It's A Gift Card®

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I use my CDS Gift STAR® Card?
2. We suggest that you write down the gift card number and the customer service number from the back of the card on a separate piece of paper in case the gift card is lost or stolen.
   You can then use your card the same as you would use an ATM or debit card provided there is sufficient funds loaded on the card to cover the full amount of your purchase. Swipe the card and input your pin number when making a purchase. If the merchant requests, instruct the merchant to select ?debit? on the terminal.
3. How do I use my CDS MasterCard® Gift Card?
4. We suggest that you write down the gift card number and the customer service number from the back of the card on a separate piece of paper in case the gift card is lost or stolen. You can then use your card as you would use a signature debit only card or a credit card at a merchant location. You will select ?credit? and provide your signature to authorize the transaction.
5. Where and when can I use my gift card?
6. You can use your CDS Gift STAR Card gift card anywhere that Pulse® or STAR prepaid (debit) cards are accepted or at any ATM bearing the Pulse or STAR logo. You can use your CDS MasterCard Gift Card wherever MasterCard debit cards are accepted. You can use your gift card right away, and we encourage you to use your gift card soon - since maintenance fees will apply after the first 6 months or as subject to applicable law.
7. Can I access cash from my CDS Gift STAR Card?
8. Yes, you can access cash (at any time) from your gift card via an ATM or a point of sale terminal.
9. Can I access cash from my CDS MasterCard Gift Card?
10. Cash cannot be accessed from the CDS MasterCard Gift Card.
11. How do I register my personal information and/or find out what my balance and transaction history are on my gift card?
12. Go to www.itsagiftcard.com or call: 866-217-5427
13. Why should I register my Card?
14. Registering your Card at www.itsagiftcard.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.
15. Does my gift card expire?
16. Yes, subject to applicable law, your gift card will expire when the remaining value is equal to $0 or 24 months from the date the card was activated.
17. Can value be added onto my gift card after it is purchased?
18. No, the gift card is disposable. It cannot be reloaded or renewed. When all value is used, the card should be destroyed. Do not give your gift card to a merchant to destroy.
19. What if my purchase is greater than the value available on my gift card?
20. You must advise the merchant how much is available on your gift card. The merchant would complete a split tender transaction and charge the gift card for the available balance. The remaining amount of your purchase would require another form of payment.
21. How do I use my gift card at a restaurant?
22. You may use your gift 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 gift card, it will be declined. You should ensure that your gift card has an available balance that is 25% greater than your total bill. TO AVOID A DECLINE OF, OR A HOLD ON, YOUR GIFT CARD, YOU CAN ASK THE MERCHANT TO AUTHORIZE A SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE MERCHANT WILL FULFILL THIS REQUEST.
23. How do I use my gift card at hotels and rental agencies?
24. 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 gift card has an available balance that is 25% greater than your total bill.
25. Can I use my gift card at gas stations?
26. We recommend always using your card inside at the register to prevent over authorization which could possibly cause your card to decline.
27. If my card is lost or stolen, how do I report it?
28. Immediately report your card lost or stolen by calling: 888-275-2864