MuchMusic | MuchMusic Card

This section is for parents who have sponsored a Card, plan to sponsor a Card or simply want to know more about it.

If you can't find what you need to know here, send us an e-mail at: Support@MuchCardServices.com. We'll be happy to help you out!

ABOUT THE MUCHMUSIC PREPAID MasterCard®

What is the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card is a prepaid, stored value and reloadable payment card that makes everyday purchases easy, convenient and secure. The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® can be used everywhere MasterCard® cards are accepted - that's over 24 million locations worldwide. Purchases made, and any applicable transaction charges, are deducted from the value stored on the card account.

What is the spending limit on the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

The spending limit is set by the prepaid amount of funds loaded onto the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®. Check the Terms and Conditions Agreement for current limit information.

What is the difference between a prepaid card and a credit card?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® looks similar to a MasterCard® credit card - both have the MasterCard® trademark and hologram and merchants will accept it like any other MasterCard® Card. The difference is that MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Cardholders don't have a line of credit. The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is only able to access the prepaid amount of money you put on the card. Also, as a Parent or Guardian, you can become an Account holder for a Card in your Kid’s name. This situation is called a “Sponsored Card”. The adult is the primary account holder and must pass the mandatory identity check and has control of the account. The Card is personalized with the teen’s name on it. You will also notice that the Much Card is “un-embossed” which means that the numbers are printed onto the surface of the Card rather than the raised numbers on a traditional credit card – this is because a Prepaid Card cannot be used in an old-fashioned imprint machine at stores.

What are the benefits of the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® frees Cardholders from the hassle and safety issues of using cash. Because it's a prepaid Card, the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is also an excellent budgeting tool. It's not a credit card, so you don't have to worry about your kid getting carried away with their spending. Since it's reloadable, you can regularly add funds to the Card and your kid can keep using the card over and over again. The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is a simpler, quicker, more secure way to pay.

Where can my kid use the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

Your kid may use their MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® in the traditional manner (i.e. swiping the magnetic stripe) anywhere that MasterCard® cards are accepted worldwide. They can also enjoy making online purchases using the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® and feel more secure in doing so than with a traditional card because the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is not tied to yours or your kid's bank accounts. There are some purchase restrictions with respect to online gambling and other merchants illegal for a minor but ultimately it is up to you as a parent or guardian to monitor where they are using the Card so you can discuss all transactions with your kid and teach financial responsibility.

Who is the Bank? Who has the Money? Who is Mint?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is owned and issued by GE Money Canada. They are the financial institution behind the Card and essentially hold all the money that gets loaded on a MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® until purchases are made or relevant fees are deducted from the Card balance. GE's Canadian partner for Prepaid Cards is Mint Capital Corp. MuchMusic worked with Mint to design the Card and Mint takes care of managing all the day-to-day operations of running the Card program.

GETTING STARTED

How can I get the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

It is easy to get your kid their own Much Card:

Teens 13- 15 can get the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard if a parent or guardian buys the Card and takes financial responsibility for the Card. This situation is called a "Sponsored Card". The adult is the primary account holder, must pass the mandatory identity check and has control of the account.

Anyone 16 or older can get their own personalized MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® provided they pass our mandatory identity check and are able to pay for the card.

If the prospective Card User is 16 or older, and they do not wish to have their own Card, a parent or legal guardian may still become an Account Holder for a Card personalized in the Kid's name.

Simply go online to www.MuchMusicCard.com, choose "PARENTS Enter Here" and follow the prompts to buy the card ("Get Your Kid a Card"). As the adult purchasing the Card, you must do so using a valid MasterCard® or Visa Card for which YOU are the primary account holder or through Interac Online if you already have online banking set up at either RBC, TD-Canada Trust or Scotia Bank.

Do I have to qualify for the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

Since there is no credit involved in the Card, you will be approved - provided that you are the Parent or Legal Guardian of the kid for whom you have requested the Card for, that you meet certain identity verification requirements* and are able to purchase the Card online.

Your kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® only has access to funds you have transferred onto it so they simply can't spend more than has been loaded to the Card account.

Teens 13- 15 can get the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard if a parent or guardian buys the card and takes financial responsibility for the Card. This is called a "Sponsored Card". The adult is the primary account holder and must pass the mandatory identity check but has control of the account. The card is personalized with the teen's name on it.

*Prior to the issuance of the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard card ("Card"), our partner, Mint Capital Corp. ("Mint") will validate the identity of the Card applicants with credit reporting agencies, such as TransUnion or Equifax. Such identity validation process does not constitute a credit check as it does not allow Mint to access the Card applicant's personal credit history or other personal information not required for identity validation. Moreover, Mint's identity validation process will not impact the Card applicant's credit reporting score or be visible to other creditors. Mint's identity validation process is made visible only to the Card applicant if the Card applicant requests a copy of his or her personal credit report form the credit reporting agency.

I already have a MasterCard®, can the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® be added to a MasterCard® account that's already open?

Since the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is a prepaid Card and not a credit card; it cannot be added to an existing MasterCard® account. In fact, you don't even need to be a MasterCard® Cardholder in order to get the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® for yourself or for your kid.

I plan to pay for my MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® with a MasterCard® credit card why does my name and address have to match the name on my application exactly?

When purchasing with a MasterCard® credit card, the name and address that you provide in your card payment information must exactly match the name on your Prepaid Card application. This precaution is a fraud prevention method used for the protection of MasterCard® Cardholders.

What this precaution really means is that if you are planning to purchase using you're your spouse's MasterCard® credit card, you will be declined. In this case, we recommend that you have your spouse take responsibility for the Card and purchase it for your kid or that you purchase it yourself using another one of the accepted payment options.

If the information that you entered in the application does exactly match your MasterCard® information and your purchase is still declined, there may be a discrepancy in your credit profile or your bank may elect not to share your credit profile with the agency Mint uses to verify the validity of your MasterCard® credit card. In this rare case, we apologize for the inconvenience and suggest that you chose another method of payment.

What is the Pay Later option?

The Pay Later option allows you to get your MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® now but pay for it later. Pay $39.95 with your first load after you receive your card. $39.95 includes activation and your first load fee.

You will have 40 days to pay your first load of $39.95 via one of the following methods:

Bill Payment
Pre-Authorized Debit
Money Order/Certified Cheque

Example #1

You get your card and load it with $139.95.
The resulting balance on your card would be $100.00 ($139.95 minus $39.95)

Example #2

You get your card and you load it with $89.95.
The resulting balance on your card would be $50.00 ($89.95 minus $39.95)

Can more than one individual be on the same MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® account?

Each individual is required to have a separate MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card with its own unique card number. However our parental / adult consent process does allow an adult to take legal responsibility for someone else who may wish to have a personalized Card but cannot otherwise pass the identity or age requirements themselves. In this case, which is called a "Sponsored Card", the adult maintains control of the account and the teen carries a card personalized with his or her name on it.

I got a reference number when purchasing my kid's Card - what do I do with it?

You can click on the "CHECK STATUS" link on the top navigation bar of each page of this website (www.MuchMusicCard.com). Once you've entered your Reference Number and Postal Code you can check the status of your application. If more ID was required to approve your application, Much Card Services will use the Reference Number to find your application when you send in the requested information. In this case, you should quote your Reference Number in the subject line of your e-mail to Applications@MuchCardServices.com.

I have been asked to confirm my identity. Where do I fax or email identification documents?

In order to complete your application for the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®, we must confirm your identity. We just need to know that you are who you say you are but don't worry, it's an easy process. You will have ten days to email or fax us scanned copies of at least two pieces of ID – a photo/birth date document and a current address document. Fax or email copies of your ID documents with your Manual Check List Submission Form to:

FAX: 1-866-234-0662

EMAIL: Applications@MuchCardServices.com

***Please DO NOT fax ID documents to MuchMusic as we will not receive them!

My kid just received their MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card in the mail. What do I do now?

In order for your kid to begin using their MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card, they must activate it by calling the Customer Service number printed on the back of the Card. You'll then need to add funds to your kid's Card (Reload) so they can begin making purchases

Reloading essentially involves moving money from an existing bank account onto the Card balance. Depending on where you bank, there are three easy choices:

Bill Payment	Use ATM, Internet or Telephone Banking Bill Payment and select "MuchMusic MasterCard" as the payee and your Card number as "account number". Currently available with these financial institutions: BMO Desjardins HSBC National Bank RBC TD Canada Trust We're regularly adding more banks to this list but if your bank is not listed here today, please use Pre-authorized Debit (PAD) to load your Card. Please note: your bank may apply a standard service charge to initiate a Bill Payment transaction. It usually takes two business days to add cash to your Card balance from the date you initiate a Bill Payment Reload.

Pre-authorized Debit	Download the PAD registration form from the secure section of this website and submit it with a void cheque. Once your registration has been processed, a PAD Reload can be initiated online by following the PAD Reload prompts in the secure section of this website (www.MuchMusicCard.com). Works with all Canadian banks. Takes 5 business days from the time the funds are removed from your bank account to process and add cash to Card balance.
Money Order Bank Draft Certified Cheque Postal Money Order (No Personal Cheques Please)	Make your money order/certified cheque payable to "MuchMusic MasterCard". Send the money order including your reference number or the last 6 digits of your account number to: MuchMusic MasterCard 25 The Esplanade, STN A P.O. Box 993 Toronto, ON M5W 1G5

Does my kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card expire?

Yes, your kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card will expire 24 months from the date of issue. The expiry date for the Card appears on the Card.

The Card is valid for two years. On the first day of year two, we subtract $9.95 from the Card balance to cover your kid's membership for the second year.

If they don't have the cash on their balance at that time we'll get it when you or they next Reload the Card.

After two years you'll have to get them a new Card and we'll send you an e-mail on how to do that.

What happens if my kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card expires with money left on it?

Once your kid's Card expires an inactive fee of $2.00 / month will be charged against any funds remaining on the Card balance until such time as the balance is depleted or you request the unused value from Customer service.

You have 12 months from the later of the date of last value Load, or 30 days after the expiration date of your card, to request unused value, less applicable fees pursuant to the Terms and Conditions Agreement.

All requests for reimbursements must be made in writing and reimbursements will be issued via cheque within 30 days of receiving your request to your last mailing address on file. Ensuring the accuracy of your contact information that is associated with your Card and/or Card Account is your responsibility. Any material change(s) to your personal information, such as your mailing address should be communicated as soon as reasonably possible to our Cardholder Services at 1-866-416-MUCH (6824), by logging into www.MuchMusicCard.com or by mailing a written notice to Cardholder Services at 25 The Esplanade, Station "A", Box 993, Toronto ON, M5W 1L5.

How can I be sure that the information I provide is secure?

All the information you provide to us is encrypted with SSL technology, ensuring that your information remains secure.

What is your privacy policy?

Please review our Terms and Conditions Agreement, containing privacy information. Or review our general Privacy Policy for more detailed information on our privacy procedures.

What is your refund policy?

You may request a refund of the purchase price paid for the Card (and any applicable Loads) provided that the Card has not been activated and the promotional music download offer associated with the Card purchase has not been redeemed. For clarity, the promotional music download serial number and PIN printed on the carrier must be unused in order to qualify for a refund. Your written request for a refund must be received by Cardholder Services within sixty (60) calendar days from the date the Card was purchased. Furthermore, when submitting your written request, you must also submit the non-activated Card and the Card's printed carrier to which the Card was attached. Refunds will only be provided to the person that is registered on the Card Account associated with Card. You may contact Cardholder Services at:

Cardholder Services
25 The Esplanade, Station "A", Box 993
Toronto ON,
M5W 1G5 Canada

The letter requesting a refund of the Card's purchase price must include the following:

the Card number as printed on the front of the Card;
the address, phone number, email address registered at the time the Card was purchased;
the date of Card purchase; and
a copy of the purchase receipt for the Card that you printed at the time of purchase.
If you have purchased a Card but not yet sent in your identification, you will include in your refund request letter the information outlined above less the Card and carrier (which you will not have received). You will also state in your letter the Reference Number that you received at the time of purchase. You must state the reason you have decided not to proceed with sending Mint copies of your identification at this time in order to qualify for a refund.

USING THE MUCHMUSIC PREPAID MasterCard®

How does the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® work?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is a prepaid card, so spending limits are set by the amount of money you or your kid load on the card. When they make a purchase with the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the card balance. When the card balance is low, you can add money to the card from your bank account or your kid can do so from their bank account. It is all right for the card to be fully depleted of funds. If this happens, simply follow the appropriate steps to replenish the balance with funds.

You pay a small upfront membership and activation fee for your kid's Card ($39.95).
This price includes $5.00 that will be loaded to your balance (you'll see it on there when you activate your card).
Your kid does not have to pay any fees when buying stuff in stores or online and we don't charge a monthly fee for the Card - that's all included in the yearly membership and makes it a great deal.
Other Prepaid Cards on the market will often charge a monthly fee in addition to a purchase fee every time that the Card is used- we think that's unfair so we don't.
We do charge a small amount to load your card and in some special situations - like when you travel or take cash out of an ATM. Check the Terms and Conditions Agreement for a full fee list.
The Card is valid for two years. On the first day of year two, we subtract $9.95 from the Card balance to cover your kid's membership for the second year.
If they don't have the cash on their balance at that time we'll get it when you or they next Reload the Card.
After two years you'll have to get them a new Card and we'll send you an e-mail on how to do that.

How do I know where my kid is spending the money I load on their card?

If you purchased the Much Card for your kid and registered as the Account holder on a Card personalized in their name, you can view all transactions that you kid makes. Simply log in to the secure area of this website (MuchMusicCard.com) using the Username and Password that you created when you registered for the Card. If you have forgotten your username and password, just follow the prompts on the log in page. Once logged in you can select from the menu on the left of the page to view all transactions made on your kid's Card.

How do I add money to my kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

Reloading essentially involves moving money from an existing bank account onto your Card balance. Depending on where you (or your parents) bank, there are three easy choices:

Bill Payment	Use ATM, Internet or Telephone Banking Bill Payment and select "MuchMusic MasterCard" as the payee and your Card number as "account number". Currently available with these financial institutions: BMO Desjardins HSBC National Bank RBC TD Canada Trust We're regularly adding more banks to this list but if your bank is not listed here today, please use Pre-authorized Debit (PAD) to load your Card. Please note: your bank may apply a standard service charge to initiate a Bill Payment transaction. It usually takes two business days to add cash to your Card balance from the date you initiate a Bill Payment Reload.

Pre-authorized Debit	Download the PAD registration form from the secure section of this website and submit it with a void cheque. Once your registration has been processed, a PAD Reload can be initiated online by following the PAD Reload prompts in the secure section of this website (www.MuchMusicCard.com). Works with all Canadian banks. Takes 5 business days from the time the funds are removed from your bank account to process and add cash to Card balance.
Money Order Bank Draft Certified Cheque Postal Money Order (No Personal Cheques Please)	Make your money order/certified cheque payable to "MuchMusic MasterCard". Send the money order including your reference number or the last 6 digits of your account number to: MuchMusic MasterCard 25 The Esplanade, STN A P.O. Box 993 Toronto, ON M5W 1G5

Who can use the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

Similar to a credit card, only the individual whose name appears on the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card may use the Card.

Can the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® ever carry a negative balance?

An authorization request for an amount that is greater than the account balance will be declined. However, occasionally, a merchant will not immediately send through an authorization request, meaning that while the money has been spent with a merchant, the account has not yet been debited. If another purchase is made before the authorization is sent through, there is a possibility that your kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® account could hold a negative balance. A fee may be incurred for carrying a negative balance, therefore it is important that you always keep your Kid's Card topped up.

How do I check the balance on my Kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

We’ve made it easy for you to track your Kid’s transactions and balance online by visiting the Account Login section of this website ( www.MuchMusicCard.com ) and logging into your account using the User Name and Password that you created at the time of registration. It is always free to check your balance online

What do I do if my kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card is lost or stolen?

If your Kid's MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card is lost or stolen, they should contact customer service immediately at 1-866-416-MUCH (6824). Remember to always keep your kid's Card number in a safe place - they will need to reference the card number when calling to report the lost or stolen card. Once reported lost or stolen, your kid's Card will be cancelled and a replacement card will be issued. Your kid's replacement Card should arrive in five to ten business days and the funds from the lost Card will be automatically transferred to the new Card.

Why is the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® safer than carrying cash?

When cash is lost, it is gone forever. However, if the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® is ever lost or stolen, your kid is protected by the MasterCard® Zero Liability Policy. Once reported lost or stolen, your kid's Card will be cancelled and a replacement card will be issued. Your kid's replacement Card should arrive in five to ten business days and the funds from the lost Card will be automatically transferred to the new Card. Click here for more information on how the MasterCard® Zero Liability Policy protects you.

How do I change my MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® account password?

To change your login password to your MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® account , first log into your account, click on Update Information, enter a new password in the 2 required Password fields, select your Secret Question, enter the answer to your secret question in the 2 required Secret Question fields and then click on Update.

I've forgotten my Username or Password. What do I do?

If you have forgotten your Password to login to your account, visit the Account Login section of this website (www.MuchMusicCard.com) and follow the link Forgot Your Username or Password? Follow the step-by-step instructions, answering the security questions. Your password will be displayed to you at the time or e-mailed within one working day to the address in your account profile.

My kid has forgotten his / her PIN. What do they do?

Your kid's PIN is required to use thier MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® at an ATM or for them to check the Card balance at 1-866-416-MUCH (6824). If they have lost or forgotten their PIN, they should contact customer support at 1-866-416-MUCH (6824). For security reasons, a new PIN can not be supplied via telephone or email.

Can my kid use the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® at any ATM?

The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® may be used at any ATM that displays any of the network brands on the back of the Card. When prompted, your kid will need to enter the PIN that was provided to them when they activated the Card. Please be aware that they may be subject to ATM fees by the acquiring financial institution.

Will the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® impact my credit rating or my Kid's credit rating if misused?

Since the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® does not offer a line of credit, it will not impact your credit rating or your kid's credit rating. However, if the card is being misused, the account may be suspended at any time.

Can the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® be used to make online purchases?

You can always use your MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® to purchase at your favourite stores online. Just enter your card information and billing address when prompted at checkout.

Why am I being charged a fee of $9.95?

The first year membership fee is $34.95 and the second year membership fee is $9.95. The fee structure is outlined in the Terms and Conditions. There are no interest charges associated with the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®.

I tried to use my card and it did not work – what should I do?

First, you should log-in to your account - click here - to view how much money is on your card. You will have been charged the second year membership fee of $9.95 on your anniversary date. Depending on the size of the transaction you tried to make, you may need to re-load your card.

I have a negative balance – what should I do?

Simply re-load more money on your card. Your registration for the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® entitles you to a two-year membership.

I do not understand the charges on my card, who can I contact?

If you would like to inquire about a charge or any other general information, please send us an e-mail to Support@MuchCardServices.com and we will respond within two business days.

Are there any costs associated with using my MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®?

Yes, there are fees associated with Card usage and Card Reloading. You and your kid should familiarize yourselves with the complete fees listed in the Terms and Conditions Agreement to be fully aware of every fee that may apply in a given usage situation.

Below, you will find a quick overview of some key fees that may help you compare the Much Card against other prepaid cards in the market today.

MONTHLY FEES are not charged for the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®. Instead you pay a low first year membership fee of $34.95 and a second year membership fee of $9.95. This is the best deal on the market today.

PURCHASES are always free of charge when you use your MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® and because it is a prepaid Card, there are never any interest charges as you can only spend up to the balance on your card. Other cards in the market may charge as much as a $1.00 every time you buy something – it is free to pay for the stuff you want using the Much Card.

ATM FEES apply when you want to withdraw cash from and ATM. The MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® charges $1.00 to take out cash at an ATM - there may be additional service fees that are charged by the ATM owners - these will vary from machine to machine.

LOAD FEES are charged when you want to put cash on your MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard®. We've done our best to make this as affordable as possible. The Much Card costs $1.50 to load regardless of how large a Reload you make at one time.

Will I get a monthly statement in the mail?

You will not receive a printed statement in the mail. To view your monthly statement or to access your entire transaction history, you may login to www.MuchMusicCard.com at anytime. You may also call 1-866-416-MUCH (6824) and follow the automated voice response system to hear your account balance. Please note that you will be required to enter you PIN when calling 1-866-416-MUCH to check your account balance and there will be a 35 cent charge for this service. Checking your balance online is always free.

How can I change/update my personal data or that of my kid's?

You may change personal data at any time by logging into the secure section of this website at anytime. Then click Update Information . If you have any questions or problems updating your personal information, please contact: 1-866-416-MUCH (6842).

What do I do if my kid is spending their money unwisely or in ways that I disapprove of?

Ultimately, how you decide to monitor your kid's transactions and discuss their purchases is up to you. We recommend that you set your expectations for use of the Card with your kid before you get them the Card.

Once the Card is activated, use your secure login to review their transactions and discuss the purchases that they make with them on a regular basis. If you discover the Card is regularly being used to make purchases that you do not approve of, you can temporarily suspend the Card using the controls in the secure site. This measure allows you to prevent the Card from being accepted at any merchant - it will remain suspended until you manually re-activate the Card.

Can I prevent my kid from using the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard at certain stores?

The Much Card is accepted almost everywhere that MasterCard® credit cards are accepted. Some restrictions are in place such as online gambling websites but for the most part you and your kid are in control of where the Card gets used and should discuss these expectations together. As an Account Holder, you can review transactions and do have the option of temporarily suspending the acceptance of the Card. This measure applies to all merchants and all categories. You cannot select specific stores or merchant types where the Card will or will not be accepted. The MuchMusic Card can be a very powerful tool for teaching financial and purchase responsibility when coupled with an open dialog between parents and kids.

When I view my kid's transaction history, what does "preauthorized transaction" mean?

A notice of "preauthorized transaction" on your kid's transaction history (indicated in italicized grey copy) means that while we have received notice from that merchant that they spent said amount at the store or on the website, the merchant hasn't yet sent through the final amount for payment. Preauthorization is done to make sure that the Card is valid and to tell us to put the money in your kid's account on hold until the merchant sends through the final transaction amount for payment. When we receive that final notification (usually within 3 days of the purchase) the transaction is considered "settled" or "posted," and the amount of that transaction is taken out of your kid's account.

When the Card is used to pay for goods or services, certain merchants may ask us to authorize the transaction in advance and may estimate its final value. When we authorize the transaction, we commit to make the requested funds available when the transaction finally settles and may place a temporary hold on the Card's funds for the amount indicated by the merchant. Transactions at certain merchants that authorize high dollar amounts, such as rental car companies and hotels, may cause an "authorization" or a "hold" on your available balance for up to 30 days. Until the transaction finally settles or we determine that it is unlikely to be processed, the funds subject to the hold will not be available to you or your kid for other purposes. We will only charge the Card for the correct amount of the final transaction, however, and we will release any excess amount when the transaction finally settles. Please note that we cannot manually release authorizations without a certified letter or fax from the merchant.

Please be advised that some merchants who require a pre-authorization (such as car rental agencies or hotels) may not accept a prepaid card for reservation or securing a rental. Provided they accept MasterCard®, the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® should be accepted for final purchase. This situation will vary between merchants and is difficult to predict because prepaid card technology and usage is relatively new and pre-authorization acceptance policies vary between merchants.

Why is the amount shown as "preauthorized transaction" different than the amount my kid actually spent at that merchant?

In some cases, such as restaurants, the merchant may send us a request for authorization (see above) for the food portion of a bill since your kid may not yet have written in a gratuity. In this case, we'll place the amount the restaurant sends us on hold, plus an additional 20% to cover the gratuity, should it be added. While the money is on hold, it isn't taken out of your kid's account balance. The money is not debited from the account until we get the FINAL, correct amount from the restaurant. You may also notice a difference in amounts when your kid makes a purchase at a gas station. If they choose to pay for gas at the pump, the machine will send through a preliminary authorization to ensure the Card is valid. When this happens, the authorized amount will range from $75 - $125. This is because the merchant does not know the final value of the pump. Please note that the excess funds will remain on hold until the completion is put through or the authorization expires. To prevent any authorization limitations on spending, best practice is to pump and pay inside the gas bar. Again, this is just a hold on the money until we receive the final amount your kid actually spent. Once the transaction is settled, you'll see the correct amount reflected in your kid's transaction history.

Why is there an unfamiliar merchant name listed on my kid's statement? They don't remember shopping there.

Some stores are part of a larger corporation that operates under a name that is different from the actual store and card processing is done under the company's corporate name. If however, you review your kid's transaction history and purchase receipt totals to discover a completed payment to a merchant that you are certain your kid did not authorize, you should call the number on the back of your Card: 1-866-416-MUCH (6824) and ask to speak with a Customer Service Representative to discuss this transaction and if necessary initiate the formal purchase dispute process.

How do I download music if I received the music promotion?

If you received the music download promotion when you purchased the card, please click here for download instructions.

Muchmusic Card

FAQs (Questions You Frequently Asked) MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard

About the MuchMusic Prepaid MasterCard® Card

Getting Started

Using the Much Card