, the merchant will credit the amount of the purchase back onto your card. Remember to save your purchase receipts and your card even after the funds have been depleted, in case you have merchandise returns. When returning an item purchased online, have your card number available in order to process the return. The merchandise value will be credited back to your card within three to seven business days.

What is the difference between a "cash advance" and "unload value"?

The primary cardholder can unload value online by logging into their account. A cash advance can only be initiated at a financial institution. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for possible fees.

What if I want to purchase an item that costs more than the balance on my card?

To make a purchase of greater value than the balance on your card, you will need to use a second payment method — cash, check, or credit card — to cover the difference. When making your purchase, you must tell the cashier in advance how much to deduct from your card and how much you will pay with the second payment method. However, not all merchants can handle these split tender transactions; and, if you try to purchase an item of greater value than your card balance, your card will be declined.