Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links
QUESTIONS ABOUT USING Giving Tree Visa™ GiveCard® Visa Prepaid card
How do I use my card?
First, sign the signature panel and the back of the Card. We also suggest that you write down the card number and the customer service number from the back of the card on a separate piece of paper in case the card is lost or stolen.
YOU MUST ACTIVATE YOUR CARD at GiveCard.com using the card number on the back of the card before you can spend it.
You can then use your card the same as you would use a credit card provided there is sufficient funds loaded on the card to cover the full amount of your purchase. Present it to the clerk when making a purchase, and sign the form or receipt. If the merchant requests, instruct the merchant to select ‘Credit' on the terminal.
Where and when can I use my card?
You can use your GiveCard anywhere that Visa debit cards are accepted. You can use your card right away, and we encourage you to use your card soon - since maintenance fees will apply after 12 months of inactivity.
Can I access cash from my card?
No. You cannot use your Card at an ATM or other cash access method.
How do I register my personal information and/or find out what my balance and transaction history are on my card?
Go to www.GiveCard.com and Login to your card account, or call: 1-866-829-0707.
Why should I register my Card?
Registering your Card at www.GiveCard.com will provide the additional security required to allow you to use your Card for internet purchases as well as requesting a replacement Card should your Card become lost or stolen.
Does my card expire?
Yes, subject to applicable law, your card will expire when the remaining value is equal to $0 or you have exceeded the "valid thru" date listed on the front of your card.
Can value be added onto my card after it is purchased?
No, the card is disposable. It cannot be reloaded or renewed. When all value is used, the card should be destroyed. Do not give your card to a merchant to destroy.
What if my purchase is greater than the value available on my card?
You must advise the merchant how much is available on your card. The merchant would complete a split tender transaction and charge the card for the available balance. The remaining amount of your purchase would require another form of payment.
How do I use my card at a restaurant?
You may use your card at a restaurant the same as you do at any other merchant. However; it is common for service-oriented merchants to automatically factor in an additional 25% to cover any tip you may leave on the card. If your total bill, after adding in the additional 25%, exceeds the amount on the card, it will be declined. You should ensure that your card has an available balance that is 25% greater than your total bill. TO AVOID A DECLINE OF, OR A HOLD ON, YOUR CARD, YOU CAN ASK THE MERCHANT TO AUTHORIZE A SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE MERCHANT WILL FULFILL THIS REQUEST.
How do I use my card at hotels and rental agencies?
Like restaurants, companies associated with travel services may automatically factor in an additional 25% to cover incidental charges that you might incur. You should ensure that your card has an available balance that is 25% greater than your total bill.
Can I use my card at gas stations?
We recommend always using your card inside at the register to prevent over authorization which could possibly cause your card to decline.
If my card is lost or stolen, how do I report it?
Immediately report your card lost or stolen by calling 1-866-829-0707.
How does the donation process work?
Purchasers of GiveCards cards have an opportunity to give something special: cash value for the GiveCard recipient to buy exactly what they want, PLUS a donation to support their favorite charity. The purchaser of the GiveCard (the purchaser) allows the recipient of the GiveCard (the recipient) to choose from a list of over 6,000 nonprofits when they activate the card at GiveCard.com. While the recipient names the charity, the purchaser is the donor of any charitable contribution amount from the GiveCard. Giving Tree partners with two great 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, Charity Navigator and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), to make this work. Charity Navigator provides a list of over 5,000 nonprofits worthy of consideration for future donation disbursement. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee handles the paperwork, receiving the donations and getting them to the charities requested by card recipients.
Are donations made through GiveCard.com tax deductible?
Yes, the full value of donations made through GiveCard.com purchases are tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law. Obviously, the portion the recipient can use to buy exactly what they want in not deductible.
Who gets the tax deduction and how do I get a tax receipt?
The purchaser receives the tax deduction for any donations made through the site. Donations are made to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit and from there to nonprofits recommended by the recipients. The purchaser receives a tax receipt from CFMT at the GiveCard.com website and via e-mail. A history of donations and tax receipts are also available in the purchaser's online account at GiveCard.com.
How and when does a donation get to charities requested by recipients?
Giving Tree processes donations on a quarterly basis and mails donation checks by the end of March, June, September, and December. So, if a card recipient activates a card and suggests a charity to receive a donation on April 20th, the donated funds should reach that charity by the end of June.
What personal information is collected?
Giving Tree collects the purchaser's name, e-mail address and physical address at GiveCard.com. Upon card activation, we also collect the card recipient's name and e-mail address. We only share this data with The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to provide a valid tax receipt and for reporting purposes to the IRS.
What are the donation processing fees?
Donations made from the purchase of GiveCards are subject to a processing fee of 20% of the donated value. Thus, for a standard GiveCard with a $5 donation value, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will retain $1 of the donation for its expenses. The full $5 donation value will be tax-deductible by the purchaser.
