Where can I get a Mastercard® Prepaid Card?
Mastercard does not issue cards itself and cannot recommend a specific card to you as we have many issuers. To review our issuers and card, please check Mastercard Prepaid cards.
Please ensure you read all the terms and conditions on the website to ensure you are happy with all the costs and charges associated with the card. All these costs and charges are set by the issuer and we have no control over them.
Do I have to activate and register my prepaid card before using it?
Activation and registration requirements vary, so check your card packaging for detailed instructions. However, you'll need to register your card in order to take advantage of the reload function, Zero Liability Protection and card replacement benefits offered by your prepaid card.
How do I use my Mastercard Prepaid Card?
Use your Prepaid Card like a regular debit or credit card at checkout; tap it at the terminal or give it to the cashier if requested. Your purchase will automatically be deducted from the card balance.
Where can I use my Mastercard Prepaid Card?
Use your Mastercard Prepaid Card anywhere that Debit Mastercard is accepted, including millions of locations worldwide plus online, and for mail and phone orders. You can also use your card to pay bills online.
Can I use Mastercard or Maestro prepaid cards to withdraw money from an ATM?
This feature is available on certain card programmes. When available, you can use your card to withdraw money from any ATM worldwide wherever Mastercard and/or Maestro and/or Cirrus cards are accepted. Please check your cardholder agreement for details.
Can I use Mastercard or Maestro prepaid cards abroad?
You can use mostMastercard or Maestroprepaid cards like aMastercarddebit card in any location in the world that accepts Mastercard and/or Maestro cards. Please check your cardholder agreement for details.
Can I use Mastercard or Maestro prepaid cards to shop on-line, over the phone and by mail order?
Yes, you can use yourMastercard or Maestroprepaid card with any retailer that accepts Mastercard and/or Maestro.
Can I use a prepaid card to make regular payments, such as for monthly subscriptions?
Some prepaid cards can indeed be used to make regular payments. Please check with your card provider or your cardholder agreement for details.
How do I get my Mastercard Prepaid Card balance?
Follow the instructions provided with your card. Generally, this includes either visiting the card issuer's website, installing their App or by calling the phone number on the back of the card. Certain merchants may also have the ability to read your card's balance for you.
How do I add funds to my card?
There are several ways to reload (or 'top up') your card. For example, you can add funds to your card as a direct debit, at participating retailer or add funds from a nominated payment card to their prepaid card in-app. You may do a cash top-up at post offices or convenience stores or reload by making a funds transfer from a bank account or on-line through the Internet, or via an App The ways in which you can reload your card will vary.
Check your card packaging or contact the card issuer to find out which methods are supported.Please read the information provided by the card provider for details on how and where you can load money onto your card.
What's the difference between a 'reloadable' and a 'non-reloadable' card?
A 'reloadable' prepaid card can be 'topped-up' with money. Certain cards, such as many gift cards, are loaded only once and can't be 'topped-up'. These cards are 'non-reloadable'.
Is there a limit to how much money I can put on my card?
Some card companies may set a limit on how much money you can load onto your card at any one time. For prepaid cards that you can buy without any proof of address and/or identity, the maximum amount of money that you can load onto the card will generally be much less when compared to reloadable cards or other cards bought against a proof of address and/or identity.
Is there a maximum amount I can top-up?
Yes. If you want to check or need advice on what limits apply, please contact your card issuer or refer to your cardholder agreement for details.
Is there a minimum amount I can top-up?
Minimum reload amounts vary, but most merchants will expect a minimum reload of £10.
My available card balance won't cover my purchase amount. Can I still use my prepaid card?
Yes, just tell the cashier in advance how much to deduct from your prepaid card and how much you will pay using an alternate payment method. Note that this process, known as "split tender," may not be supported by all merchants.
How do I return an item purchased with a Mastercard Prepaid Card?
When you make a return, the cashier may ask to see your card. The value of the returned merchandise will be credited back to the card.
What happens if my card gets lost or is stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, you must report it to your card company immediately. Usually your money will be frozen so no one else can use the card. You may then be sent a new card with your remaining balance on it. Some card companies will voluntarily replace money stolen from your card - but not all of them do.
I can't find my Mastercard Prepaid Card. What should I do?
If you registered your Mastercard Prepaid Card, your issuer can use the information you provided during registration to issue a replacement card. Be sure to keep a record of the card number.
Contact the issuer immediately to report a lost or stolen card. You can also contactEmergency Servicesfor additional assistance.
Mastercard Prepaid Cards that have been registered includeZero Liability Protection. Certain exceptions apply.
I need to change the PIN on my card
As Mastercard does not issue cards, you will need to contact the customer services of your card provider, the details of which you should have received upon receipt of the card and should be listed on the reverse of the card.
Does my prepaid card protect me in the same way that a credit card would - e.g., if the company issuing the prepaid card goes bankrupt?
In the UK, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (www.fscs.org.uk) does not cover prepaid cards in the event of a default by the prepaid card issuer. However, prepaid card issuers are required by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to ring fence cardholder funds to protect them in case of their issuer’s default. Please check with your card issuer to understand their policy. Whilst the FSA requires that measures be put in place to protect cardholder funds, there is no guarantee that they are fully protected.
I need to renew my Prepaid Card
As Mastercard does not issue cards, you will need to contact the customer services of your card provider, the details of which you should have received upon receipt of the card and should be listed on the reverse of the card
What if my question isn't answered here?
If your question isn't listed here, we recommend you contact the financial institution that issued your card. Look for a customer service number on the back of the card. You can also contact the Mastercard Assistance Centre on freephone0800 964 767 from the UK.
