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Using Gift Cards
While they look like credit cards, RBC Visa Gift Cards are actually prepaid/stored value cards. When initially purchased, funds are loaded to the card, and when purchases are made, the amounts are deducted from the card's balance until it reaches $0. An RBC Visa Gift Card can be used to make purchases anywhere in the world where Visa cards are accepted(1) including online, by phone and at millions of retail locations worldwide.
There is no activation or set-up required for RBC Visa Gift Cards. Unlike cheques, which need to be cashed or deposited, RBC Visa Gift Cards can be used immediately.
The following provides important information related to the use of RBC Visa Gift Cards that have been purchased at an RBC Royal Bank branch.
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You are on: In-store purchases and split payments In-store purchases and split paymentsTo make a purchase that is greater than the balance on the card, let the merchant know in advance that you will be splitting the payment (some merchants may not accept multiple forms of payment). Advise the merchant of the amount available on the card and use a second form of payment - credit card, debit card, cash or cheque - to cover the difference. You will need to know your available balance because merchants cannot check it for you. Balances can be checked online at www.myrbccardbalance.com You are on: Merchandise returns and credit vouchers Merchandise returns and credit vouchersFor merchandise returns, deal directly with merchants. Be sure to keep your card and purchase receipts, even after the balance is depleted, as you may be asked to present them in order to process the return. If the merchant's policy is to credit the card used for purchases (rather than provide you with cash or a store credit), the available balance on your card will be increased by the amount of the refund within two to three days of the return. You are on: Online and telephone purchases Online and telephone purchasesCards can be used for online and telephone purchases. However, some online and telephone retailers will only allow purchases to be made with registered cards (cards that have a name and address associated with them). Register your card at www.myrbccardbalance.com Cards cannot be used for certain types of transactions including those connected to Internet gambling. You are on: Using your cards outside of Canada Using cards outside of CanadaRBC Visa Gift Cards can be used to make purchases outside of Canada but they do not include Chip technology. Some merchants may not be familiar with this type of card, so it is recommended that you have another form of payment (credit card, debit card, cash or traveller's cheques) available when making purchases to avoid potential processing problems or delays. If the card or card number is used outside of Canada or if an amount is charged to the card in a foreign currency, transactions is converted to Canadian dollars no later than the date we post the transaction to your Prepaid Card account at an exchange rate that is 2.5% over a benchmark rate Royal Bank of Canada pays on the date of conversion. We will show the exchange rate for each transaction in the card's transaction history. You are on: Fuel purchases Fuel purchasesRBC Visa Gift Cards CANNOT be used to pay for fuel at “pay at the pump” kiosks. You will need to take your Card inside the gas station and pay the cashier. You are on: Security and protection Security and protectionRBC Visa Gift Cards work like cash, but are much safer with added security and protection. This includes protection against unauthorized use, provided you take reasonable precautions to protect the card, as set out in the Card Agreement You are on: Restaurant and salon transactions Restaurant and salon transactionsTo ensure there are sufficient funds available on the card, certain merchants require that a hold be placed on funds (up to an additional 20%) in advance of providing the goods or services. Examples include restaurants, salons or other services that could require a tip or extra charge. This is normal practice for merchants accepting credit or prepaid cards. Because these holds take some time to clear, we recommend that you do NOT use your card in these situations to ensure that you have your full balance available to you for other purchases. You are on: Hotels, car rentals or cruise line transactions Hotels, car rentals or cruise line transactionsHotels, car rental agencies or cruise lines will hold funds until the end of your trip. While the funds are being held you will be unable to use them until they are released back onto your card. These holds are normal practice, and it can take some time for them to be cleared. We recommend that you do NOT use your card for these types of bookings in order to ensure that you have your full balance available to you for other purchases. You are on: Lost/stolen cards Lost/stolen cardsRBC Visa Gift Cards can be replaced if lost or stolen provided they have been registered at www.myrbccardbalance.com |
(1) RBC Visa Gift Cards may be used to make purchases anywhere in the world where Visa cards are accepted. Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or to receive any other cash withdrawal or make financial payments at a financial institution.
(2) Fees are subject to change.
* A $3.95 fee applies at the time of card purchase.
To purchase RBC Visa Gift Cards, visit a local branch and talk to an RBC Representative today.
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