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How do I check the balance and use my prepaid gift card?

Prepaid gift cards can be used in many of the same places as debit cards. Here's how to check your balance and use your card.

Marisa Crowder avatar
Written by Marisa Crowder
Updated over 3 weeks ago

How do I check my prepaid card balance?

To check your balance and view transaction history:

  1. Open the redemption email from Nectar.

  2. Click the link to the prepaid card website.

  3. Enter your card number and security code when prompted.

🔐 Note: If you created a login on the prepaid site during your initial redemption, you may be prompted to log in. For any errors accessing card details, contact the card provider directly for support.

⚠️ Important: The prepaid card website is separate from Nectar. If you run into login issues with their site, please contact the card provider listed on the redemption site for help.


Where can I use my prepaid card?

Usage depends on the type of card you received:

💳 Physical Visa or Mastercard

  • Use online, in stores, or over the phone.

  • Works anywhere Visa or Mastercard debit is accepted.

💻 Virtual Visa or Mastercard

  • Use for online or phone purchases.

  • Some virtual Mastercards can be added to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet, etc.).

  • May also be used at physical stores that accept Visa or Mastercard by manually entering the card details, depending on retailer policies.

✅ Be sure to enter the card number, CVV, and expiration date exactly as listed.

⚠️ Nectar can't assist with digital wallet setup. Please reach out to the card provider for support.


Frequently Asked Questions for prepaid gift cards:

Why was my transaction declined?

There are a few common reasons prepaid card transactions may be declined:

  • The merchant doesn't accept prepaid cards.

  • You're trying to spend more than the card balance.

  • You're using the card in an unsupported way.

💡 Tip: Ask the store in advance if they accept prepaid cards to avoid issues.

Example: A $50 card can cover a $49.99 charge but not a $50.01 one.

Do prepaid cards have special usage rules?

Yes, usage may vary depending on:

  • The card brand (Visa or Mastercard)

  • Whether it’s a virtual or physical card

  • The supplier of the card

Check the specific instructions provided by your card issuer in the redemption email or on the card site. For additional guidance, you can also check these resources:

📞 Nectar facilitates initial redemption of gift cards but does not have access to card details such as balance, transaction history, or login credentials. For card-specific issues, including activation errors or merchant rejections, contact the card provider listed with your card.

Additional Troubleshooting

  • If using a Visa gift card for online purchases, ensure that the billing address matches what is registered with the card. Many merchants require this validation for successful transactions.

  • Double-check that the card is activated before use.

  • Visit the prepaid card provider’s website to confirm your balance.

  • Verify that the retailer accepts prepaid cards, and refer to their terms and conditions if there are any issues.


Requesting Physical Cards

While all cards redeemed through Nectar are digital by default, you may request a physical Visa or Mastercard from the card provider. To do so:

  1. Activate your virtual card.

  2. Log into the prepaid card provider’s website and navigate to the physical card request section.

  3. Review and accept any associated fees.

  4. Submit your request, and expect the physical card to arrive within 3 business days.

Note: Physical card availability and associated fees depend on the prepaid card provider’s policies.

Please contact the support team listed on the prepaid card provider’s website for further assistance. For faster assistance, you can also directly reach out to:

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