Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions about RBC Visa Gift Cards.
Why give RBC Visa Gift Cards instead of cash or store gift cards?
RBC Visa Gift Cards offer flexibility and protection that doesn't come with cash or store gift cards. Whether it's to pay for basic needs or an extravagant treat, they can be used for purchases virtually anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted(2), including online and telephone purchases. Cardholders can shop around for their purchases, search for the best price, and get exactly what they want. They are not forced to use all the funds at one store or purchase items that they may not want or need just for the sake of using all the funds on the card. And as an added benefit, Visa security features provide protection in the event the card is lost or stolen, provided the card has been registered
in advance. When you add it all up, RBC Visa Gift Cards make the perfect gift every time.
Are RBC Visa Gift Cards credit cards?
While they look like credit cards, RBC Visa Gift Cards are actually prepaid/stored value cards. When purchases are made, amounts are deducted from the cards until the balances reach $0.
Are RBC Visa Gift Cards re-loadable?
RBC Visa Gift Cards can only be loaded once, at the time of purchase. Cards cannot be re–loaded with additional funds.
Are RBC Visa Gift Cards refundable?
RBC Visa Gift Cards are not refundable for cash or other banking products.
Can RBC Visa Gift Cards be used for cash advances or to withdraw money at an ATM?
No, RBC Visa Gift Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or to receive any other cash withdrawal or make financial payments at any financial institution. There is no PIN assigned to the card.
Do RBC Visa Gift Cards have an expiry date?
Yes, an expiry date is required in order to process Visa transactions. The expiry date can be found embossed on the front of the card.
Can RBC Visa Gift Cards be replaced if they are lost or stolen?
Yes, RBC Visa Gift Cards can be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged provided they have been registered at www.myrbccardbalance.com
. Lost or stolen cards should be reported immediately by contacting us, toll-free 1 866 466-8079 within Canada or the United States or collect from outside of Canada or the United States at 1-954-377-4480. A replacement card will be issued and any available balance will be transferred to the replacement card, less a $15.00 Replacement Card fee(1).
What is the RBC Blue Water Project™?
The RBC Blue Water Project is an innovative, 10-year, global commitment to help protect the world's most precious natural resource: fresh water. To learn more about the RBC Blue Water Project click here
.
Questions about purchasing RBC Visa Gift Cards
Is there a fee to purchase RBC Visa Gift Cards?
In addition to the initial load value to the card, there is a one time fee(1) of $3.95 charged to the person purchasing the card. There are no fees charged to recipients when they use their RBC Visa Gift Cards to make purchases.
Where can I purchase RBC Visa Gift Cards?
RBC Visa Gift Cards can be purchased at any RBC Royal Bank branch in Canada. Find your local branch 
What denominations are available on RBC Visa Gift Cards?
RBC Visa Gift Cards can be purchased in any denomination from $25-$500 CDN at any RBC Royal Bank branch
.
Are there any other fees associated with RBC Visa Gift Cards?
There are no fees when using RBC Visa Gift Cards to make purchases. However, because RBC Visa Gift Cards are not credit cards, there are some fees in place to cover the cost of providing certain services. If cardholders use all of the funds on the card within the first six months after the card is purchased, they will not be charged any maintenance or expiry fees. View fees and charges which may apply.
Can balances be checked on RBC Visa Gift Cards?
Yes RBC Visa Gift Card balances can be checked at www.myrbccardbalance.com
or by phone at 1-866-466-8079.
What happens to unused card balances upon expiry?
Upon the expiry of the Card, a fee will be charged equal to the value of the balance remaining on the Card. An amount equivalent to the aggregate of all expiry fees collected will be donated to a charity that is supported by Royal Bank of Canada, such as an RBC Blue Water Project™ grant recipient.
Questions about using RBC Visa Gift Cards
Can RBC Visa Gift Cards be used while travelling outside of Canada?
Yes, RBC Visa Gift Cards can be used while travelling outside of Canada. Cards may be used to make purchases anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted and cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or to receive any other cash withdrawal or make financial payments at any financial institution.
If cards or card numbers are used outside of Canada or if amounts are charged in a foreign currency, the transaction will be converted into Canadian dollars no later than the date we post the transaction to your Card at an exchange rate that is 2.5% over a benchmark rate Royal Bank of Canada pays the payment card company on the date of conversion. The transaction can be viewed on the cards transaction history.
Who can I contact to discuss a dispute or declined transaction?
To discuss a dispute or declined transaction, Please call, toll-free 1-866-466-8079 within Canada or the United States Outside of Canada or the United States call collect: 1-954-377-4480.
Why should RBC Visa Gift Cards be registered?
It is important to register RBC Visa Gift Cards at www.myrbccardbalance.com
. Cards must be registered in advance in order for them to be replaced should they be lost or stolen. This protects cardholders by preventing someone else from registering the card and accessing card balance and transaction information. In addition, some retailers will only allow online or telephone purchases with registered cards.
Can RBC Visa Gift Cards be used for services such as hotel reservations, car rentals or restaurants?
To 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 hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants, cruise lines and other services that could require a tip or extra charge. We recommend that you do NOT use your card in these situations to ensure that you have your full balance available for other purchases.
Can I make a split payment on my RBC Visa Gift Card?
To make a purchase that is greater than the balance on the card, you should let the merchant know in advance that you will be splitting the payment (Note: some merchants may not be able to handle multiple forms of payment). You should then 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 should be aware of the balance available on their card in advance of making a payment as merchants do not have the ability to check balances. Balances can be checked online at www.myrbccardbalance.com
or by calling toll free 1-866-466-8079.
Can recurring payments be made with an RBC Visa Gift Card?
Because RBC Visa Gift Cards are non-reloadable, cards cannot be used make recurring payments. These payments will not be authorized by the merchant.
Are RBC Visa Gift Cards transferable?
Non–personalized cards may be transferred by recipients to someone else provided the cards have not been signed. Once signed, cards are not transferable. Cards personalized in the name of the recipient are not transferable.
Can I return merchandise when I pay with an RBC Visa Gift Card?
For merchandise returns, recipients should deal directly with merchants. They should keep the Card and purchase receipts (even after the balance is depleted) as they may be asked to present them in order to process the return. When the merchants policy is to credit the card used for purchases (rather than provide cash or store credit), the available balance on the card will be increased by the amount of the refund within two to three days of the return.
What should I do if a merchant will not accept an RBC Visa Gift Card as a form of payment?
Should a merchant refuse to accept an RBC Visa Gift Card as a means of payment, contact RBC Gift Card Support at 1-866-466-8079 or outside of Canada or the United States at 1-954-377-4480 (collect).
The following information should be provided by the cardholder:
- Name of the Cardholder
- RBC Visa Gift Card number (*** DO NOT include the card number when sending an email)
- Transaction date
- Transaction amount
- Name of the merchant
- Address of the merchant
- Reason given for the refusal
You may receive a follow-up call to discuss the resolution.
1) Fees are subject to change.
2) RBC Visa Gift Cards may be used to make purchases anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted. Cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or to receive any other cash withdrawal or make financial payments at any financial institution.