Our FAQs
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Can I really spend anywhere?
Yes! Anywhere in the World that accepts MasterCard. That’s over 32 million places. In-store and online.
However, you cannot pay for items over the phone. This feature has been blocked due to customer feedback on potential fraud.
You can use the card as many times as you like until the balance is spent.
There are no fees to use your card in the currency it is loaded in.
If you use your card in another currency the transaction is translated at the MasterCard exchange rate, plus a 2.75% fee.
Do I need to activate my card before using?
Yes!
We post your card (usually) via Royal Mail and at the same time we email an access code to Email address the person who ordered the gift card instructs us to.
Please look for an email from “activation@cardportal.com”, or ask the person who ordered/gave you the card.
If you still cannot find the code please use our contact form and request your “activation code”. If we have you on file, then we can liaise with you directly. If we do not, we will instruct you to speak to the purchaser. This is to protect your money.
Once you have your card and activation code, visit our website and select activate from the main menu (under the “Need Help” tab). Then PLEASE follow the 4 step activation guideline
Can I use my card online?
Yes you can!
1) Make sure you use the same address, post code you entered when you activated your card; and
2) The expiry date printed on the front of the card.
3) Make sure you do not spend above the available balance.
Can I buy something for more than the value of my card?
If you want to buy something for more than the value of your gift card, simply ask the cashier to split the payment.
If you try to buy something for more than the value on the card, your card will be rejected.
If you are attempting such a transaction on-line, please ensure the website allows for split payments. Also, note that some websites such as Amazon and EBay deduct £1 from each new payment card registered, This is later returned at their discretion.
Our NEW cards DO HAVE a PIN. Simply use as you would normally in the PDQ.
It is important they swipe as a DEBIT card and not a gift card.
Can I reload the card later?
No, our gift cards are single use only.
We do provide reloadable cards to corporates so please contact us here to discuss.
Do I get cash out from a ATM?
No, sorry!
Why do you charge an activation fee?
Most other gift cards are tied to one or a limited number of retailers. So your choice is limited. These cards are funded by the retailer profit when the card is spent.
Our cards can be used anywhere that accepts MasterCard Online & in-store, and this means we need to charge a fee to cover the costs.
What fees do you charge?
There are no fees to pay to use a GBP£ card in UK or an EUR€ in the Euro Zone.
You can use the card as many times as you like until the balance is spent.
If you use your card in another currency the transaction is translated at the MasterCard exchange rate, plus a 2.75% fee.
If you loose your card or need to extend the expiry we charge a £5/€5 fee. Dormancy fees for expired cards will also apply in line with the Terms&Conditions (currently £2.50 / €2.50 for each month after expiry).
