Q: What is a Johnson Bank VISA Gift Card?

A: The Johnson Bank VISA® Gift Card provides clients with a VISA-Branded stored value card that can be given to anyone and used almost anywhere VISA is accepted as a form of payment.

Q: Where can I use my Gift Card?

A: You can use your VISA Gift Card anywhere that VISA cards are accepted.

Q: What makes the Johnson Bank VISA Gift Card different from other store gift cards and certificates?

A: The Johnson Bank VISA Gift Card is the ideal gift because it may be used at a wide range of retail stores and restaurants, not only in the United States, but internationally as well.  The VISA Gift Card is better than store gift cards and certificates because the recipient gets to choose from almost any store that accepts VISA.  Moreover, the card can be used a number of times, at different retailers until the funds are depleted.  The gift recipient has maximum flexibility to use the gift as he or she chooses.  In addition, as a plastic card, it can be held easily in a purse or wallet without folding or tearing.

Q: Is a Gift Card the same as a credit card?

A: No. A Gift Card is loaded with a predetermined monetary balance. Each time you make a purchase with the card, the amount of your purchase is deducted from the balance on the card. It is similar to a credit card in that it can be used like a credit card at millions of locations worldwide.

Q: How much money can I load onto a Johnson Bank VISA Gift Card?

A: The Johnson Bank VISA Gift Card can be loaded for any amount between $10.00 and $500.00 including odd amounts (i.e. $37.50).

Q: Does anything need to be done to the card after it is given to the recipient and before it is used?

A: Yes, the recipient of the Gift Card must sign the back of the card, and should also register the card* by visiting this site.

* If your Gift Card is not registered, Customer Service will not be able assist with error resolution, or to cancel and reissue a lost or stolen Gift Card.

Q: How do I activate my Gift Card?

A: Your card is activated by the banker at the time of purchase.  Once the card has been activated, the recipient must register the card by logging onto this site. If the card has been registered by the recipient, additional assistance can be provided if the card is lost or stolen.

Q: How do I use my Gift Card?

A: Although your card is not a credit card, you can use your card to pay for transactions the same way you would use a credit card. When making a purchase, you should instruct the Merchant to select "credit" on the terminal for the transaction to authorize correctly. Your Gift Card does not have a PIN associated with it. The transaction will not process correctly if you or the Merchant selects something other than "credit".

Q: Can I receive a Cash Advance from my Gift Card?

A: Yes, you may receive a Cash Advance by going into any VISA processing Bank or Credit Union that offers a Cash Advance option.

Q. Can I access cash from my Gift Card using an ATM or at a point-of-sale terminal?

A: No. You cannot access cash from your Gift Card via an ATM or point-of-sale terminal.

Q: Can I use my Gift Card at a gas station?

A: You can use your Gift Card by paying for your purchase inside the gas station. A Gift Card cannot be used to pay at the pump.

Q: Can I use my Gift Card at a restaurant?

A: You can use your Gift Card at a restaurant just as you would at any other merchant. However, it is common for service-oriented merchants to automatically factor in an additional 20% to cover any tip you may leave on the card. If your total bill, after adding in the additional 20% exceeds the amount on the Gift Card, it will be declined. You should ensure that your card has an available balance that is 20% greater than your total bill.  It is also best to make sure you have another form of payment available should your bill with tip exceed the balance on your card.

Q: Can I make purchases online with my Gift Card?

A: Yes, you can use your Gift Card at online merchants that accept VISA cards.  However, car rentals, hotel rentals and Internet gambling are not available with your Gift Card.

Q: Can a Merchant refuse to accept the Gift Card?

A: No.  A Merchant should not refuse the Gift Card as a form of payment if the Merchant accepts VISA.  Since the card has a VISA logo, it should be accepted wherever VISA is accepted at the point of sale, unless the Merchant only accepts debit transactions.  A Merchant may not be able to get an authorization for one reason or another, but should not refuse the card.

Q: What if the amount of my purchase is greater than the amount available on my Gift Card?

A: You will need to combine the value of your Gift Card with another form of payment. You must advise the Merchant how much is available on your Gift Card, and then ask the Merchant to complete a "split transaction" and charge the Gift Card for the requested balance. You can then pay for the remaining amount of your purchase with another form of payment.  It is helpful to tell the Merchant up front how much to take from your Gift Card when making a "split transaction".  Also remember that different Merchants have different levels of experience with split transaction and that can have an effect on processing your transaction.  Should you have an issue with a split transaction, please contact the Johnson Customer Support Center at 1-888-769-3796.

Q: How do I check the remaining balance on my Gift Card?

A: You can receive a listing of your most recent transactions as well as the remaining balance, by calling 1-800-538-7670 and following the prompts or visiting here.

Q: Can additional money be added to the Gift Card?

A: No, additional money cannot be added to your card.

Q: Does my Gift Card expire?

A: Yes, your Gift Card will expire when the remaining balance is equal to zero or you have exceeded the expiration date shown on the front of your Gift Card.

Q: Can I allow someone else to use my card?

A: No. Only the recipient may use the card; it is not transferable.  The person who has received and signed the card is the authorized user.

Q: Is there a minimum age that an individual must be to receive a Gift Card?

A: No. There is no minimum age required to receive a Gift Card.  However, the back of the card must be signed as you may be asked to provide an acceptable form of identification when making a purchase or performing a transaction using the card.

Q: Can international purchases be made using a Gift Card?

A: International transactions made with the VISA Gift Card will be converted into U.S. dollars using an exchange rate for the applicable central processing date (which is either the date selected by VISA or the government mandated rate).  An International Service Assessment Fee of 1% on all international transactions will be assessed if the transaction involves a currency conversion (excluding Puerto Rick and the U.S. Virgin Islands).  This fee will be passed to the card owner.

Q: How do I report that my Gift Card is lost or stolen?

A: Call Customer Service at 1-800-538-7670 immediately.  The Gift Card must have been registered in order for any action to be taken if the card is lost or stolen.

Q: What if I want to return something I purchased with my Gift Card?

A: You can return items purchased with your Gift Card; however, you are subject to the individual Merchant's Return Policy.  Since additional money cannot be added to the card, funds cannot be placed back on the Gift Card.  Based upon the Merchant's Return Policy, you might receive cash, an exchange or store credit.

Q:  What if I have a problem with a purchase made with a Gift Card?  Can I dispute the purchase?

A:  You cannot lodge a "billing dispute" or request a "stop payment."  If you have a problem with a purchase, you must address that problem with the Merchant involved.