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FAQ - Prepaid Mastercards

Frequently asked questions about Prepaid Mastercards

Written by Noah Reid

Mastercards are only available on paid plans at this time.



Prepaid Mastercard isn't available on our merchant list, but we noticed it is available on the Guusto site. Is that something we can add?

To add Prepaid Mastercard as a merchant option your company must complete a Know Your Business (KYB) assessment (see below).


Why do companies need to complete the Know Your Business forms?

Forms are required to help decrease financial crime risks associated with payments as well as assist our banking partners in staying in compliance

Mastercard processors may be required to restrict and, in some cases, suspend merchant options if they fail to meet this obligation.

How to Get Started?

To successfully add Mastercard to your Merchant list, the assessment forms below will need to be fully and accurately completed with the following in mind:

  1. Processing may take up to 8-12 business days. Failure to accurately complete the forms may result in an assessment failure or a longer processing time.

  2. Programs that are approved will require a budget of $1,000 or more and "predicted gift volume" will be requested.

  3. Enter your Guusto contact in the field “Who is your program/project sponsor”, as this will notify them of your submission. If you are unaware of your contact, please enter “Guusto”.

  4. For privately owned businesses, a Beneficial Ownership Certification (UBO) form must be completed separately.

  5. Start the assessment process by reaching out to us via Chat or [email protected]!



What are the Prepaid Mastercard Product Options?

Prepaid Mastercard Product Overview

Guusto offers two options for Mastercard gifts:

  1. Virtual Mastercard

    • Instantly delivered via email with the card number, CVV, and expiration date.

    • Can be used online or added to a mobile wallet for in-store tap purchases.

  2. Physical Mastercard

    • The recipient enters their mailing address on the Guusto platform.

    • The card is mailed and typically arrives within 8–12 business days.days.


What Are the Fees for Prepaid Mastercards?

Guusto does not charge any additional fees to send Prepaid Mastercard gifts. However, depending on the type of card selected, recipients may be responsible for the following fees:

Fees for Virtual Mastercard (Digital Only):

  • $0 fee for gift values between $10 – $1000

Fees for Physical Mastercard:

  • $8 fee for any gift value

These fees are deducted from the gift value and include any printing or shipping costs.
Example: If you send a $100 Guusto Gift and the recipient redeems it for a Physical Mastercard, they will receive a $92 Prepaid Mastercard.



Can the Virtual Card Be Used In-Store and Online?

Yes, Virtual and Physical cards can both be used online. For in-store use, virtual cards may be accepted if the store allows the card information to be manually entered. However, this depends on the store’s policy and cannot be guaranteed. For example, you can present a screenshot showing the virtual card details to the cashier in stores that allow card data to be manually entered.


Can These Cards Be Added to a Mobile Wallet?

Yes! Prepaid Mastercards can be added to:

  • Apple Pay®

  • Samsung Pay®

  • Google Wallet™

This allows the card to be used for tap payments in-store.

⚠️ Important Notice: Due to a recent Mastercard policy update, some Virtual Mastercards may not be compatible with Digital Wallets. We're currently working with our partners to review this change and explore possible solutions.


Card Use Details & Tips

What Billing Address Should I Use?

Since your personal information isn’t associated with the card, use your mailing address.
To reduce the chance of issues with online transactions, we also recommend registering your postal code in the Manage Card section of your card account, as many merchants use it for verification.

Where Can I Use My Prepaid Mastercard?

Your Reward Card can be used anywhere Mastercard or Visa are accepted, including:

  • Online

  • Phone orders

  • Mail orders

  • In-store retail locations

(Some exceptions may apply—refer to the Reward Cardholder Agreement for full details.)

What If My Purchase Is More Than the Card Balance?

You can typically combine your Reward Card with another payment method (e.g., cash or credit card).
Be sure to:

  • Inform the cashier before the transaction.

  • Tell them how much to charge to each payment method.

Please be aware that not all retailers support split-tender payments, so it’s best to check first.

Note: some transaction types require a hold of up to 20% above the purchase amount. You can view your Cardholder Agreement though your Guusto account for more information.


Can I Cancel or Change My Mastercard Selection After Redeeming a Gift?

Unfortunately, once a Mastercard (or any merchant gift card) is selected, the choice cannot be changed or refunded. This is due to merchant processor policies.


Who Should I Contact With Questions About the Mastercard Program? Troubleshooting Access Issues for Virtual Mastercards If you're having difficulty accessing the details of your virtual Mastercard, try these troubleshooting steps:

  • Use an Alternate Device: If you encounter display issues, open the virtual card link on another phone, tablet, or computer.

  • Disable VPN Temporarily: VPNs can occasionally interfere with access to secure content; try disabling them temporarily.

  • If you're a current Guusto client, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager.

  • Otherwise, contact us at [email protected].

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