About the Card

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The Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card looks similar to a MasterCard credit card – both have the MasterCard trademark and hologram and merchants will accept it like any other MasterCard card. The difference is that Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® cardholders don't have a line of credit. The Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is only able to access the pre-paid amount of money you choose to put on the card.

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What are the benefits of a Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

The Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card frees you from the hassle and safety issues of using cash. With the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card, you can buy what you want, when you want, without the worry of having enough cash on hand or scrambling for change. Because it’s a pre-paid card, the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is also an excellent budgeting tool. It’s not a credit card, so you don’t have to worry about getting carried away with your spending. Since it’s reloadable, you can keep using the card over and over again. Many people find PayPass is more convenient to use than cash and will move you through lengthy checkout lines faster. The Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is a simpler, quicker, more secure way to pay.

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Why is the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card safer than carrying cash?

When cash is lost, it is gone forever. If you lose your bank account card you run the risk of fraudsters trying to access and deplete your bank account. However, if the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is ever lost or stolen, you're protected with MasterCard's Zero Liability Policy. Your card will be replaced and the balance transferred to your new card. The replacement card usually arrives in five to ten business days. Click here for more information on how MasterCard’s Zero Liability Policy protects you.

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What is PayPass technology?

The PayPass technology in your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card means that your card has built-in chip technology as well as a standard magnetic stripe. This advanced chip technology allows you to pay simply by tapping your card on the PayPass reader at any PayPass enabled merchant. In addition, the card can be used in the traditional manner at all MasterCard acceptance locations worldwide.

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How does the PayPass technology work?

Your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card contains a chip and a tiny antenna inside the card. The card communicates with specially equipped PayPass terminals via short-range radio waves to make the transaction process simpler and quicker for all. This type of wireless payment is ideal for use at merchant locations where speed is essential, such as fast food restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, toll roads, mass transit, vending machines, etc.

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How close to the PayPass reader do I have to be?

Typically, your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card must be within a few centimetres (1 inch) of the PayPass reader to be read.

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Where can I use my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

You may use your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card in the traditional manner (i.e., swiping the magnetic stripe) anywhere that MasterCard is accepted worldwide. The PayPass feature can be used only at merchants that are equipped with PayPass readers.

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Using the Card

How does the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card work?

The Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is a pre-paid, or stored value, card so spending limits are set by the amount of money you transfer to the card. When you make a purchase with the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the card balance. When the card balance is low, you can add money to the card from your bank account or another credit card. It is all right for the card to be fully depleted of funds. If this happens, simply follow the appropriate steps to replenish your funds.

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Who can use the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

Similar to your credit card, only the individual whose name appears on Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card may use the card.

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How do I add money to my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

To load or transfer funds to your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card, use the Bill Payment feature on your bank’s website, telephone banking service or visit www.instapaymentcard.com and set up a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) service for your card. Please note that to use www.instapaymentcard.com to set up PAD service, you will require the password you received during the initial card application process.

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Can my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card ever carry a negative balance?

An authorization request for an amount that is greater than the account balance will be declined. However, occasionally, a merchant will not immediately send through an authorization request, meaning that while the money has been spent with a merchant, the account has not yet been debited. If another purchase is made before the authorization is sent through, there is a possibility that your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card account could hold a negative balance. If that happens, you will be notified immediately by email and/or phone and/or postal mail and directed to add additional funds.

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How do I check the balance on my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

There are currently a number of ways to keep on top of your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card account balance. The easiest way is to document your deposits and withdrawals and simply calculate your balance. You can also track your transactions and balance online by visiting www.instapaymentcard.com and logging on to your account. You may also call 1-877-837-3777 to check you balance by telephone. Please note that you will require your PIN to access your account by telephone.

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How do I know what is being charged to my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card if I don’t get a receipt?

If you want a receipt, simply ask the clerk to give you one – it is available, should you request it. If you do not require a receipt, you can see what is being charged on the terminal when you check out. The cashier should tell you what the purchase amount is and allow you to see the amount on the terminal.

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How do I know that my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card has been successfully read?

When you present your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card to the terminal, you will see a series of lights come on. When all the lights have lit, you will know that your card has been properly read.

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Why is no signature required when I used my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card in the traditional manner (i.e., swiping the magnetic stripe) at certain merchants?

MasterCard has special rules for certain merchants that are included in its "Quick Payment Service” program. This means that some merchants will not require you to sign for a transaction. This QPS program is intended to help speed the payment process at merchants such as fast food restaurants, movie theaters, etc. However, not all merchants participate in the QPS program so you may be required to sign a receipt regardless of the purchase amount.

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What do I do if my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard®card is lost or stolen?

If your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is lost or stolen, you should contact customer service immediately at 1-877-837-3777 . Remember to always keep your card number in a safe place – you'll need to reference your card number when you call to report your lost or stolen card. Once reported lost or stolen, your card will be cancelled and a replacement card will be issued. Your replacement card should arrive in five to ten business days and the funds from your lost card will be automatically transferred to your new card.

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I've forgotten my Password. What do I do?

If you have forgotten your Password to login to your account, visit the Account Login section of the website www.instapaymentcard.com and follow the link Forgot Your Password? Follow the step-by-step instructions, answering the security questions and providing an active email address. Your Password will be emailed to you within one working day. You may also call customer service at 1-877-837-3777 and a new Password will be provided.

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I've forgotten my PIN. What do I do?

Your PIN number is required to use your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card at any ATM or to check your balance at 1-877-837-3777 . If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, please complete a New PIN Request. A new PIN will be mailed out to your within 7 -10 working day. For security reasons, a new PIN can not be supplied via telephone or email

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Can I use my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card at any ATM?

Your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card may be used at any ATM that displays any of the network brands on the back of your card. When prompted, you'll need to enter the PIN that was sent to you in the mail. Please be aware that you may be subject to ATM fees by the acquiring financial institution.

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Will the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card impact my credit rating if misused?

Since the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card does not offer a line of credit, it will not impact your credit rating. However, if the card is being misused, the account may be suspended at any time.

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Can my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card be used to make online purchases?

You can always use your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card to purchase at your favorite stores online. Simply enter your card information and billing address when prompted at checkout.

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Are there any costs associated with using my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

There are fees associated with card usage or card funding. Please see the Cardholder Agreement for current fee information.

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Will I get a monthly statement in the mail?

You will not receive a printed statement in the mail. To view your monthly statement or to access your entire transaction history, you may log onto www.instapaymentcard.com at anytime by using Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card number and Password. You may also call 1-877-837-3777 and follow the automated voice response system to hear your account balance. Please note that you will be required to enter you PIN when calling 1-877-837-3777 to check your account balance.

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How can I change/update my personal data?

You may change personal data at any time by logging onto your account online at www.instapaymentcard.com and visiting the Change Your Personal Data section of the site. If you have any questions or problems updating your personal information, you may call 1-877-837-3777 .

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When I view my transaction history, what does "pending" mean next to some of my purchases?

A notice of “pending” next to a merchant's name on your statement means that while we have received notice from that merchant that you spent that amount at their store or on their website, the merchant hasn't yet sent through the final amount for payment. This notice, called an authorization, is done to make sure that your card is valid and to tell us to put the money in your account on hold until the merchant sends through the final transaction amount for payment. When we receive that final notification (usually within 3 days of the purchase) the transaction is considered “settled” or “posted,” and the amount of that transaction is taken out of your account.

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Why is the amount shown as “pending” different than the amount I actually spent at that merchant?

In some cases, such as restaurants, the merchant may send us a request for authorization (see above) for the food portion of your bill since you may not yet have written in a tip. In this case, we'll place the amount the restaurant sends us on hold, plus an additional 20% to cover the tip, should it be added. While the money is on hold, it isn't taken out of your account. The money is not debited from your account until we get the FINAL, correct amount from the restaurant. You may also notice a difference in amounts when purchasing at a gas station. If you choose to pay for your gas at the pump, the machine will send through a preliminary authorization to ensure your card is valid. When this happens, $20 is put on hold in your account to cover your gas purchase. Again, this is just a hold on the money until we receive the final amount you actually spent. Once the transaction is settled, you'll see the correct amount reflected in your statement.

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Why is there an unfamiliar merchant name listed on my statement? I don't remember shopping there.

Some stores are part of a larger corporation that operates under a name that is different from the actual store, and card processing is done under the company’s corporate name.

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Getting Started

How can I get Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

Currently, Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® cards are being offered on a limited basis in select geographic areas. Please contact customer service at 1-877-837-3777 to discuss card availability.

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Do I have to qualify for a Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card?

Since there is no credit involved in the card, we have a 100% approval rate. Your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card only has access to funds you have transferred onto it so you simply can't spend more than the amount you have in your card account.

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I already have a MasterCard, can a Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card be added to a MasterCard account that's already open?

Since the Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card is a pre-paid card and not a credit card, it cannot be added to an existing MasterCard account. In fact, you don't even need to be a MasterCard cardholder in order to get a Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card.

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Can more than one individual be on the same Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® account?

Each individual is required to have a separate Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card with its own unique card number.

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I just received my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card in the mail. What do I do now?

In order to begin using your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card, you must activate it by loading it with funds. In order to transfer funds onto your card, use the Bill Payment feature on your bank’s website, telephone banking service or visit www.instapaymentcard.com and set up a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) service.

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Does my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card expire?

Yes, your Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card will expire 12- 18 months from the date of issue. The expiry date for your card appears on the card. A replacement card should arrive automatically before your card expires. If you have not received a replacement card by the date of your cards expiry please call 1-877-837-3777 .

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What happens if my Instapayment Prepaid MasterCard® card expires with money left on it and I do not activate my replacement card?

If you should choose not to activate your replacement card, a cheque for the remaining funds will be issued within 90 days to cardholder name and sent to the most recent address on file.

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How can I be sure that the information I provide is secure?

All the information you provide to us is encrypted with SSL technology, ensuring that your information remains secure.

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How can I contact Instapayment if I’m outside North American Territories?

You can reach us by phone at +1(514)494-8921. Long distance charges may apply.

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