FAQ's
About Rubycard
What is a Rubycard MasterCard?
The Rubycard prepaid MasterCard is a full chip and pin card that needs to be loaded with money before you use it. You can only spend what you have loaded on the card so it prevents over spending. Once the money loaded onto the card has been spent, you must top up again to continue using.
Why would I want a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard?
• Your Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard can be used in over 30 million MasterCard acceptance locations worldwide.
• Having a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard means you don’t have to pay the €12 Ryanair Booking Fee.
• It is one of the most secure ways to shop online and is also accepted in shops and ATMs throughout the world.
• You don't have to worry about over spending as you can only spend what you load onto your card.
• It is way more secure than cash as the card has chip and pin to protect your money.
• It’s a great way to introduce a son or daughter to cash management as it lets them use their own money without the risk of overspending.
• Having a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard means you don’t have to pay the €12 Ryanair Booking Fee.
• It is one of the most secure ways to shop online and is also accepted in shops and ATMs throughout the world.
• You don't have to worry about over spending as you can only spend what you load onto your card.
• It is way more secure than cash as the card has chip and pin to protect your money.
• It’s a great way to introduce a son or daughter to cash management as it lets them use their own money without the risk of overspending.
Do I need to provide any identification to get a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard?
No, the beauty of the Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard is that you do not need to supply any form of identification or documentation to get a card.
Do I need a bank account to get a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard?
No, you do not need a bank account to get a Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard.
Will my Chip and PIN card be widely accepted abroad?
Yes, your card will be accepted abroad.
Note: most merchants throughout Europe should be able to accept a Chip and PIN card as of 2010. As many cards issued in the USA are Magstripe cards only, ie. do not have a Chip, you may be asked to sign for your purchase without entering your PIN. Merchants may also require some form of photographic identification (eg. passport) before accepting your card.
ATMs in America accept PIN verification for both Chip and PIN and Magstripe cards.
Note: most merchants throughout Europe should be able to accept a Chip and PIN card as of 2010. As many cards issued in the USA are Magstripe cards only, ie. do not have a Chip, you may be asked to sign for your purchase without entering your PIN. Merchants may also require some form of photographic identification (eg. passport) before accepting your card.
ATMs in America accept PIN verification for both Chip and PIN and Magstripe cards.
Can I use my Rubycard MasterCard to make purchases?
Yes, as long as you have sufficient funds on your card.
Can I use my card to make purchases using PayPal?
When registering a Rubycard on PayPal, a 'pre-authorisation' is carried out to ensure your card is valid. In this case, a pre-authorisation means blocking a small amount of money on your card (usually less than €2) to check that there is available balance. The pre-authorisation expires after 15 days and is never collected from the card. Therefore, in order to register your card on PayPal, please ensure you have a minimum of €2 on your card.
Where can I withdraw cash from?
You can withdraw cash from any ATM that carries the MasterCard Acceptance Mark.
How much cash can I withdraw each day?
The maximum amount you may withdraw per day from ATMs is subject to individual country limits.
Are there any outlets where I may not be able to use my Rubycard MasterCard?
You may not be able to use your Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard if a retail outlet is unable to obtain authorisation for the amount you wish to spend. Your card may also not be accepted for the hire of a car. This may be due to the extended time period that can occur when a transaction is authorised and when money is deducted from your online account. Alternatively, the difference that can occur between the amount authorised and the amount subsequently claimed.
What address should I give when I purchase goods online, by mail order or by phone?
The billing address should be the address registered by the primary cardholder even if you’re the authorised user.
What is an Online Account Balance?
- An "Online Account Balance"?
Your online account balance shows unallocated funds, i.e. funds that haven’t been assigned to your card(s). - An "Available Balance"?
Available balance means cleared balance associated with your Rubycard that is available to spend instantly. - A"Pending Balance"?
This is temporary charge held against your available funds. It relates to: - A transaction (purchase or cash withdrawal) you've made using your Rubycard which has been authorised for payment, but has not yet reached your
online account; - 'Reserved' funds requested by certain retailers. (eg. upon check-in some hotels take your Ruby Card details for an 'authorisation transaction' that reserves enough funds to cover your bill);
- A payment or cash withdrawal you've made which has not yet cleared.
All balances are displayed under the ‘Summary’ tab.
Can I download the Salary & Wage Payment Form online?
The Salary /Wage payment form can be downloaded on our website.
Can my employer pay my wages directly into my online account/card?
The Salary /Wage payment form can be downloaded on our website. Your employer must complete form and then it must be sent to us at Ruby Card, Unit 1, Dosco Industrial Estate, South Douglas Road, Co. Cork. Alternatively, you can scan in your completed form and email it to us at customercare@rubycard.ie
What happens to a pending transaction?
The pending transaction will either turn into a finalised transaction (purchase) or will be removed automatically within 14 days.
Do I need to do anything if I have a pending transaction on my online account?
No. Having a pending transaction on your online account is part of the process by which a purchase is charged to your online account. However, if you think the pending transaction may relate to fraudulent use of your card, please call us straight away.
When are transactions declined?
Transactions can be declined if the retailer can’t verify online that there are enough funds in your online account to cover the value of the transaction you are making, including any applicable charges.
Managing your Rubycard
Can I use my Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard straight away?
After you have activated your card and loaded funds onto it you will be able to use your card to shop online and over the telephone. Once you have retrieved your PIN you will be able to shop in-store and withdraw cash from an ATM. To retrieve your pin, login to your online account and select the PIN option from the menu on the left.
How do I top-up my Rubycard MasterCard?
You can top up your Rubycard at any Payzone or PayPoint location nationwide. You can also top-up by online bank transfer.To find out more about topping up your Rubycard click here
How do I top up my card if I am abroad?
• You can top-up by online bank transfer no matter where you are in the world
• Before going abroad you can set up a standing order from your bank account directly to your Expression MasterCard
• A family member or friend in Ireland can top up your card in any AIB branch by completing a funds lodgement docket
• If you have a companion card you can share money by texting Share and <the last 4 digits of the main card> and <the last 4 digits of the companion card> and <the amount to be shared> to 51000
• Before going abroad you can set up a standing order from your bank account directly to your Expression MasterCard
• A family member or friend in Ireland can top up your card in any AIB branch by completing a funds lodgement docket
• If you have a companion card you can share money by texting Share and <the last 4 digits of the main card> and <the last 4 digits of the companion card> and <the amount to be shared> to 51000
What happens when I don’t have any more money on my card?
You simply top up your card and it is ready to use again.
How do I check the available balance on my card?
You can check your balance by calling our automated service on 0818 333 500 or Text Bal and <last 4 digits of your card> to 51000
How do I retrieve my card PIN?
Log in to your online account and select PIN from the side menu, select your card and enter your date of birth.
Can I change my PIN myself?
If you find your PIN hard to remember, you can change it at most ATM's, by simply selecting the "PIN services" option (€1 charge). Avoid popular or obvious number sequences such as 1234, 9876 or 9999 and try to use random number combinations to make it harder for criminals to guess.
How do I download my statement?
Statements cannot be downloaded but you can copy and paste from your online account into a word document or excel sheet.
How do I close my online account?
Contact Customer Care. Fees may apply, see terms and conditions for details.
What should I do when my Rubycard MasterCard expires?
We will contact you before the expiry date displayed on your card to offer you a FREE replacement card if required.
Can I order an additional card by logging in online?
To order an additional card go to the My account section and select the add card & follow the instructions or call our call centre on 0818 333 500.
What if I want to cancel a transaction or card authorisation?
If you decide to cancel a transaction that has already been authorised, it may take a few days before your funds can be cleared for use again. In the meantime, you won’t be able to use that money for other transactions.
If you are on the PAYG tariff, you will be charged a fee of 2.95% (min 75c, max € 2.00) for a refund transaction. Pay Monthly customers will not be charged.
If you are on the PAYG tariff, you will be charged a fee of 2.95% (min 75c, max € 2.00) for a refund transaction. Pay Monthly customers will not be charged.
How do I move funds from the online account to the card and vice versa?
To move funds online you must UPGRADE to a €5,000 card, go to the “Move Funds” tab, select the source you wish to move money from and to, and then select the amount.
Can I use my Rubycard MasterCard to get cash over the bank counter?
No, but you can use your card at an ATM
Can I use my Rubycard MasterCard to guarantee payments or make reservations?
If you are using your card for car hire, hotel reservations and general bookings or to guarantee a payment, the prepaid funds on your card will be pre-authorised and blocked for payment of the services that you request.
Some businesses - car hire and hotels in particular - may block more funds than you expect to use and this will affect the available balance on your card.
The blocked funds will not be available for you to use until the final bill has been settled and cleared via MasterCard.
Usually the unspent amount is made available for use within a day or two of payment, however in some instances it can take up to 14 days for the transaction to be fully processed and for your card to be credited
Some businesses - car hire and hotels in particular - may block more funds than you expect to use and this will affect the available balance on your card.
The blocked funds will not be available for you to use until the final bill has been settled and cleared via MasterCard.
Usually the unspent amount is made available for use within a day or two of payment, however in some instances it can take up to 14 days for the transaction to be fully processed and for your card to be credited
When can I contact Customer Care?
You can speak to a customer care agent 9am - 7pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 5pm Saturday by calling 0818 333 500. Alternatively you can send an email to customercare@rubycard.ie and we will respond to you within 24 hours.
Am I charged for contacting Customer Care?
When contacting customer care on 0818 333 500 you will be charged a Lo-Call rate.
Security
How do I reset my password?
Click the forgot password on the log in page and you will be emailed a temporary password. Once you log in with this you will be directed to choose a new password.
How do I update my personal details?
You need to login to your online account and click the Your Details section on the menu on the left. Here you can update all of your personal details.
What is a pre-authorisation?
A pre-authorisation is carried out when a merchant reserves money on a card to ensure payment for their services. Places such as restaurants and hotels do this quite often. For example, a pub or restaurant may pre-authorise a set amount when you open a tab at the bar. If your final bill is less than the pre-authorised amount it may take up to 14 days for you to receive the balance as a refund into your online account.
How are my transactions authorised?
Retail outlets request authorisation via MasterCard to which Rubycard is linked via a processor which verifies that you’ve enough funds available on your Rubycard. If approved, the money is paid over to MasterCard from the card for settlement to the merchant. If there are not enough funds on your card, the transaction will be declined. Only you or a designated person can see the balance available on your online account.
Lost or Stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, report it by:
- calling us on 0818 333 500 or +353 818 333 500 if calling from abroad. We will cancel your Rubycard MasterCard and issue you with a replacement within 7-10 days.
- send a text with Lost and <last 4 digits of your card> to 51000.
- calling us on 0818 333 500 or +353 818 333 500 if calling from abroad. We will cancel your Rubycard MasterCard and issue you with a replacement within 7-10 days.
- send a text with Lost and <last 4 digits of your card> to 51000.
How safe is my money?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not apply to the Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard. No other compensation schemes exist to cover losses claimed in connection with the Rubycard MasterCard. So, in the unlikely event that Transact Network Limited becomes insolvent, your funds may become valueless and unusable, which means that, as a result, you may lose your money.
Financials
How much does my Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard® cost?
The Rubycard Prepaid MasterCard costs only €9.99 if purchasing a voucher code or paying by a credit/debit or laser card.
What tariffs are available?
Pay as You Go and Pay monthly tariffs are available. Click Here for Tariffs
Will I be paid interest?
The Rubycard is subject to e-money regulations, therefore interest is not paid on this product but you won’t pay any either.
What is the stamp duty charge on the card?
Stamp Duty on your Rubycard is €5 and will be deducted from your first load and collected annually on the 31st of December.
Be In Control, it's easy!
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Discounts & Cash Back
Receive exclusive discounts and online cashback with our exclusive RubyRewards programme.
