How can an employer get started and order cards?
1. You will be given a secure web site with a username password. You will click on “Employee Authorization Form”. Complete the information and click the submit button. (Large volumes can be sent by batch file to a secure URL)
2. The employer will receive back by fax or e-mail the Bank Routing number and account number for each employee. This number must be set up on your direct deposit of payroll system.
3. The employee receives card in the mail.
4. The employee activates the card by phone and notifies the employer that the card has been received.
5. Employer begins direct deposit of pay.
How does the Payroll Card work?
The employer submits an employee authorization form. A card is issued to the employee and the account number and routing transit number is provided to the employer to set up the employee on the employer’s existing payroll system. Once set up and verified, the employer submits normal direct deposit transactions and the card account will automatically receive the loaded amount through ACH.
Can I add a new employee anytime?
Yes. It will take several days for the employee to get their card after it is ordered. So you will want to be sure the employee has the card in hand before initiating the ACH payment.
Can an employee add an extra card for access to the same account?
Yes. A second card may be ordered by the employee on the secure web site or by calling a toll free number and both cards will access the money for POS or ATM cash withdrawals. The cost of the second card will be charged to the employee card account.
Can an employee request a separate card for a spouse or other relative that has its own unique card and balance?
Yes. The spouse can ask their employer to contact us, or contact your provider to see if the other options are available. Then we can issue a unique card to that person.
What is the card expiration?
Each card is issued with an expiration date of two years. A new card will be issued in advance of expiration.
What happens when an employee leaves?
The employee can take the card with them to their next employer.
What if there is an error on the payment amount to the employee?
The employer should handle in the same manner as if an incorrect amount had been issued on a check. Typically, the employer would correct on the next pay or instant pay options can be established with large employers and adjustment can be made instantly.
What kind of records will the employee have?
The employer will continue to be responsible for providing the employee with their pay slip. We do have a means for automating the pay slip to be retrieved on-line if this is of interest. Also, the employee will have access to their Visa card transaction activity and balance 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
How are fees paid?
All fees after the card is issued are charged directly to the card account balance. If the employer pays any portion of the fees, the employer must add that amount of the fee paid by the employer to the employee’s pay.
What if the card has a zero balance when the monthly fee is charged?
The fee will take the account to an overdraft situation until the next load.
How does the employee get small balances off the card?
If the balance is small, the card can be presented for purchases at a Visa merchant up to the balance remaining. And the card can be used a Interlink merchants for cash back with purchase, if allowed by that merchant.
Are Employee Materials provided in Spanish?
Yes, most materials can be printed in both English and Spanish. A toll free number will be given for all for these forms. Employee may visit our Spanish web site.
What bank issues the cards?
First Gulf Bank, NA doing business as National Bank of Commerce of Birmingham is the Visa card issuer. The bank is a national chartered bank and part of a $5 billion bank holding company (www.alabamanational.com).
What if I have a question? Who do I call?
Your company will have direct access to an account executive to answer all questions in a timely manner.
----------------EMPLOYEE QUESTIONS---------------
Who has access to my card information?
The card and funds are in your name and the information is held in confidence for your access, through use of your PIN or password. Your employer only remits money to your card. Your employer has no responsibility for the card, or for your use of the card. You may continue to keep and use your Payment Card after your relationship with your employer has ended. A toll free number will be on the back of the card for customer service.
How do I get funds placed on the card?
Once you activate your card, your employer will load your payroll funds to your card account instead of issuing you a check.
What do I do if the card is declined?
This means that the amount authorized by the merchant is more than the remaining card balance plus any associated fee.
Can I use my Payment Card for automatic recurring payments?
Yes, but recurring payments can be a problem and result in service being discontinued if a payment is declined due to insufficient funds on the card.
Is the Payment Card a credit card?
No, the Payment Card is a pre-funded card. However, when used for purchases at a merchant it requires your signature. Merchants with the INTERLINK symbol will allow you to purchase using your 4-digit PIN number like a debit card. Also, you can use your Payment Card at ATMs with the VISA logo (or CIRRUS logos for some cards).
How can I check the balance on my card?
You can check your balance on-line to a secure web site, or the toll free number.
If the purchase is for more than my balance in the card, can I pay the difference?
Yes, you can pay the difference between the purchase price and the remaining value of the Payment Card if the merchant will allow this type of transaction.
Can I use my card to get cash from ATMs?
Yes. By using your PIN number, you can get cash from ATM’s anywhere you see a VISA (or CIRRUS for some cards) symbol displayed on the ATM. Typically there will be a charge by the ATM owner for using this ATM. A list of “no surcharge” ATMs is available at the web site.
Can I get Cash Back with purchases?
Yes, but only if the merchant is an INTERLINK merchant and only if the merchant allows this type of transaction.
Do I need a PIN number to use my card?
No. You can use your card anywhere and sign the receipt just like a Visa credit card transaction. However, you will need your PIN for ATM transactions and you can use your PIN with INTERLINK merchants for purchase transactions.
Can I use my Payment Card at “pay at the pump” gasoline stations?
Yes, but this may result in “transaction declined”.
The card terminal in the “pay at the pump” stations automatically checks with the Bank to see if your Payment Card has enough money left to pay for an “average purchase of gas” which varies among merchants. If your Payment Card does not have enough money to pay for an average amount, your attempt to pay at the pump will be declined. The average gas purchase amount changes just as retail gas prices change.
If this occurs, you can go inside and ask the cashier to authorize an amount that is within the remaining balance of your card.
Are there any other merchants where a transaction may be declined?
Merchants whose customers normally “tip” will often obtain an authorization for the amount of the bill plus a percentage for tip prior to bringing the receipt to you for your signature. For authorization, ask the waiter to authorize an amount that is within the remaining balance of your card.
Can I order a second card that has access to my funds?
Yes. Available on the Employee Authorization form or go to the secure web site.
Can I load additional funds to the card?
Funds can only be loaded through your employer through direct deposit of payroll into the card account.
What should I do if my Payment Card is lost or stolen?
Immediately notify the issuer by going on-line or call the toll free number. Customer service representatives to handle this occurrence are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
