Frequently Asked Questions About VISA Debit Cards

Q: How do I apply for a VISA Debit Card?
A: To receive a VISA Debit Card, you must have an Idadiv Checking Account. You can visit our branches to apply for a checking account and a VISA Debit Card.

Q: Are there fees for using this card?
A: There are no annual fees for your VISA Debit Card. Transactions at Idadiv ATMs are free. Some non-Idadiv ATMs may apply a surcharge to your transaction- this is charged by the company who owns the ATM, not by Idadiv. VISA does not allow merchants to charge you a fee for using the card for signature transactions.

Q: What if I lose my VISA Debit Card?
A: Notify us immediately at (208) 467-6583 or (800) 882-6583. If it is after hours and Idadiv is not available, call (888) 241-2510 within the US or collect at (909) 941-1398 from outside the US. Notify us as soon as you are aware that your card is missing to minimize your liability.

Q: How is my VISA Debit Card different from my VISA Credit Card?
A: The VISA Debit Card is NOT a credit card, and does not replace your existing Idadiv VISA credit card. Your Idadiv VISA credit card processes transactions as advances against a line of credit loan, to be repaid at a later date. Your Idadiv VISA Debit Card will deduct the transaction amount from funds already on deposit in your checking account.

Q: What accounts will the VISA Debit Card access?
A: One of the conveniences of the VISA Debit Card is that it works like an ATM card. Remember, if you make a purchase with the VISA Debit Card, it will access only your checking account.

Q: Can I order a VISA Debit Card for a member of my family?
A: Yes, providing they are joint signers on the account.

Q: What are the benefits to using my VISA Debit Card?
A: Your VISA Debit Card is like carrying an electronic checkbook. It is safer, faster and smarter than using cash or checks for purchases. There is no need to carry extra cash or wait for check approval, and no additional identification is necessary. Best of all, there is no bill to be paid later for these purchases, because the amount is taken directly out of your checking account.

Q: How is a VISA Debit Card transaction processed?
A: Just like a VISA Credit Card transaction - most merchants will assume that it is a credit card. Either you or the merchant swipes the card through the reader and receives authorization either electronically or by phone. Once authorized, you will be asked to sign the sales slip like any other VISA transaction.

Q: Is my signature always required when making a purchase with the VISA Debit Card?
A: It depends on the situation. For face-to-face transactions, you can use your card to make purchases by signing a sales receipt or by using your Personal Identification Number (PIN), depending on the merchant. When the card is used to make purchases via mail, telephone, or on the Internet via a merchant's web site, no PIN or signature is needed; however, providing the proper billing address to the merchant is very important, as the address will usually be verified. Some gas stations with "pay-at-the-pump" capabilities do not require a PIN or signature.

Q: When I try to pay for an item with my VISA Debit Card, the merchant asks me 'Debit or Credit'. Which do I choose?
A: Most merchant systems were developed before Debit Cards, like your VISA Debit Card, became popular. If you select the Debit option, you will be asked to enter your PIN, and the transaction will be immediately deducted from your checking account. If you select the Credit option, you will not be asked for a PIN, but will sign the sales slip like any other VISA transaction, and the amount will be deducted from your checking account in the same manner described above.

Q: How long will it be before the money is deducted from my Idadiv Checking Account?
A: That depends on the type of transaction. Because Idadiv processes all Check Card transactions in a live setting, you will most likely see the transaction immediately after it happens. Some transactions, however, may take a little longer to post to your account.

Q: What happens to my money between the time I swipe the card, and the time you deduct the money from my Idadiv Checking Account?
A: We will place a 'hold' on the funds authorized until the transaction is finally received and posted. This means that these funds will not be available for withdrawal by ATM, teller transaction, or check. You can see this difference by comparing your account's 'Available Balance' with the 'Actual Balance. ' If your checking account pays interest, the interest will continue to be paid on these funds until the actual transaction item is received and the funds are deducted.

Q: Are there limits as to how much I can spend using my VISA Debit Card?
A:The daily cap for ATM or POS cash withdrawals is $300. However, your purchase activity is limited by the available balance in your checking account, or $3,000, whichever is less.

Q: Is there any way to access my account once I've reached the daily limit for my VISA Debit Card?
A: Yes. You can still write as many checks as you wish, provided that you have the funds in your checking account to cover them.

Q: Can I get a VISA Debit Card if I only have a savings account?
A: No. VISA Debit Card transactions are processed as if they were electronic checks, so the card must be attached to a checking account.

Q: Will I have to show identification to use my VISA Debit Card?
A: For routine transactions, all you will need is your Debit Card. For larger transactions, the merchant may require an additional piece of identification for your protection.

Q: Where is the VISA Debit Card accepted?
A: Anywhere that VISA is accepted - over 14 million locations worldwide. In addition, it is accepted at any merchant that displays the STAR, Cirrus, and CO-OP logos.

Q: Can I get cash back on my VISA Debit Card?
A: Yes - many merchants, such as grocery stores, will allow you to get cash back in addition to the purchase amount if you have adequate funds on deposit. You can even get cash back from most other financial institutions that display the VISA logo.

Q: Do I have to sign the back of my VISA Debit Card?
A: Yes. The card must be signed to be valid. Signing the card will also aid in protecting you against unauthorized use in the event you lose your card or it is stolen. Please note, writing 'See Photo ID' on the back of your card in lieu of signing it may render the card unacceptable at some merchant locations. VISA regulations require a valid signature.

Q: How do I keep track of my spending with the VISA Debit Card?
A: Simply save your receipts and enter the amount of each purchase or transaction into your check register or check your account information using our home banking or Smartline. You get a detailed record of each transaction on your monthly checking account statement, so it's easy to know what you spent and where you spent it!

Q: How long will it take to receive my VISA Debit Card?
A: You should receive your new VISA Debit Card within two weeks of it being ordered. If you have not received it within two weeks please call (208) 467-6583.

Q: My card was good when I checked into the hotel for a week, but it was not good for a small purchase later that evening. Why?
A: The most likely cause is that after we placed the 'hold' for the amount of the authorization requested by the hotel, there were not sufficient additional funds for the second transaction.

Q: Will my VISA Debit Card work on the Internet?
A: Yes - your VISA Debit Card will be honored by any merchant on the Internet who displays the VISA logo.

Q: Is my VISA Debit Card safe to use on the Internet?
A: Yes, with reasonable precautions. On the Internet, as in face-to-face transactions, you want to do business with a reputable merchant. We recommend that you not 'save' your VISA Debit Card number at any merchant locations, or on your PC, especially in an environment where multiple people are sharing the PC. It is also advisable that you close your browser immediately after completing your transaction(s). Idadiv also recommends that you register your card with Verified by VISA.

Q: Will my VISA Debit Card work outside of the United States?
A: Yes - your VISA Debit Card will be honored at any merchant worldwide who honors VISA transactions.

Q: Can I change the Personal Identification Number (PIN) assigned to my VISA Debit Card?
A: Yes - you will be asked to activate your Idadiv VISA Debit Card at an Idadiv ATM. Once you have done that, you will have the option to change the PIN.

Q:  How can I keep my PIN secure?
A:  Each person is different.  To ensure your PIN is not compromised, do not write your PIN number on your card, carry it in your wallet or purse, or have it listed in an address book.  Additionally, if you choose to change your PIN, be sure to choose something that is not easily guessed such as an address, phone number, birth date, or anniversary.