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1. What is the Transcard Amigo Travel Club?
Transcard created the Amigo Travel Club to provide its customers with prepaid Visa debit cards and chartered flights to and from the Caribbean.
2. I don’t need a U.S. Social Security Number to join?
No. Anyone can join the Transcard Amigo Travel Club, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

All you need is a passport photo page to verify your identity and a utility bill or driver’s license bearing your current mailing address to verify your mailing address.

NOTE: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FRAUD, WE DON’T DELIVER CARDS TO PO BOXES. WE WILL REJECT ANY CARD APPLICATION FORM WITH A PO BOX AS EITHER THE HOME OR ALTERNATE MAILING ADDRESS. WE WILL REJECT ANY DOCUMENT WITH A PO BOX AS THE MAILING ADDRESS.
3. Why do I need an email address to join?
We communicate with Members by email. If you didn’t provide us with an active email account, we couldn’t communicate with you.

NOTE: If you don’t have an email account, you must create one before you can join the club. We recommend using Gmail because they require the least amount of information to open an account.
4. Why can’t I register using another Member’s email address?
Once a person has registered using an email address, it becomes their Username and it can’t be used again. If you attempt to register using an existing Member’s email account, our system will simply reject it.
5. How does registering with another person’s email address expose my Card account to fraud and theft?
When we open your Card account, we assign you a temporary Personal Identification Number (PIN) and email it to you. You’ll need this to activate your Card. If this message were sent to another person’s email account, they might use it to access your Card account without your permission.
6. Why can’t I register using my AOL email address?
AOL’s Spam-blocking technology prevents us from sending emails to you and if you can’t recieve our messages, you won’t be able to complete the registration process.

NOTE: If you’ve already registered using an AOL email address, you must re-register using an alternate address. If you don’t have an alternate email address, we recommend that you open a Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail account.
7. Once I’ve joined the Club, how does Member Services assist me?
Member Services assists you by:

  1. responding to general inquiries;
  2. managing your Card order from beginning to end;
  3. recieving, storing, reviewing, and protecting your confidential documents;
  4. processesing your payments for Card purchases, loads, and re-loads;
  5. overseeing emergency cash advances in the event your Card is lost or stolen; and
  6. resolving all other issues involving the issuing bank.
8. What is the Transcard Amigo Travel Card?
The Transcard Amigo Travel Card is a re-loadable, personalized prepaid Visa debit card which is sold exclusively to Amigo Travel Club members.

NOTE: On April 1, 2010, we’ll begin producing Cards bearing our custom artwork. Until then, our fulfillment center will use the generic “ABiSTAR” design.
9. At the time of purchase, what’s the least I can load onto my Card account?
USD $10

Because our bank charges a USD $10 Account Activation Fee to open your Card account, you’re required to load at least USD $10 at the time of purchase.
10. At the time of purchase, what’s the most I can load onto my Card account?
USD $5,000
11. After the first load, what’s the most I can re-load onto my Card account per day?
USD $2,500
12. What’s the most I can re-load onto my Card account per month?
USD $7,500
13. How often may I re-load my Card?
  • 1X/Day
  • 2X/Week
  • 6X/Month
14. What’s the most my Card account can hold at any time?
USD $12,500
15. Once I make a payment by credit or debit card, when will these funds become available?
You may use our system to submit a credit or debit card payment at any time of the day or night. However, the issuing bank can only credit your Card account from 9am to 4pm (Eastern Caribbean Time), Monday through Friday.

Payments made before 12pm (ECT) are usually credited on the same day. Payments made after 12pm (ECT) may be delayed until the following business day. Payments made after business hours can only be credited on the following business day. Payments made after business hours on Friday can’t be credited until Monday.
16. What are the service fees for purchasing, loading, and reloading my Card?
The Club charges a five percent (5%) service fee to process credit and debit card transactions and a three percent (3%) services fee to process bank wire transfers and email money transfers (Canada only).

SocaTransfer charges a three percent (3%) service fee (Minimum Fee: USD $5) to process transactions involving cash, certified checks, and money orders.
17. Once I become a Member, how many Cards may I order bearing my name?
One (1)
18. Can you emboss someone else’s name on my Card?
No. When indicating how you wish your name to appear on your Card, entering any person’s name other than your own will result in your application being rejected.

NOTE: If you’ve already entered someone else’s name, contact Member Services at memberservices@amigotravelclub.com and indicate exactly how your wish your name to appear on your Card (All Caps. Max. Length: 26 characters, including spaces).

NOTE: Once Member Services has edited your online application, you must print, sign, and upload the new Card Application Form.

For more information, see “How do I order a Card for someone else?”
19. May I pay for another Member to purchase and/or load a Card?
Yes

For more information, see “How do I order a Card for someone else?”
20. Which currency may I load onto a Card account?
U.S. Dollars only.
21. What forms of payment do you accept?
  • Visa and MasterCard Only
  • Certified checks & money orders payable to SocaTransfer
  • Cash at SocaTransfer Agent locations
  • Bank wire transfers
  • Email money transfers (Canada Only)
For detailed descriptions of all of our available payment options, click on Pay/Load
22. Why don’t you accept ACH transfers?
The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States. Because our issuing bank is located overseas, it doesn’t have access to the ACH network.

NOTE: Although SocaTransfer is located in the U.S., they’re not set up to accept ACH transfers.
23. Why don’t you accept PayPal transfers?
No. PayPal uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH) to make deposits. The Automated Clearing House (ACH) is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States. Because our issuing bank is located overseas, it doesn’t have access to the ACH network.

NOTE: Although SocaTransfer is located in the U.S., they’re not set up to accept ACH transfers.
24. How do I request a credit for funds wired to my Card account?
Send an email to wiretransfers@amigotravelclub.com

In the Subject line of the email, enter “REQUEST FOR CREDIT TO CARD ACCOUNT”.

In the Body of the message, enter your Card account number.

Attach an image file containing the wire transfer confirmation reciept.

NOTE: You must submit both your Card account number and your wire transfer confirmation reciept to recieve proper credit.
25. I’m having trouble making a payment using my credit or debit card. What should I do?
Below are some solutions to common problems you may encounter when using your credit or debit card to make a payment:

1. Attempted to pay by American Express or Discover.

Try again using a Visa or Mastercard.

2. Data Entry Error(s)

Confirm that you’ve accurately entered of all credit card information.

3. Credit Limit Exceeded

Verify that the transaction amount doesn’t exceed your available line of credit.

4. Verbal Authorization for Transaction Required

It’s possible that your bank declined the transaction to protect you against possible fraud. This is a common occurrence when an overseas bank submits a charge to a U.S. credit or debit card account. To overcome this hold on your account, simply contact the Customer Service Line on the back of your card and instruct them to approve the charge.

26. When does my Card expire?
3 years from the date of issuance.
27. When filling out the online application form, why can’t I enter a PO Box as my home or alternate mailing address?
To reduce the risk of fraud, we don’t deliver Cards to PO Boxes.

NOTE: WE WILL REJECT ANY CARD APPLICATION FORM WITH A PO BOX AS EITHER THE HOME OR ALTERNATE MAILING ADDRESS. WE WILL REJECT ANY DOCUMENT WITH A PO BOX AS THE MAILING ADDRESS.
28. When I print out my Card Application Form, why is there a check mark in the box marked “Personal Spending”?
When we created the Transcard Amigo Travel Card program, the issuing bank required us to select the type of card to sell to our Members: Personal Spending, Travel, Gift, or Payroll.

We selected the Personal Spending card product because it offered the most flexibility. Therefore, every Card well sell is a Personal Spending re-loadable Visa card.
29. After I print out my Card Application Form, why must I leave blank the fields regarding my employment?
The issuing bank designed this Card Application Form for use with many different card programs. Because some of these programs require the applicant to provide employer information, the bank included this section on this document.

Our agreement with the bank doesn’t require Members to supply them with this information as a condition to issuing the Card.
30. After I print out my Card Application Form, why must I leave blank the fields regarding an additional cardholder?
The issuing bank designed this Card Application Form for use with many different card programs. Because some of these programs permit applicants to order multiple cards, the bank included this section on this document.

Our agreement with the issuing bank doesn’t permit this, so please leave this section blank.

While you’re free to assist them, anyone wishing to purchase an Transcard Amigo Travel Card must register as a Member and order their own.
31. If I disregard these instructions, can the bank reject my signed Card Application Form because I made handwritten changes to it before uploading it?
Yes, so please don’t change, alter, add, or delete any information printed on this document before uploading it.
32. Why must I submit my passport photo page and proof of address (utility bill or driver’s license) with my signed Card Application Form?
We require your passport photo page as your primary form of identification to prevent a stranger from opening an account in your name or gaining access the funds in your Card account.

We require the signature on your passport photo page to authenticate the signature on your Card Application Form as second form of identification.

We require your utility bill or driver’s license to verify your home address as a third form of identification.

NOTE: For more details, see Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policies

NOTE: INFORMATION IN MEMBER FILES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
33. How should I submit these three (3) documents?
The best way to submit these documents is to create a high-quality, black & white image file of each document and upload them individually to your Profile. (Max files size: 2Mb)

NOTE: All text, signatures, and facial images must be clear and sharp.
34. How do I upload these image files?
  1. Login using your email address and password
  2. Click “Profile” and select “Documents”
  3. Click the "Choose File" button and locate the image file containing your signed Card Application Formon your computer.
  4. Click the “Submit” button.
  5. Click the "Choose File" button and locate the image file containing your Passport Photo Pageon your computer.
  6. Click the “Submit” button.
  7. Click the "Choose File" button and locate the image file containing your Proof of Address(utility bill or driver’s license) on your computer.
  8. Click the “Submit” button.
35. How do I turn my documents into digital image files?
  1. Locate a scanner or digital camera / cell phone. (If you don’t have one, see Document Scanning Services)
  2. Create a single image file for each of these three (3) documents.
  3. Save these three (3) image files to your computer.
36. Is there a company that can scan my documents for me?
Yes. If you don’t have access to a scanner or digital camera / cell phone, FedEx offers inexpensive document scanning services.

U.S.: http://www.fedex.com/us/office/
Canadian: http://www.fedexkinkos.ca/companyinfo/locations.html
37. What’s the best way to photograph my documents?
For the best results when using a digital camera / cell phone to photograph your documents, follow these seven (7) steps:

  1. Place the document against a white background. A sheet of white paper will do.
  2. Position the document in landscape orientation.
  3. Make sure the document is well lit. If there’s insufficient light, turn on your flash.
  4. Position the camera so that it’s perpendicular to the document. A photograph taken at less than a 90 degree angle skews the image and the text, rendering the document difficult to read.
  5. Move the camera towards the document until it you can easily read the text.
  6. Zoom in until the document fills the entire frame, yet is still in focus.
  7. Take a number of photographs and send the best ones.
38. May I email my documents to Member Services?
Yes. If you can’t access the document upload page, you may email your image files to:

documents@amigotravelclub.com

NOTE:This may delay processing your application.
39. I can’t fax, mail, or hand-deliver my documents to Member Services?
No
40. May I mail or hand-deliver my documents to a SocaTransfer Agent?
Yes. For a SocaTransfer Agent location near you, select Find Agent.

41. If any of my documents are rejected, how will I be notified?
Member Services will send you an email indentifying the rejected document(s) and instruct you to upload new ones.
42. How do I monitor the document review process online?
  1. Login using your email address and password.
  2. Select “Profile”
  3. Select “Documents” The status of each document is displayed at the top and bottom of the page.

    indicates that the document has been accepted.
    indicates that the document has been rejected and must be resubmitted.
43. How will I know if my Card Application has been approved or rejected?
Member Services will notify you by email.

Upon rejection, Member Services will notify you with the reason for the rejection and assist you resolving the problem.
44. When will I recieve the email containing my temporary PIN?
Four (4) business days following notice of approval, you’ll recieve three (3) messages in your Junk/Spam email folder from support@abistarcard.com:
  1. Welcome to ABiSTAR Card


    2. NOTE: This message contains your temporary PIN.

  2. ABiSTAR Debit Card Tips


  3. ABiSTAR ATM Tips
45. If four (4) business days have passed and I haven’t received my temporary PIN, what should I do?
Contact the Card Services Department at 1.866.754.8529 to confirm that they have your correct email address on file and request another temporary PIN.
46. When will my Card arrive?
Our fulfillment center has up to three (3) days following notice of approval to produce your Card. Unfortunately, we can’t influence production time. Delivery time will depend on the shipping option you selected when you filled out your Online Application.
47. What are my shipping options?
Within the United States:

U.S. Postal Service – First Class: No Charge
FedEx Ground: USD $9.99
FedEx Express Standard Overnight: USD $19.99

To Canada:

FedEx International Economy: USD $24.99
FedEx International Priority: USD $29.99

To all other countries:

FedEx International Economy USD $49.99
FedEx International Priority USD $59.99

NOTE: Once selected, you can’t change shipping instructions. We can't bill the shipping cost to your personal or corporate FedEx account because our fulfillment center isn’t set up to do that.

For estimated delivery times visit www.fedex.com
48. Once I recieve my Card, should I make a record of my Card number?
Yes. In the event your Card is lost or stolen, you’ll need your Card number to make an emergency cash advance.

NOTE: If you plan to store your Card number on an electronic device, be sure the file is password protected.

NOTE: For security reasons, do not keep a record of you PIN. If you insist on doing so, keep your PIN seperately from your Card account number.
49. Once I have both my Card and temporary PIN, how do I activate my Card online?
  1. Go to www.abistarcard.comand select Log into Visa
  2. Login using your Card number and temporary PIN.
  3. To activate your Card, Change Your Card PIN:
    a. Enter your temporary PIN
    b. Enter your new PIN
    c. Enter you new PIN again
    d. Select Change PIN


To activate by telephone, contact the Card Services Department at 1.866.754.8529.
50. What precautions should I take when accessing my Card or email account from a public computer?
Computers in cybercafes and hotels are notorious for having malware on them, including “keylogger” programs that record users’ keystrokes and capture screenshots to collect log-in information. Many PCs do not have important software fixes or security programs with current updates. They could even have physical keylogging devices fitted onto the back.

Before using public computers, ask what security measures are in use. Better hotels and cybercafes maintain their computers properly and reset them after each user so unauthorized programs are removed. If you get a blank look from the attendant, check for a security program icon at the bottom of the screen and click on it to see if it is up to date. If you do not see evidence the computer you are about to use is safe, try to find another place to go online.

If you can’t wait for a more secure machine, avoid any banking business and entering of your credit card number.

Only access your email if you absolutely have to. When you return home, change your password.
51. What precautions should I take when accessing my Card or email account using public WI-FI?
It’s safer to use your own computer and go online using airport, hotel or other public Internet connections. But beware that there is still some risk, especially using public Wi-Fi.

By “sniffing” the airwaves, a snoop in the vicinity can read data you send across the network. It’s easy — free software for capturing, viewing and analyzing Wi-Fi traffic is widely available — though it is unclear how prevalent this kind of activity actually is. A hacker could also infiltrate your PC by making his computer appear to be a legitimate Wi-Fi hot spot.

To protect yourself, use a firewall — they are included free in recent versions of the Windows and Mac operating systems — and make sure important information you send is encrypted. Look for “https” in Web addresses, and check if a Wi-Fi network uses encryption by reading privacy policy on its Web site.

If you have access to a VPN (virtual private network), from your employer for example, use it. You could also get online via a cellular card or “tethering” with your mobile device over encrypted cellular connections, though that may increase your data fees.

On a low-tech note, if you work with confidential information in public places on a regular basis, consider using a removable privacy screen for your display to make it harder for neighbors to sneak a look ($20 to $60 for laptops, $5 to $15 for iPhones and BlackBerrys).
52. How do I activate my Card by telephone?
Contact the Card Services Department at 1.866.754.8529.

If you experience difficulty activating your Card by telephone, please notify Member Services at: memberservices@amigotravelclub.com

Member Services is very effective at resolving these matters.
53. How do I order a Card for someone else?
  1. Select “Join Club” and complete the Member Registration form.

    NOTE: You must register a new Member using their email address. If they don’t have one, you must create a new email account for them. We recommend using Gmail because they require the least amount of information to open an account. If you attempt to register a new Member using the email address you used when you registered, our system will reject it. Once a Member has registered using an email address, it can’t be used again.


  2. The new Member will then recieve an email containing a link to the Member login page. Someone must open this message and follow the link before they will be permitted to login and complete the application process.

    NOTE: If you don’t have access to the new Member’s email account, Member Services may bypass the email verification process, so long as you are able to: 1) positively identify yourself; and 2) explain your relationship to the new Member. To request this service, contact memberservices@amigotravelclub.com.


  3. Fill out the online application form completely.

    NOTE: Enter the new Member’s home address as it appears on their proof of address (utility bill or driver’s license bearing the Member’s current mailing address).

    NOTE: To have the new Member’s Card delivered to your home address, answer “yes” to the question “Is your mailing address different from home address?” and enter your home address as the alternate mailing address.

    NOTE: WE DON’T DELIVER CARDS TO PO BOXES. WE WILL REJECT ANY CARD APPLICATION FORM WITH A PO BOX AS EITHER THE HOME ADDRESS OR ALTERNATE MAILING ADDRESS. WE WILL REJECT ANY DOCUMENT WITH A PO BOX AS THE MAILING ADDRESS.


  4. Make a payment to purchase and load the new Member’s Card.


  5. Print the Card Application Form and have the new Member sign it.

    NOTE: The signature on the printed Card Application Form must match the signature on the new Member’s passport photo page.


  6. Scan the signed Card Application Form, along with the new Member’s passport photo page and proof of address (utility bill or driver’s license bearing their current mailing address).


  7. Upload these three (3) documents according to the instructions already provided.
54. Which merchants accept the Card?
Our Cards are accepted anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
55. What’s my daily spending limit?
USD $5000
56. What’s the most number of purchases I can make in one day?
Fifteen (15)
57. What is my daily ATM withdrawal limit?
USD $500
58. What’s the most ATM withdrawals I can make in one day?
Five (5)
59. What are the ATM fees?
Balance Inquiry - DomesticUSD $1.50
Balance Inquiry - InternationalUSD $3
Domestic Withdrawal - ApprovedUSD $3
Domestic Withdrawal - DeniedUSD $1
International Withdrawal - ApprovedUSD $3
International Withdrawal - DeniedUSD $1
60. What happens if I enter my PIN incorrectly at an ATM?
If you have entered your PIN incorrectly three (3) or more times at an ATM, our system will disable your Card automatically. After a twenty four (24) hour period, you may attempt to enter your PIN again.
61. If I forget my PIN, what should I do?
To request your current PIN or reset your PIN, contact Member Services at memberservices@amigotravelclub.com.
62. When I return home, can I withdraw the balance of my funds from any Visa Network ATM?
Yes
63. What’s the most number of cash advances I can make in one day?
Five (5)
64. What are the cash advance fees?
Cash Advance - Domestic - ApprovedUSD $5
Cash Advance - Domestic - DeclinedUSD $1
Cash Advance - International - ApprovedUSD $5
Cash Advance - International - DeclinedUSD $1
65. What’s the Card’s daily cash advance limit?
USD $500
66. If I have a positive balance on my Card account and I use my Card, how much is the monthly maintenace fee?
USD $2.50
67. If I have a positive balance, but I don’t use my Card for ninety (90) days, how much is the monthly dormant account fee?
USD $5
68. If I withdraw all my funds, will my Card account remain open?
Yes. We will keep your Card account open until your Card expires.
69. How do I TEMPORARILY disable a lost or stolen Card?
For fastest service, call the Card Services Department at 1.866.754.8529.
70. Once disabled, can my Card be used to make purchases or ATM withdrawals?
No
71. If I recover my Card, how do I re-enable it?
Contact support@abistarcard.com or call the Card Services Department at 1.866.754.8529 and inform them that you have recovered your Card.

NOTE: To re-enable your Card, you must be able to positively identify yourself to the customer service representative.
72. If I report my Card as PERMANENTLY lost or stolen, can I request it be re-enable it?
No. We will close your Card account and send a Balance Check for your remaining funds to your home address.

NOTE: The bank will deduct a USD $25 fee prior to issuing a Balance Check.
73. If I refer a new Member to the Club, can I earn a commission from the Card they purchase?
Yes. The Club will apply a USD $10 credit to your Card account for every new Member you refer to the Club who ends up purchasing a Card. Because the Club only pays commissions to Card accounts, you must be a Member to qualify for a commission.
74. How does Agent Services track these referrals?
For a Cardholder to receive a commission for a referral, he must submit the name and email address of the new Member to Agent Services at agentservices@amigotravelclub.com. If a Cardholder fails to submit this information, he won’t be entitled to receive a commission.
75. If I have a problem with my Card, whom do I contact?
For problems with Card use or merchant disputes, contact the Card Services Department at support@abistarcard.com or 1.866.754.8529.
76. What is Travel Registration?
It’s a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

To register, go to travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
77. Why should I register before traveling?
Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency.

When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information.

By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.
78. How can the U.S. embassy or consolate assist me?
U.S. consular officers assist Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. Although consular officers cannot act as your legal counsel or representative, they can provide the names of local attorneys and doctors, provide loans to destitute Americans, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad. Most embassies and consulates have web sites with more information.
79. Why should I carry a copy of my passport photo page on my person at all times?
Travel Registration is NOT considered proof of U.S. citizenship. If you apply for any American citizen services from the embassy or consulate while abroad, you’ll be asked by the consular staff to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or American birth certificate.

We recommend that you carry the copy of your passport in a resealable water-tight bag or container, along with your Amigo Travel Card and enough cash for the day.
80. Where should I keep my passport and majority of my cash?
Most hotels have a safe at the front desk. The better hotels have one in the room. Keep your original passport and the majority of your cash in the safe or some other secure location in your room.
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