Frequently Asked Questions

Cardholder Scotiabank® Reward Visa* Card

Is a Scotiabank Reward Visa card a credit card?

No. A Scotiabank Reward Visa card is a prepaid Visa card that carries funds loaded on the card by the program sponsor (the organization that pays for the funds on the card). Each time the recipient uses the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the available balance. These card materials provide important information, including the card agreement for using your card, so please read them carefully before using the card.

Where can a Scotiabank Reward Visa card be used?

Unlike store issued cards, your Scotiabank Reward Visa card can be used everywhere Visa is accepted.

How do I know the initial balance of my Scotiabank Reward Visa card?

Look for communications from the sponsor company that outlines the initial funds loaded on the card. You have a number of ways to determine your balance.

1. You can keep a manual running total of your balance by subtracting your purchases from the original loaded value.
2. You can visit the website at www.myberkeleycard.com and enter your card number, the four digit activation number as referenced in your card materials, and card verification value (the three digit value on the back of your card located on the signature panel) to obtain your balance and a history of your transactions.
3. You can call the IVR at the number shown on the back of your card where your first call is free and any additional calls are billed at 50 cents which will be deducted from your balance.
4. You can speak with a live agent by calling the number shown on the back of your card Live Agent calls are $2.00 per call which will be deducted from your available balance.

Can I use my Scotiabank Reward Visa card at gas stations?

Yes. Just remember to present the card to the station attendant rather than paying at the pump.

Can I use my Scotiabank Reward Visa card at restaurants and hotels?

Yes. However, you should be aware that restaurants and hotels factor in an automatic tip or other incidental expenses when authorizing your purchase transaction. If the total purchase amount including the estimated tip exceeds the amount available on your card, your card may be declined. If you think this will happen, inform the merchant in advance about how much to deduct from your Visa Reward card and which second payment method (credit card, debit card, cash or cheque) you want to use to cover the difference.

Can I use my Scotiabank Reward Visa card for online or phone purchases?

Yes. Your Reward Visa card is intended for use anywhere Visa cards are accepted. You should be aware that some internet merchants use fraud protection software that may decline a Reward Visa card for an online or phone purchase transaction.

Does the Scotiabank Reward Visa card recipient need to sign an agreement?

Each card is distributed with a schedule of fees and Cardholder Agreement. The Reward recipient accepts the terms and conditions of the Cardholder Agreement by signing the back of the card, using the card, or receiving the card by request.

Will the Scotiabank Reward Visa card recipient receive a statement?

Reward recipients can review their current balance, free of charge, by visiting the website provided on the back of the card. In addition, the Reward recipient can call the Cardholder Services number listed on the back of the card to receive balance and transaction information.

What happens if I need to return an item?

Each merchant location has its own return policies and will handle returns in the same manner as any other Visa transaction. They may credit your Scotiabank Reward Visa card, provide a cash refund, or provide a store credit.

What if the purchase is denied?

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, please be aware that use of the Scotiabank Reward Visa card at some merchants - for example, restaurants - requires the card have an available balance greater than the purchase amount to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses. However, in all cases only the actual amount spent will be deducted from the card.

Can I reload my Scotiabank Reward Visa card?

No, the Scotiabank Reward Visa card is a non-reloadable prepaid card. Only the program sponsor can load the funds onto the card.

Does the Scotiabank Reward Visa card have an expiration date?

Yes. It expires on the date printed on the front of the card.

What happens if there are still funds available when my Scotiabank Reward Visa card expires?

We encourage you to use the entire amount of funds before the program ends. Upon expiry, the unused funds will be removed from the card at the discretion of the program sponsor.

Can the Scotiabank Reward Visa card be cancelled prior to the expiry date on the card?

At the discretion of the program sponsor, cards can be cancelled prior to the expiry date. Cardholders will be provided with a minimum of 60 days notice to allow cardholders to use the balance of funds on their cards.

What happens if my Scotiabank Reward Visa card is lost or stolen?

You must notify us immediately by calling the number listed on the back of your card and providing your card number and other information we request. Once you have notified us, your card may be replaced at your written request, subject to our verification of your request and a replacement fee.

Why would my Scotiabank Reward Visa card be declined?

• Your card may have expired. Check the expiry date printed on the front of your card.
• Your remaining card balance may be less than the value of the item you wish to purchase.
• Some internet merchants use fraud protection software that may decline a Reward Visa card purchase transaction.

What fees are associated with a Scotiabank Reward Visa card?

All fees related to your card are provided to you in the Cardholder Agreement contained in the card package. We encourage you to read the fees associated with the card and to establish usage patterns that minimize fees associated with card ownership.

Can the card ever have a negative balance?

No, the card is a Reward Visa card which will only authorize when enough funds exist on the card to cover the purchase.