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Virtual card information

When ordering a virtual gift card, please note:

– max load per card is 150 and after this, it’s spread across multiple cards; or
– can only be used online (no in store or over phone)
– card balances cannot be combined;
– no cash withdrawal or top up is possible.
– spend with any retailer that accepts MasterCard (online);
– refunds put back on virtual card;
– not currently supported by ApplePay or GooglePay

How do I use my virtual card?
1. Simply follow the instructions on the email you received to firstly activate your card;
– make sure you ONLY use the SAN and ACC Code (not your email to log in);
– ensure all YOUR details are populated in the registration page
2. When activated you will see that your screen displays details about the card:
– the 16digit long card number;
– the cvv number (there is a cvv reveal button);
– the card expiry date; and
– the name and address of the card is what you first registered.
3, These are the only details you need to make an online purchase
4. You can only redeem with Mastercard accepting retailers:
– you can only spend to the balance;
– no top up or cash withdrawal is possible;
– some organisations are blacklisted (ie. Financial Services, Gambling, etc)
5. Any refunds will be made to the card
6. You can always check your balance / transactions via www.cardportal.com, or “add card” to the TheirPerfectgift smartphone app.
7. The card is valid for 12months from when you first receive it in your inbox.
I have a VIRTUAL card and want to spend more than the balance
The card is like a bank debit card with no overdraft facility. It is a regulated product so we are restricted with what it can and cannot do. This is all part of anti-money laundering legislation and e-money regulation.
The card can be used anywhere ONLINE (only) with a Mastercard accepting retailer. It cannot be topped up and no cash can be withdrawn.
The card can only be spent to the limit of the balance.
If you wish to buy something for more than the balance, we advise you use your Bank Debit/Credit card and use your TPG Card for the more mundane item(s) they would have otherwise used your Bank cards for (ie. an online Grocery Shop). 
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.

£0.35/€0.35 will be deducted from the balance if any refunds are made to the card. This covers the fees charged.

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).

My Card doesn't work at a petrol station
Only our physical cards can be used at Petrol stations. They can only be used in the Chip&PIN terminal and only at manned places.
You cannot use our VIRTUAL cards at a Petrol station. You cannot use the physical card in pumps where there is no attendant.
I have a VIRTUAL card and want to spend more than my balance
The card is like a bank debit card with no overdraft facility. It is a regulated product so we are restricted with what it can and cannot do. This is all part of anti-money laundering legislation and e-money regulation.

The card can be used anywhere ONLINE (only) with a Mastercard accepting retailer. It cannot be topped up and no cash can be withdrawn.

The card can only be spent to the limit of the balance.

If you wish to buy something for more than the balance, we advise you use your Bank Debit/Credit card and use your TPG Card for the more mundane item(s) they would have otherwise used your Bank cards for (ie. an online Grocery Shop).

How do I use my VIRTUAL card?
1. Simply follow the instructions on the email you received to firstly activate your card;
– make sure you ONLY use the SAN and ACC Code (not your email to log in);
– ensure all YOUR details are populated in the registration page
2. When activated you will see that your screen displays details about the card:
– the 16digit long card number;
– the cvv number (there is a cvv reveal button);
– the card expiry date; and
– the name and address of the card is what you first registered.
3, These are the only details you need to make an online purchase
4. You can only redeem with Mastercard accepting retailers:
– you can only spend to the balance;
– no top up or cash withdrawal is possible;
– some organisations are blacklisted (ie. Financial Services, Gambling, etc)
5. Any refunds will be made to the card
6. You can always check your balance / transactions via www.cardportal.com, or “add card” to the TheirPerfectgift smartphone app.
7. The card is valid for 12months from when you first receive it in your inbox.
How do I activate my card?

It’s super easy to activate your card, find your PIN, and check your balance online.

STEP ONE

Log on to www.cardportal.com on your phone or browser.

STEP TWO

Enter the 9 digit SAN number printed on the back of your card.

STEP THREE

Enter the 6 digit activation access code. Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number and was also sent to you in a separate activation email.

The email comes from activation@cardportal.com and may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

STEP FOUR

Fill in your first and last name.

Make a note of your PIN. You’ll need this to use the card in store!

STEP FIVE

IMPORTANT: the email and address details are for the person who brought the card. You must replace these with your details. If you don’t do this you could have problems using the card online!

When you’re done, click activate.

STEP SIX

You’ll be taken to this page where you can check your balance and get your 3 digit CVV code (you’ll need this to use your gift card online).

You can come back to this screen anytime to check your balance, check your CVV code, your purchase history, report a lost card, or retrieve your PIN.

If you loose your card you can click on LOST CARD – but be careful as your card will immediately be locked when you click this button and there’s a £5 reissue fee.

Still having issues? Contact us

I don't have an access code

Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number.

If you ordered the card yourself, please look for an email from activation@cardportal.com. It may be in your junk folder.

If you were sent the card by someone else, please contact them and ask for the 6 digit activation access code.

Still having issues? Contact us

How do I check my card balance?

You can easily check our balance by clicking here and using the instructions below to gain access to the Gift Card summary page where you can find the Remaining Balance as well as historic purchases.

 

Still having issues? Contact us

I've forgotten my pin

If you’ve got a virtual gift card you don’t need a PIN. Woo hoo!

If you’ve got a physical card and lost or forgotten your PIN you will need to request a new one. £2 will be deducted from your card, which we think is unfair. We are putting pressure on the bank that issues the cards for us to remove this.

So instead you could just use your card online, and you don’t need a PIN. You will need your 3 digit CVV code, but you can check that for free online.

To get a new PIN or check your CVV code, simply login to www.cardportal.com and follow the instructions below.

You’ll need the 9 digit SAN number on the back of your card.

You’ll also need your 6 digit activation access code which is in an email from www.cardportal.com.

STEP ONE

Log on to www.cardportal.com on your phone or browser.

STEP TWO

Enter the 9 digit SAN number printed on the back of your card.

STEP THREE

Enter the 6 digit activation access code. Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number and was also sent to you in a separate activation email.

The email comes from activation@cardportal.com and may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

Click on LOGIN. You may be asked for a further security code that will be sent to the email address the card is registered to.

STEP FOUR

You’ll be taken to this page, where you can click on RETRIEVE MY PIN.

Your card will be charged £2 for this, which we think is unfair. We are putting pressure on the bank that issues the cards for us to remove this.

If you don’t want to pay the £2 then you can use your card online without a PIN. You will need your 3 digit CVV code, which you can find on this screen. Simple click SHOW MY CVV in the top right hand corner!

Oh and you can check your balance while you’re here in the top left hand corner!

Enjoy choose your perfect gift!

Still having issues? Contact us

How do I find out my CVV?

You’ll need your 3 digit CVV number to use your card online. If your card has been declined online, this could be the reason.

Simply login to www.cardportal.com and follow the instructions below!

STEP ONE

Log on to www.cardportal.com on your phone or browser.

STEP TWO

Enter the 9 digit SAN number printed on the back of your card.

STEP THREE

Enter the 6 digit activation access code. Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number and was also sent to you in a separate activation email.

The email comes from activation@cardportal.com and may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

Click on LOGIN. You may be asked for a further security code that will be sent to the email address the card is registered to.

STEP FOUR

You’ll be taken to this page, where you can click on SHOW MY CVV in the top right hand corner!

While you’re here you can also check your balance in the top left hand corner!

Enjoy choose your perfect gift!

Still having issues? Contact us

How do I check my purchase history?

It’s super easy to check your purchase history online.

You’ll need the 9 digit SAN number on the back of your card or from your virtual gift card email.

And you’ll need the the 6 digit activation code sent from activation@cardportal.com. You may need to check your junk/spam folder.

Once you login you’ll be taken to a page where you click on the ACCOUNT ACTIVITY tab and you’ll see all your transactions! You can also check your balance on this page, retrieve your PIN, check your s digit CVV number, or report your card lost.

STEP ONE

Log on to www.cardportal.com on your phone or browser.

STEP TWO

Enter the 9 digit SAN number printed on the back of your card.

STEP THREE

Enter the 6 digit activation access code. Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number and was also sent to you in a separate activation email.

The email comes from activation@cardportal.com and may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

You may be asked for a further security code, which will be sent to the email address registered to the card. We told you our cards were secure!

STEP FOUR

Once you login you’ll be taken to this screen.

Click on the tab ACCOUNT ACTIVITY to see all your transactions.

You can also check your balance, your 3 digit CVV code, retrieve your PIN, or report your card lost.

Still having issues? Contact us

How do I update my address?

You’ll need the correct address details to use your card online. If you’re card was declined online, this was probably the reason!

No problem, it takes two ticks to check and update.

You’ll need the 9 digit SAN number sent with your virtual gift card, and the 6 digit activation code sent by a separate email.

Once you’ve logged in, simply check and update your address details and you’ll be good to use your card.

You can also check your balance, retrieve your PIN (for physical cards only), check your 3 digit CCV code, and report your card as lost.

STEP ONE

Log on to www.cardportal.com on your phone or browser.

STEP TWO

Enter the 9 digit SAN number that came with your virtual gift card. It will be in the email from activation@cardportal.com. You may need to check your junk/spam folder.

STEP THREE

Enter the 6 digit activation access code. Your activation access code is your 6 digit order number and was also sent to you in a separate activation email.

The email comes from activation@cardportal.com and may have gone to your junk/spam folder.

STEP FOUR

Check and update your personal details. If your card was declined online it’s probably because these details were wrong, you didn’t have the correct 3 digit CVV code, or there wasn’t enough left on the card.

STEP FIVE

Once you’ve clicked ACTIVATE you’ll be taken to this screen where you can see your balance and CVV (the 3 digit code you’ll need when using your card online).

Your virtual gift card can only be used online, so you don’t have a PIN.

Still having issues? Contact us

My card has been declined
My card has been declined
Some retailers may not accept virtual prepaid cards due to internal business requirements for online payments. Please always check that your retailer accepts virtual prepaid cards before use.

99%+ of the time cards are declined due to incorrect PIN, not enough money on the card, or wrong address details.

Please check these and you should be fine to use your card again.

Mastercard security means that we don’t have direct access to this information and so we aren’t able to check it for you easily. We have to send the request off and it can take up to 5 days before we hear.

So it really is much quicker for you to check, and if you still have problems you can use the form below and we’ll get on it in a flash!

Incorrect PIN

You can’t check your existing PIN for security reasons. But don’t worry you can request a new one, click on the button. Or you can simply use your card online without a PIN. You’ll need your 3 digit CVV code.

Not enough money left

Please check your balance

Wrong name or address details registered

Please check the correct details are in our system. This is especially important for virtual cards.

Card issued in 2023.

In this year we were forced into a migration to a new Issuer. During this process, some cards were de-activated at a Processor Level. If you have tried all the above, the card is still within date and it still doesn’t work, then please get in touch, so we can contact the Processor. To re-activate cards usually takes 24hours (during a working week).

Still having issues? Contact us

How can I transfer funds onto a new card?

You can request a reissue or transfer of your card by filling out the form on this page.

Still having issues? Contact us

My card hasn't arrived

Please note cards are only despatched once payment has cleared.

If you ordered a virtual gift card they are sent by the next working day, please check your junk/spam for an email from activation@cardportal.com. 

If you ordered a physical gift card it can take up to 5 working days to arrive in the UK and 10 days internationally.

If it’s been over this time, please use the form to contact us.

We will need the order number to help as that’s the only way we can find your order.

Contact us

Is there a limit on how many times I can use my card?
We have a limit of POS transaction:
Maximum 10 per day; and
Maximum 50 per year.

Not found an answer? Get in touch