Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Smart Banking Card?
The Smart Banking Card is a reloadable prepaid Visa debit card; a convenient and cost-effective alternative to carrying cash and paying check cashing fees. Because it is a prefunded card, spending is limited to the amount of money you load on the card, so there is no risk of overdraft or interest charges. And, because it carries the Visa logo, you can use it online, over the phone and at the millions of places that accept Visa debit cards - including supermarkets, pharmacies, clothing stores, gas stations and more. Each time you use your card, the purchase amount is automatically deducted from your card balance.
How do I activate my Card?
Call 1-888-621-1397 and follow the instructions. A four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be given to you during this call. Your PIN is a security feature which will be needed for certain transactions. It identifies you as the proper user of the Card and authorizes transactions that you make with the Card. You should not write the PIN on your Card, keep it with your Card, or reveal it to any unauthorized person. Contact us immediately if you believe that anyone has gained unauthorized access to your PIN. You can change your PIN any time by calling 1-888-621-1397.
Why isn’t my name on the Card I received at the bank?
The card you received at the bank is a temporary card to use until we send your personalized card. When you have had two reloads on your temporary card, we will automatically mail you a new card at no charge with your name embossed on it. You should activate the new card and destroy the old card at that time.
How do I add money to/reload my Card?
The best way to add money to your card is through the direct deposit of your paychecks, tax refunds, or government benefits checks like social security or other payments. You can also add cash at the bank where you purchased your card and at thousands of locations nationwide displaying the Visa ReadyLink® symbol. Take your card and cash to the register or self-service kiosk. The cashier will swipe your card and accept your cash. At a kiosk, you will swipe your card and insert your cash. Some retailers apply a load fee. Funds are immediately added to your account.
How do I make a purchase with my Card?

Be sure to know your card balance before you shop as most merchants cannot determine it for you. At the time of purchase, your card can be used in a “signature” or a “PIN” transaction.

  • For signature transactions give the card to the cashier and ask to sign the purchase receipt. Or, swipe the card through the keypad and push the “credit” button, then sign the receipt. Each time you use your card, the purchase amount is automatically deducted from your card. There are no processing fees for signature transactions.
  • For PIN transactions, or to get cash back when making a purchase, swipe your card and choose the "debit" button, then select the cash back amount, enter your PIN, and take your cash and receipt to keep track of your balance. Each time you use your card, the purchase amount is automatically deducted from your card. A $.50 processing fee applies to each PIN transaction.
Can I pay bills with this Card?
Using your Smart Banking Card to pay bills is a great way to save time, money and stamps. Use our Online Bill Pay Service to send one-time or recurring payments electronically or by check to anyone in the U.S., or pay a biller directly online or by phone.
How do I get cash at an ATM?
To get cash at an ATM, insert your card into the machine and enter the PIN you received when you activated your card. Select the "checking" option on the screen to make a withdrawal and enter the amount of cash you want to withdraw. Then take your cash, card, and receipt to keep track of your balance. You can get cash from ATMs anywhere you see a Visa, PLUS or Publix Presto! symbol displayed. Refer to the Terms and Conditions information that came with your card for fees associated with ATM transactions. Typically there will be a charge by the ATM owner for using the ATM.
How do I know the balance on my Card?
You can check the card balance anytime by visiting www.mysmartbankingcard.com or calling 1-888-621-1397 (fees may apply for telephone inquiries.) You can also sign up for text messaging of your balance every time you make a purchase or deposit onto your card. Enroll for this service at www.mysmartbankingcard.com.
What should I do if my Card is lost or stolen?
Report lost or stolen cards immediately by calling 1-888-621-1397or visiting www.mysmartbankingcard.com. Keep this toll-free number in a safe place in case both your card and the accompanying materials are lost or stolen.
Are there any special types of transactions I should know about before I shop?

There are special types of transactions that you should know about, such as "Open End" Transactions, associated with certain types of merchants that sell goods or services where the final amount they will charge to your Card is unknown at the time they first authorize your Card. Therefore, your account may be "authorized" or "have money held" for more than the actual amount of the purchase until the final transaction is complete - meaning that those "authorized dollars" are not available for you to spend elsewhere. Please note that we cannot manually release legitimate authorizations without a certified letter or fax from the merchant. Common examples of Open End Transactions include:

  • Gas Stations - Paying at the pump may cause a hold of up to $75 or more; consider paying inside with the attendant for the exact amount and signing the receipt instead.
  • Restaurants - Restaurants may verify you have enough money on your card for the dining bill. Make sure you have enough funds to cover any added tip.
  • Hotels - Hotels may put a "hold" on the amount of your estimated bill, making that amount unavailable for other purchases. When you check out, that hold may take a few days to be removed.
  • Auto Rentals - You may use your card for final payment for a rental car bill, but a credit card may be necessary to reserve a rental car.
  • Returning Purchases - Store return policies may vary. You may receive a credit to your card, a cash refund or even a store credit, depending on the particular store. A credit to your account may take up to one week to process before it is available for use.
What if I want to purchase an item that costs more than the balance on my Card?
To make a purchase greater than the balance on your card, you will need to use a second payment method - cash, check, or credit card - to cover the difference. However, not all merchants can handle these “split tender” transactions; and, if you try to purchase an item of greater value than your card balance, your card may be declined.
What if I need to return an item that I purchased with my Card?
Present your card at the time of a merchandise return. If the merchant’s return policy allows it, the merchant will credit the amount of the purchase back onto your card within three to seven business days.
Does using this Card build my credit rating?
No. This Card is not a credit card. It is prepaid. Because no credit is granted and no payments are required, this Card does not build credit history.
How old do you have to be to use the Card?
Anyone above the age of 18 can buy and use this Visa Card. Minors between the age of 16 to 17 need a parent or legal guardian on the phone with them during the account activation process in order to accept the Cardholder Agreement on behalf of the underage child. Some merchants will ask to see the ID of the cardholder. So, it may be wise for underage users to have a student ID or other type of valid ID when using the Card.