Cardholder Frequently Asked Questions
- Instructions: Using the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief® Contingency Card
- How to make a purchase at a Visa® merchant that accepts Visa debit cards?
- How to get cash at any ATM displaying the Cirrus® or VISA symbol or name?
- General
- How does the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card work?
- Where can the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card be used?
- Is the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card FDIC insured?
- Is a Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card a credit card?
- Can I give the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to someone under 18?
- How do I activate the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- How do I make a purchase using the Prepaid Card?
- What is the PIN?
- Can I change the PIN?
- What if I forgot the PIN?
- The Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card doesn't have my name on it. Can I still use it?
- If the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card doesn't have my name on it, do I still sign my name on the receipt?
- How do I register the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- Why should I register the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- What if I have a card that doesn’t have my name on it, and I receive a replacement card in the mail that has my name on it?
- Can I make a purchase for more than the amount remaining on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- How do I make a purchase using the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card at more than one merchant?
- Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card for online purchases?
- Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card at an ATM to withdraw money?
- Can I add more money to the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- Can I go into a Bank of America Banking Center and withdraw cash at the teller counter?
- Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to get “cash back” at check–out?
- What should I do if the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card is lost or stolen?
- How long can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- What if there is a remaining amount after the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Card Contingency expires?
- What happens when I spend the full amount on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- Can I change the address after receiving a Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- How do I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to pay at gas stations and restaurants?
- Checking the Amount Remaining
- How will I know the original amount of the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- How can I check the amount on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
- What kind of Customer Service assistance is available with the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
Instructions: Using the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief® Contingency Card
How to make a purchase at a Visa® merchant that accepts Visa debit cards?
- Present the Card to the cashier.
- Swipe the Card through the terminal reader. Push either debit or credit. When selecting credit, no PIN, or Personal Identification Number, is necessary. Just sign the receipt when the cashier hands it to you and take a copy of the receipt for your records. If you select debit, you will be asked to enter your PIN. The terminal will then ask you if you want cash back. If you do, enter in the amount and the cashier will dispense the cash to you.
- Always make sure to take the Card when the transaction is completed.
How to get cash at any ATM displaying the Cirrus® or VISA symbol or name?
ATM functionality varies among financial institutions and countries. To get cash at an ATM, you should first follow any on–screen directions.)
- Insert the Card
- Enter your PIN.
- If asked which account to access, try selecting “Checking” and if that does not work select “Credit.”
- Press Cash Advance or Withdrawal. Each system is slightly different, but this will make sense once you are at the ATM.
- Remove and count your money.
- Remove the Card and receipt.
- Keep your receipt for your records.
- Note: For ATM transactions performed at a non Bank of America ATM, the owner or operator of the ATM may charge an additional fee.
If you lose or forget your PIN, or if the Card is lost or stolen, call 1.866.673.6577 immediately. You can reset your PIN by following the prompts provided during the call. If your card is lost or stolen, the Bank will send you a replacement Card. Please see the Schedule of Bank Fees that you received with the Card as there may be a fee to replace the Card or reset your PIN. Remember, for security reasons, it is a good idea to keep the Card and PIN in separate places.
General
How does the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card work?
Recipients can use the Card just like any Visa debit card for purchases at millions of merchant locations that accept Visa debit cards including to withdraw cash at an ATM or for “cash back” at a merchant checkout.
Where can the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card be used?
The Cards can be used anywhere Visa or Maestro debit cards are accepted and at Cirrus ATMs.
Is the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card FDIC insured?
Yes, the funds on the Card are FDIC insured.
Is a Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card a credit card?
No, the Card is a prepaid Visa, and spending is limited to the dollar amount remaining on the Card.
Can I give the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to someone under 18?
Yes, the Card can be given to someone over under 18.
How do I activate the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You can activate the Card online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard. You can also activate the Card by calling 1.866.673.6577 toll free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Make sure you have your 16-digit Card account number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number ready when calling. THE CARD CANNOT BE USED UNTIL ACTIVATED AND A PIN IS SELECTED. When you call or go online to activate your card, you will select a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN is the access code to your account for all pinned point-of-sale purchases and ATM transactions.
If you received a replacement for lost or stolen card, go to www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or call 1.866.673.6577 to activate the Card.
How do I make a purchase using the Prepaid Card?
You can use the Card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Just press the “Credit” button on the terminal pad and you may be asked to sign a receipt to make your purchase. Alternately, some merchant may require you to enter your PIN for the transaction.
What is the PIN?
The PIN, or Personal Identification Number, is a unique code of four numbers assigned to the Card number and known only to you. When you call the customer service number or visit the Web site listed on the back of the Card to activate the Card, you will select a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN is the access code to your account for all pinned point-of-sale purchases and ATM transactions. Memorize this number and do not share with anyone. It allows you to withdraw local currency with the Card through any Bank of America ATMor any other ATM displaying the Cirrus or Visa symbol or name. You may call 1.866.673.6577 to obtain a PIN for the Card. You can also use your PIN at merchants that accept Visa debit cards, i.e. grocery stores.
Can I change the PIN?
You can change your PIN securely by logging onto www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard. Click the right tool bar and select PIN Change. You can also call Cardholder Customer Service at 1.866.673.6577, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What if I forgot the PIN>?
You can select a new PIN via the Web site at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or by calling Cardholder Customer Service 1.866.673.6577.
The Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card doesn't have my name on it. Can I still use it?
Yes, you can still use the Card even though your name doesn't appear on the Card. Make sure you sign the back of the Card, because merchants may validate your identity by comparing your signature on the back of the Card with the one on your receipt.
If the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card doesn't have my name on it, do I still sign my name on the receipt?
Yes, even though the Card has a greeting, such as “Disaster Relief,” instead of your name, you will still sign your name on the receipt when you make purchases. Make sure you sign the back of the Card, so that retailers can validate your identity by comparing your signature on the receipt with the one on the Card.
How do I register the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You may register by going online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or calling 1.866.673.6577. You will need to provide your name, full address, and phone number.
Why should I register the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
Registering the Card has several benefits:
- It enables you to make purchases online. Most online retailers do not accept payments without a valid “billing” address. Your registered address will serve as the “billing” address that retailers require.
- It enables Customer Service Representatives to more quickly assist you when you need assistance, for example if the Card is lost or stolen.
What if I have a card that doesn’t have my name on it, and I receive a replacement card in the mail that has my name on it?
If you received a card directly from your sponsor that did not have your name on it, you may be eligible to receive a personalized upgrade card in the mail after a pre-determined number of deposits or calendar days. If you receive a personalized upgrade card in the mail, please activate the card immediately. You will have 30 days from the date of issuance to activate your new card. Once activated, your current balance will transfer to the new card and your old card will become inactive.
Can I make a purchase for more than the amount remaining on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
Yes; however, you must tell the cashier or merchant the amount you want to pay on the Card, and then FIRST pay the remainder through other means such as cash, check, or debit/credit card. If you don't tell the cashier or merchant and attempt to make a purchase for more than the amount on the Card, the transaction will be declined.
Note: It's important to keep track of the amount remaining on the Card so you don't try to make purchases for more than the amount remaining on the Card. The amount remaining can be reviewed by going online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard. In the unlikely event that your purchase is approved for an amount over the remaining amount, you will be responsible for the negative balance.
How do I make a purchase using the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You can use the Card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Just press “Credit” and you will be asked to sign a receipt to make your purchase.
Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card at more than one merchant?
Yes, as long as there is a sufficient amount remaining on the Card.
Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card for online purchases?
Absolutely. You can use the Card for purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted – even online. However, you should first register the Card before attempting an online purchase.
Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card at an ATM to withdraw money?
If applicable to your sponsor’s program you may use the Card to withdraw cash at any ATM displaying the Visa or Cirrus® logo. Please see the Schedule of Bank Fees that you received with the Card for any fees that might apply.
Can I add more money to the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
No, you cannot add more money to the Card, but the Purchaser may transfer an additional amount up to 2 times before the expiration date for the Card. The Purchaser will notify you of any additional transfers.
Can I go into a Bank of America Banking Center and withdraw cash at the teller counter?
Yes. You can go into any Bank of America Banking Center or any other financial institution where you see the Visa logo. The transactions will be considered a cash advance on the Card. There is a fee associated with this type of over–the–counter transaction, which will be deducted from the amount remaining on the Card immediately. See the Terms and Conditions which contain the Schedule of Bank Fees that you received with the Card.
Can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to get “cash back” at check–out?
Yes, you can use the Card for a “cash back” transaction.
What should I do if the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card is lost or stolen?
Call Cardholder Services toll free at 1.866.673.6577 to report the Card lost/stolen as soon as you can, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Bank will cancel the Card and send you a replacement Card. The balance on your previous Card will be transferred to the new Card minus the lost/stolen replacement fee. Please check the Schedule of Bank Fees that you received with the Card for any applicable fees.
How long can I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
The Card expires 3 years from the date of issue – the expiration date is embossed on the front of the Card. Upon expiration, the Card is deactivated and you will not be able to use it. . Any remaining amount will be returned to you minus any Account Closure Fee that may be associated with your account. Please consult the Terms and Conditions provided with your card.
What if there is a remaining amount after the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Card Contingency expires?
On the date the Card expires, it will be deactivated and you will not be able to use it. Any remaining amount will be returned to you minus any Account Closure Fee that may be associated with your account. So please take note of the expiration date on the front of the Card and deplete the Card amount remaining before expiration. Please consult the Terms and Conditions provided with your card.
What happens when I spend the full amount on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
If the Purchaser told you that they will add more money to the Card when the amount gets to a certain point or when you contact them, then you can continue to use the Card until the Card expires. Check with the Purchaser to determine if additional money might be loaded onto the Card. The Purchaser is the only one that can replenish the Card with additional amounts.
Can I change the address after receiving a Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
Yes, you can edit your address in the Card profile online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or by calling Cardholder Customer Service at 1.866.673.6577 to update your profile.
How do I use the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card to pay at gas stations and restaurants?
Gas stations – The best way to pay for gas station purchases is to hand the Card to the attendant who will complete your transaction at the register. If you prefer to pay at the pump, you may be declined if you do not have enough funds to cover the cost of a full tank of gas.
Restaurants – Some restaurants verify that the Card has enough funds to cover the purchase, plus a 15 to 20 percent tip. If the amount remaining on the Card is not enough to pay the tip, tell the servers you will pay the tip in cash. Otherwise, simply use the Card for purchases at retail stores.
Checking the Amount Remaining
How will I know the original amount of the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You can go online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or call 1.866.673.6577 to obtain the amount on the Card.
How can I check the amount on the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You can check the amount remaining and transaction history on the Card online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard or by calling 1.866.673.6577.
What kind of Customer Service assistance is available with the Bank of America Visa Emergency Relief Contingency Card?
You will be able to access the Card information and dedicated Customer Service Representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1.866.673.6577. Automated Card information is also available anytime online at www.bankofamerica.com/contingencycard.