Getting Signed Up
How Do I Apply For My Card?
To apply for a VR-Tech AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard, contact your VR-Tech sales agent or enroll online.
How much does it cost to sign up?
It’s free to sign up and receive your prepaid card in the mail. When you add money to your prepaid account, AccountNow will charge you an activation fee of $29.95 and monthly service fee of $9.95. Note: Other usage fees may apply. Consult the fee schedule.
Do I have to maintain a minimum balance on my prepaid account?
No minimum balance is required for an AccountNow prepaid account.
Why would I be charged a “shortage fee”? Isn’t this the same as an “overdraft fee”?
AccountNow has no obligation to allow any Card Transaction involving the use of your Card that would result in an overdraft of your Card Balance. However, if a Card Transaction resulting in an overdraft in your Card Balance is inadvertently permitted, you will be held liable for such overdraft. More simply, this is to protect AccountNow and MetaBank in the event of a system failure or error that would allow your account to be short the funds necessary to complete the transaction.
For example, using the card abroad. Most merchants will run a card for the full value of a purchase. Then the amount is forced through. This happens a lot in England. It also occasionally happens with recurring online payments like subscriptions. The other situation is when someone repeatedly goes to a bank teller, not an ATM but a human, for a “cash advance” against their account. Most banks will give cash to the customer and then force the transaction through on the back end whether the funds are there or not. In either case, AccountNow does not normally charge a shortage fee. However, they maintain the right to do so if it becomes habitual of a Card Holder.
Does AccountNow provide monthly account statements?
Yes, AccountNow provides monthly online statements free of charge. You can also sign up to receive monthly paper statements sent to your home for a small fee by logging into your prepaid account. Note: Other usage fees may apply. Consult the fee schedule.
How old do I need to be to get a card?
The minimum age to apply for a prepaid account is 14 years old.
How long does it take to receive a card?
Your card will be delivered in 5-7 business days after you sign up. If you need a replacement card, you may request to have your replacement card expedited for a fee and it will be delivered in 3 business days.
Is this a credit card?
No, only money that is added to the prepaid account can be used.
Who can I call with questions?
AccountNow can be reached Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m, Pacific Standard Time (PST). The number to call is 866-925-2036.
Adding Money
How can I add money to my prepaid account?
You can add money to your prepaid account by cash or direct deposit. You can also add money to your account from a checking or savings account.
Is My Money Insured?
The AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard is issued by MetaBank pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. Funds are insured up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.
How do I add cash to my prepaid account?
To add money to your prepaid account using cash, you will need to take your cash and card number to a store location that offers one of the following money transfer services:
MoneyGram
Western Union
Green Dot
After I add money to my prepaid account, how fast can I access it?
Direct deposits and electronic payments are available the same business day they are received by AccountNow. Cash deposits made through money transfer services are generally available instantly.
How much does it cost to add money to my prepaid account?
AccountNow does not charge any fees for adding money. However, if you want to add cash using MoneyGram, Western Union, or GreenDot a fee of $3.50 to $4.95 will be added, depending on the provider. You can add money to your account for free if you use direct deposit.
Why am I being charged to add money to my card?
When you add money to your prepaid account with cash, the money transfer providers normally charge a “load fee” for this service that varies by provider. AccountNow does not charge for adding money to your prepaid account. You can add money to your account for free if you use direct deposit.
How much money can I add to my prepaid account at one time?
For direct deposits, AccountNow accepts deposits from $10 up to $6,000 per day. To add money using cash, you can add as little as $10. There is a maximum cash limit of $950 per day and a maximum cash limit of $9,500 per month.
Can anyone add money to my prepaid account?
Yes, anyone can add cash to the account using one of the following money transfer services: MoneyGram, Western Union, or GreenDot. Your employer or benefits provider can also add money using free direct deposit.
Are there any limits to the amount of money I can add?
You can add money to your prepaid account at any time, with a limit of five loads per day (not to exceed a daily deposit total of $6,000). The maximum balance you can have in your prepaid card account is restricted to $10,000.
What is direct deposit?
Direct deposit is a service that allows you to authorize your employer or benefits provider to electronically send your pay directly to AccountNow for deposit into your prepaid account.
How do I setup direct deposit?
- Ask your employer or benefits provider if direct deposit is available.
- Login to your prepaid account and click the ‘Add Money’ tab.
- Click your paycheck type and follow the instructions on the next page
Where can I get a direct deposit form?
- Login to your prepaid account and click the ‘Add Money’ tab.
- Click ‘Paycheck’ if you will be receiving a payroll check from your employer.
- Click ‘Benefits’ if you will be receiving your paycheck from a benefits provider, such as Social Security.
- Once you select your paycheck type, you can choose to print the direct deposit form, email it to yourself (for payroll checks only), or enroll online with your benefits provider.
How do I find my routing and account numbers?
- Login to your prepaid account and click the ‘Add Money’ tab.
- Click ‘Paycheck’ if you will be receiving a payroll check from your employer.
- Click ‘Benefits’ if you will be receiving your paycheck from a benefits provider, such as Social Security.
- If you chose ‘Paycheck’, you can either print your direct deposit form or email it to yourself. Whichever you choose, your routing and account number will be included on the form. If you chose ‘Benefits’, your routing and account number will be displayed on the following page.
If I setup my direct deposit, how long will it take to start working?
Generally, it takes 1-2 pay periods for your employer or benefits provider to start depositing your check on your prepaid account.
Am I eligible for direct deposit?
Yes. Most employers and benefits providers offer direct deposit as an option to get your money. Check with your employer or benefits provider to verify.
When will the money from my payroll check be available with direct deposit?
Payroll checks received by direct deposit are available the same business day they are received by AccountNow. The date is typically on your payday if your payday is a normal business day.
How much does direct deposit cost?
AccountNow offers direct deposit at no cost. This service is easy to set up and a convenient way to access your cash immediately without paying check cashing fees.
Can I use direct deposit to deposit my tax refund?
Yes. You can deposit your tax refund or other one time payments from institutions that offer direct deposit. Use the routing number and Direct Deposit Account (DDA) number provided on your direct deposit form. There is a direct deposit limit of $6,000 so if you expect your tax refund to be more than $6,000 you should not set up direct deposit because the deposit will be refused.
What happens to my direct deposit if I change jobs?
The payments from your previous job will stop automatically. To restart direct deposit with your new employer, fill out another direct deposit form, sign it and hand it to your new employer.
How do I view my account balance and transaction details?
You can view your account balance and transaction details online for free.
- Log in to your prepaid account and click ‘View Account Activity’
- Fill in the required information and press the ‘Log In’ button.
- Click ‘Card Account Activity’ to view your balance and transactions.
Building Credit History
Information provided by www.myiadvance.com:
How can I build credit history using my VR-Tech AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard?
Along with payment history, you also have the option to build actual credit history using your VR-Tech AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard. Easily access a short-term loan through your prepaid card, avoiding costly overdraft fees or pricey payday advances. iAdvance also reports to the credit bureaus, so you have the opportunity to improve your credit.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how it works:
1 – Establish continuous recurring direct deposit to your prepaid card.
2 – Enroll in iAdvance.
3 – Have money available to you in seconds.
How do I get an iAdvanceSM Line of Credit?
Once you establish direct deposit on your prepaid card, you will have the option to enroll in the iAdvanceSM Line of Credit. Borrow money 24 hours a day and have it loaded immediately on your prepaid card. The maximum amount available to borrow will be dependent on your direct deposits. For more information, visit www.myiadvance.com or call 1-866-782-0986 to speak to a customer service representative.
How much can I borrow?
The maximum amount of money that you can borrow under iAdvanceSM is dependent on your direct deposit amount, up to $600. Your credit limit is considered the maximum amount of money you may borrow under iAdvanceSM. Like other lines of credit, as you request money, your available limit will decrease. When the money is repaid, your available credit limit will be restored.
How do I pay back my loan?
You don’t have to do anything – payments will be automatically made from your prepaid card. When the next direct deposit is made onto your prepaid card, your outstanding balance and finance charge will automatically be repaid in full. Any deposits (including your paycheck or benefit-related income, tax refund or other special one-time non-repetitive deposits) will be used for repayment.
If your direct deposit is not enough to repay the amount you owe, a partial repayment will be made resulting in an unpaid balance. iAdvanceSM will take repayment of the remaining unpaid balance from any funds on your prepaid card, including future deposits, until the amount you owe is repaid in full. You should consult the iAdvanceSM Terms and Conditions for additional repayment information.
How often can I borrow money?
You may access iAdvanceSM in $20 increments – up to your available credit limit. iAdvanceSM is designed to provide access to cash quickly and when you need it most. Since it is designed to be a short-term solution, if you use the service for more than 12 consecutive months, your iAdvanceSM account may be temporarily suspended for one pay period or 30 days, whichever is less.
Will my iAdvanceSM Line of Credit report to the 3 major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian)?
Yes. Loan advances and repayment performance are reported to one, or more of the three major credit bureaus monthly. Managing your credit and making payments on time, especially after a period of late payment behavior, may help to raise your credit score over time. With iAdvanceSM you don’t have to worry about getting your payment in on time – we do it for you automatically from your next direct deposit.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to enroll in iAdvance. You only pay if we make you an advance. The cost is $2.50 for each $20 borrowed. This means that if you borrow $100, the cost (or finance charge) is $12.50. In any statement period that an advance is made, your monthly periodic statement will show a historical APR of 150%. There are no late fees or fees associated with paying your balance early. You should consult the iAdvance Terms and Conditions for more specific fee information.
You should carefully consider the costs of iAdvance. Alternative forms of short-term credit exist that might be less expensive and more suitable and advantageous to you as the borrower.
Account Help
Can I add someone to my prepaid account?
Yes. You can add an additional card holder to your prepaid account; however, joint accounts are not offered. The added card holder would have full access to your prepaid account.
How do I add or delete a signer to my prepaid account?
For security purposes, contact AccountNow by phone to verify your information and modify your account.
How do I change the email address and/or phone number on my prepaid account?
Call AccountNow to change it for you at (866) 925-2036.
How can I make sure that someone else can’t call and get information on my account?
To prevent someone from calling and accessing information on your account, you can setup a password on your account for added protection.
Where can I use my card?
Once you have received your prepaid card, you can make purchases anywhere MasterCard debit cards are accepted. You can also use it to access cash at millions of ATMs worldwide.
How do I use my card?
You use your card to make three types of transactions:
Signature-based transactions- photo identification and signature needed.
PIN-based transactions- 4 digit PIN code needed. To avoid usage fees with your VR-Tech AccountNow Prepaid MasterCard, enter “credit” instead of “debit” when making purchases. PIN transactions made with your AccountNow Prepaid card may be subject to a fee.
Online Purchases- verification code (found on back of your card) needed.
How do I activate my card?
To activate your card, dial 866-224-0169 and follow the instructions. You will be asked to setup your PIN code when you call.
Is there a limit on how much money I can withdraw?
You can withdraw up to $300 in cash per day. There may be a fee for both domestic and international ATM withdrawals (see pricing and fees). In addition, each individual ATM location may impose an additional surcharge. Qualifying customers who use direct deposit may request an increase of this daily cash limit to $500.
Are there any limits to the amount of money I can spend?
Your daily spending limit with your prepaid MasterCard is $2,500 for cash and purchases combined ($1,000 for PIN-based transactions and $1,500 for Signature-based purchase transactions). Bill Pay transactions do not count towards your daily spending limit. For example, you can make a total of $2,500 in purchases and a $1,000 Bill Payment (total $3,500) without exceeding your daily spending limit.
What do I do if I haven’t received my card?
Cards usually take 5-7 business days to be delivered. Give AccountNow a call if you have not received your card after 10 days.
How long does it take to replace a card?
Replacement cards will be delivered 5-7 business days after your request. You may request to have your card expedited for a fee (see pricing and fees) and it will be delivered in 3 business days.
Can you tell me when my card was mailed?
Yes. You can call AccountNow to find out the actual date your prepaid MasterCard card was sent out.
What do I do if my card doesn’t work?
First, check your balance to ensure that you have enough money in your prepaid account to cover both your purchase and any fees that may apply. If you have enough money in your prepaid account and it is still not working, call AccountNow for further assistance.
What do I do if my card is about to expire?
AccountNow will automatically send you a new card to the address on file one month prior to the expiration date. Please login and verify that your address is correct. To update your address, please call AccountNow with the new information.
Who can use my card?
Your card is protected with a PIN code, known only by you. If you share your PIN code with others, they can use your card. You should not write or keep your PIN with your card. If you believe that anyone has gained unauthorized access to your PIN, you should call AccountNow immediately.
What is a PIN code?
A PIN code is a secret four-digit Personal Identification Code that enables access to your prepaid account. You will be prompted to create a PIN code when activating your card.
What happens if I forgot my PIN code?
If you forget your PIN code, give AccountNow a call so they can verify your information and send your PIN code via mail.
How do I change the name on my card if it is spelled wrong?
If you receive your card and a mistake is made on the spelling of your name, call AccountNow and they’ll be more than happy to correct the error.
If I change my name, how do I update my information and get a new card?
If you have legally changed your name, please call AccountNow to assist you.
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card has been lost or stolen, call AccountNow as soon as possible. Select the lost/stolen option and you will be connected to a representative who can assist you.
Is my card account protected against fraud?
Yes. With the MasterCard Zero Liability coverage, you can shop wherever MasterCard debit cards are accepted risk free! You’re not liable for unauthorized use on your card.
Will I be charged for calling the customer service number?
Your prepaid account includes one free call to a live customer service agent each month. Additional live customer service agent calls made within the same calendar month may result in a $2 charge per call. Remember, you can always access your account information for free. To get free 24/7 account access, simply:
- Go Online
- Get a free SMS Text Alert sent to your cell phone.