FAQs
- Where do I find the gift card's three-digit security code (CID)?
- Is this a credit card?
- When paying with the gift card, what do I tell the clerk/cashier?
- How do I tip with my gift card?
- How do I use the gift card for online purchases?
- How do I know what is the balance on my gift card?
- How do I handle a purchase using my gift card if the amount of the transaction is greater than the value or balance on my card?
- Can I add additional funds onto this gift card?
- Where can this gift card be used?
- What does "activation" mean?
- What does "registration" mean, and is it required?
- If my gift card is activated, do I still need to register it?
- Who can purchase or use gift cards?
- What if I need to return an item?
- Can a purchase ever be denied?
- Why is my card not being accepted at one of the retailers advertised as part of the retail network?
- Does my pre-paid gift card have an expiration date?
- What happens if there are still funds available when a card expires?
- What happens if a card is lost or stolen?
- How long does it take for card transaction details to appear on my online statement?
- What are the fees for this gift card?
Where do I find the gift card's three-digit security code (CID)?
The three-digit security code is located on the back of the gift card, as shown below:
Is this a credit card?
No. This product is a pre-paid gift card that carries a fixed cash amount determined by the purchaser at the time of purchase. Each time you use the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the available value.
When paying with the gift card, what do I tell the clerk/cashier?
The card should be run as a Discover credit card. You might have to sign the receipt if requested by the merchant.
How do I tip with my gift card?
“Tip” oriented merchants (e.g., restaurants), often authorize transactions for a fixed percentage above the bill to cover the tip. To avoid a decline, ask the merchant to authorize a specific dollar amount. We can not guarantee the merchant will fulfill this request.
How do I use the gift card for online purchases?
In the "Billing Address" section, enter your personal or professional address. Then, in the "Payment" section, select "Discover" as the card type, enter the card number, and enter the expiration date appearing on your card.
How do I know what is the balance on my gift card?
Login to the cardholders section of this site and click on the "Check Balance" tab—or call the toll-free number on the back of the card. The true balance on your card can be known only once the merchants have reconciled your previous transactions. We also offer—to registered cardholders—secure access to real-time transaction history.
How do I handle a purchase using my gift card if the amount of the transaction is greater than the value or balance on my card?
You may inform the merchant of the remaining value on the card and ask for a "split transaction" that would allow you to use another form of payment to pay the difference. For online merchants, you may call the merchant's Customer Service line and ask for a split transaction. The ability to do split transactions is subject to the policy of the merchant.
Can I add additional funds onto this gift card?
No, this pre-paid gift card cannot be reloaded.
Where can this gift card be used?
At any of our participating retailers. Click for retailers below:
What does "activation" mean?
When you receive your card, if the sticker on your card mentions the website and phone number to activate your card, this means that you need to go online or call to activate the card before using it. Activating your card confirms that you've received it.
What does "registration" mean, and is it required?
Registration is optional, and you can use your card without registering it; however, we strongly encourage you to register your Esteem Pass card—which you do by creating an account with a secure username and a password—to protect its value in case it's lost or stolen. Plus, you can access your card's transaction history once registered. More than one card can be registered under the same card holder's account. You do not have to register your card for redemption.
If my gift card is activated, do I still need to register it?
Registration is optional; however, cardholders are strongly encouraged to register their gift cards for added protection.
Who can purchase or use gift cards?
Anyone 18 years of age and older may purchase this gift card. Depending on the specific card program, minors less than 18 may be designated as authorized users on a parent or guardian's account.
What if I need to return an item?
Return policies are determined by the merchant. Each merchant location handles returns in the same manner as any other branded card transaction. The merchant may credit your card, provide a cash refund, or offer a store credit.
Can a purchase ever be denied?
Yes. These are pre-paid gift cards, with no overdraft capability. A purchase may be denied if the card's available value is less than the purchase amount. You may inform the merchant of the remaining value on the card and ask for a split transaction, which would allow you to use another form of payment to pay the difference. The ability to do split transactions is subject to the policy of the merchant.
Also, be aware that some merchants, such as restaurants and hotels, require the card has an available value greater than the purchase amount. This is to ensure sufficient funds for tips or incidental expenses.
Why is my card not being accepted at one of the retailers advertised as part of the retail network?
The most updated retail network can be found under Places to Shop. If you encounter any acceptance difficulties, please contact our support team.
Does my pre-paid gift card have an expiration date?
Yes. Each card has an expiration date (sometimes referred to as "Valid Thru") indicated on the front of the card.
What happens if there are still funds available when a card expires?
Cardholders are encouraged to use the entire gift amount before the card expires. If your gift card has expired, you may request a replacement card. Any available value will be transferred to the new card less a replacement fee that will be deducted from the card's available value. This policy and others can be found in the Cardholder Agreement that's included with the gift card.
What happens if a card is lost or stolen?
You can immediately report a lost or stolen card online by logging into the cardholders section and then going to the "Lost or Stolen Card." At the card holder's request, a replacement card will be issued and any available value will be transferred to the new card, less a replacement card fee that will be deducted from the card's available value. As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, you won't be responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges.
How long does it take for card transaction details to appear on my online statement?
Transaction details display on the next business day.
What are the fees for this gift card?
Cardholder fees are found in the Cardholder Agreement included with the gift card, and posted on this website under Terms and Conditions.
Cardholders
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Esteem Pass gift card activation fee is at least 50% lower than most leading network branded gift cards.
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