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Times MasterCard® Prepaid Card
Please click on the section you want to find out more about.
Using Your Times MasterCard Prepaid Card to withdraw and Make Purchases
-
Where can I withdraw cash?
You can get cash at any ATM (some ATMs may charge an additional fee and should adivse you before you confirm the transaction) that carries the MasterCard Acceptance Mark. There are over 1.5 million ATMs worldwide. To find one, just use our ATM locator.
-
How much cash can I withdraw with my card each day?
The maximum amount you may withdraw per day from ATMs in the UK is £500
(this amount does not need to withdrawn at one ATM only, you can use multiple ATMs). If you’re withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad the maximum withdrawal amount is subject to the country’s limits.
-
Can I use my Times Card to get cash from a bank counter?
No, but you can use an ATM.
-
Can I use my Times Card to make purchases?
Yes, as long as you have sufficient balance on your card, you can shop online, by phone, mail order and in-store to make purchases.
-
Can I use my Times Card to guarantee payments or make reservations
If you are using you card for car hire, hotel reservations, general bookings or to guarantee a payment, the prepaid funds on your card will be pre-authorised and blocked for payment of the services that you request.
- Some businesses - car Hire and Hotels in particular - may block more funds than you expect to use and this will affect the available balance on your card.
- The blocked funds will not be available to you to use until the final bill has been settled and cleared via MasterCard.
- Usually the unspent amount is made available for use within a day or two of payment, however in some instances it can take up to 14 days for the transaction to be fully processed and for your card to be credited
-
Can I use my Card to make purchases using Paypal?
Yes, however please note that when registering a Times Card on Paypal, a “pre-authorisation” is carried out to ensure your card is valid. A pre-authorisation means blocking a small amount of money on your card (usually less than £2) to check that there is available balance. The pre-authorisation expires after 14 days and is never collected from the card. Therefore in order to register your card on Paypal, please ensure you have a minimum of £2 on your card.
-
Are there any outlets where I may not be able to use my Times Card?
You may not be able to use your Times Card if a retail outlet is unable to obtain authorisation for the spend you wish to make. Your card may also not be accepted for the hire of a car. This may be due to the extended time period that can occur when a transaction is authorised and when money is deducted from your eccount balance. Alternatively, the difference that can occur between the amount authorised and the amount subsequently claimed.
-
What address should I give when I purchase goods online, by mail order or by phone?
The billing address should be the address registered by the primary cardholder even if you’re the authorised user.
-
What is a pre-authorisation?
A pre-authorisation is carried out when a merchant reserves money on a card to ensure payment for their services. Places such as restaurants and hotels do this quite often. For example, a pub or restaurant may pre-authorise a set amount when you open a tab at the bar. If your final bill is less than the pre-authorised amount it may take up to 14 days for you to receive the balance as a refund into your eccount.
-
What are Pending Transactions?
Pending Transactions (sometimes called Outstanding Authorisations) are taken into account when calculating the amount you have available to spend on your Times Card.
-
What is a Pending Transaction?
A Pending Transaction is a temporary charge held against your eccount (your available funds) relating to:
1. A transaction (purchase or cash withdrawal) you’ve made using your Times Card, which has been authorised for payment, but has not yet reached your eccount.
2. 'Reserved' funds requested by certain retailers. (e.g. upon check-in, some hotels take your Times Card details for an 'authorisation transaction' that reserves enough funds to cover your bill).
3. A payment or cash withdrawal you’ve made to your eccount which has not yet cleared.
-
What happens to a pending Transactions?
The Pending Transaction will either turn into a finalised transaction (purchase) or will be removed automatically within 14 days.
-
Do I need to do anything if i have a pending transaction on my eccount?
No. Having a Pending Transaction on your eccount is a normal part of the process by which a purchase is charged to your eccount. However, if you think the Pending Transaction may relate to fraudulent use of your card please call us straight away.
-
Will my Chip and PIN card be widely accepted abroad?
Yes, your card will be accepted abroad.
Note: most merchants throughout Europe should be able to accept a Chip and PIN card. As many cards issued in the USA are Magstripe cards only, ie. do not have a Chip, you may be asked to sign for your purchase without entering your PIN. Merchants may also require some form of photographic identification (eg. passport) before accepting your card.
ATMs in America accept PIN verification for both Chip and PIN and Magstripe cards.
My Money
-
How do I check the available money on my Times MasterCard Prepaid Card and eccount?
If you have registered your mobile number with us, text BAL to 80777 or +44 7781 474 776 if texting from overseas, to get a text with your available balance on it. You can also check your balance online, or by calling our automated service on 0871 220 6420 (calls cost 10p from a BT landline, Customer Care are open 9am - 6pm 7 days a week).
Checking balances on other cards you may have on your eccount is easy too. Find out how here.
It’s a good idea to keep checking the balance on your Times Prepaid Card and eccount and you can manage your money very easily, distributing just what you need to your card. This is a really great way to help you keep your money safe. Find out more about managing your money with the Times eccount.
Transaction Authorisation
-
How are my transactions authorised?
Retail outlets request authorisation via MasterCard. We’re linked to MasterCard via a processor that will verify your available balance, if there isn’t enough money on your card, the transaction will be declined. If approved, the money is paid over to MasterCard from your card for settlement to the Merchant. At all times, only you or a designated person can see the balance available on your card
-
When are transactions declined?
Transactions can be declined if the retailer can’t verify online that you have enough money on your card to cover the value of the transaction – including applicable charges – that you’re making.
Card Security
-
A convenient alternative to cash
One of the great things about the Times MasterCard Prepaid Card and eccount is that it provides security and peace of mind. Using your card is a convenient alternative to carrying around cash. However, we recommend that you take as much care of your card as you would with your cash. It’s truly a comforting thought – access to your money in a wide number of places across the globe for day-to-day purchases.
-
Your PIN
- Memorise your Times Card personal identification number (PIN).
- Don’t reveal your PIN to anyone.
- If you suspect that someone else knows your PIN, contact us immediately and we’ll issue you with a new one.
- For additional security, when using a cash machine, shield the screen and keypad.
-
Online security
Internet shopping can be made easy by using your Times Prepaid Card, most well-known retailers run sites that are very safe and highly secure.
You should never give out your PIN when buying online. Also, never shop on a site without a secure site certificate and be certain that the locked yellow padlock indicator is shown.
-
In-store
You can use your Times Card at over 32 million locations worldwide displaying the MasterCard Acceptance Mark. If you’re entering your PIN to pay for goods or services, be careful and shield the keypad for additional security.
-
Lost or Stolen
If you lose your card or it’s stolen, don’t worry. Simply call us immediately on 0871 220 6420 or +44 (0)20 7101 6599 if overseas (call ratre 10p per minute from a BT landline, standard network rates apply from abroad). We’ll cancel your Times Card and issue you with a replacement within 7-10 days.
You can also send us a text with LOST or STOLEN to 80777 to report your card lost or stolen (please note that the fee for a replacement card is £4.99). This card service is available if you have registered your mobile number with us. Find out more.
-
Peace of mind
Your card is PIN protected. You shouldn’t reveal your PIN to anyone.
You will never be asked for your PIN by Customer Care.
-
Phishing
We will never send an email to a customer requesting security or any other confidential information about the Times Prepaid Card. If you receive an email claiming to be from the Times, Tuxedo or Newcastle Building Society (NBS) with a link to what appears to be the Times, Tuxedo or NBS website, do not enter your personal or eccount details. The Times, Tuxedo and NBS are in no way involved with this email and the website doesn’t belong to us or NBS. Never reply to any such emails or disclose any personal information on such websites.
If you think you’ve received a fraudulent email that looks like it’s from the Times, Tuxedo or NBS, please forward the entire email including the header and footer to security@eccount.com then delete it from your email account.
Expiry and eccount Closure
-
What do I do when my Times MasterCard Prepaid Card expires?
We’ll be in touch, to let you know when your card is about to expire. The fee for a replacement card is £4.99.
How do I close my eccount?
-
Simply call Customer Care. Please note there will be a £10 redemption fee charge if you choose to close your eccount.
-
Any questions or queries?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know about the Times Prepaid Card and eccount, just contact Customer Care, 9am – 6pm, on: 0871 220 6420 or +44 (0)20 7096 9446 if calling from a mobile or overseas.( calls rates 10p per minute from a BT landline, standard network rates apply from abroad)
Customer Care
-
When can I contact Customer Care?
You can contact Customer Care 24 hours a day by sending an email or alternatively call 0871 220 6420 between 9am and 6pm 7 days a week.
-
Am I charged for contacting Customer Care?
Calls to Customer Care will be charged for by the service provider that you use to make the call - some calls however may be free on certain tariff plans. For your call charges, please check with your service provider
Times MasterCard® Prepaid Card
Please click on the section you want to find out more about.
Using Your Times MasterCard Prepaid Card to withdraw and Make Purchases
-
Where can I withdraw cash?
You can get cash at any ATM (some ATMs may charge an additional fee and should adivse you before you confirm the transaction) that carries the MasterCard Acceptance Mark. There are over 1.5 million ATMs worldwide. To find one, just use our ATM locator.
-
How much cash can I withdraw with my card each day?
The maximum amount you may withdraw per day from ATMs in the UK is £500
(this amount does not need to withdrawn at one ATM only, you can use multiple ATMs). If you’re withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad the maximum withdrawal amount is subject to the country’s limits. -
Can I use my Times Card to get cash from a bank counter?
No, but you can use an ATM.
-
Can I use my Times Card to make purchases?
Yes, as long as you have sufficient balance on your card, you can shop online, by phone, mail order and in-store to make purchases.
-
Can I use my Times Card to guarantee payments or make reservations
If you are using you card for car hire, hotel reservations, general bookings or to guarantee a payment, the prepaid funds on your card will be pre-authorised and blocked for payment of the services that you request.
- Some businesses - car Hire and Hotels in particular - may block more funds than you expect to use and this will affect the available balance on your card.
- The blocked funds will not be available to you to use until the final bill has been settled and cleared via MasterCard.
- Usually the unspent amount is made available for use within a day or two of payment, however in some instances it can take up to 14 days for the transaction to be fully processed and for your card to be credited
-
Can I use my Card to make purchases using Paypal?
Yes, however please note that when registering a Times Card on Paypal, a “pre-authorisation” is carried out to ensure your card is valid. A pre-authorisation means blocking a small amount of money on your card (usually less than £2) to check that there is available balance. The pre-authorisation expires after 14 days and is never collected from the card. Therefore in order to register your card on Paypal, please ensure you have a minimum of £2 on your card.
-
Are there any outlets where I may not be able to use my Times Card?
You may not be able to use your Times Card if a retail outlet is unable to obtain authorisation for the spend you wish to make. Your card may also not be accepted for the hire of a car. This may be due to the extended time period that can occur when a transaction is authorised and when money is deducted from your eccount balance. Alternatively, the difference that can occur between the amount authorised and the amount subsequently claimed.
-
What address should I give when I purchase goods online, by mail order or by phone?
The billing address should be the address registered by the primary cardholder even if you’re the authorised user.
-
What is a pre-authorisation?
A pre-authorisation is carried out when a merchant reserves money on a card to ensure payment for their services. Places such as restaurants and hotels do this quite often. For example, a pub or restaurant may pre-authorise a set amount when you open a tab at the bar. If your final bill is less than the pre-authorised amount it may take up to 14 days for you to receive the balance as a refund into your eccount.
-
What are Pending Transactions?
Pending Transactions (sometimes called Outstanding Authorisations) are taken into account when calculating the amount you have available to spend on your Times Card.
-
What is a Pending Transaction?
A Pending Transaction is a temporary charge held against your eccount (your available funds) relating to:
1. A transaction (purchase or cash withdrawal) you’ve made using your Times Card, which has been authorised for payment, but has not yet reached your eccount.
2. 'Reserved' funds requested by certain retailers. (e.g. upon check-in, some hotels take your Times Card details for an 'authorisation transaction' that reserves enough funds to cover your bill).
3. A payment or cash withdrawal you’ve made to your eccount which has not yet cleared.
-
What happens to a pending Transactions?
The Pending Transaction will either turn into a finalised transaction (purchase) or will be removed automatically within 14 days.
-
Do I need to do anything if i have a pending transaction on my eccount?
No. Having a Pending Transaction on your eccount is a normal part of the process by which a purchase is charged to your eccount. However, if you think the Pending Transaction may relate to fraudulent use of your card please call us straight away.
-
Will my Chip and PIN card be widely accepted abroad?
Yes, your card will be accepted abroad.Note: most merchants throughout Europe should be able to accept a Chip and PIN card. As many cards issued in the USA are Magstripe cards only, ie. do not have a Chip, you may be asked to sign for your purchase without entering your PIN. Merchants may also require some form of photographic identification (eg. passport) before accepting your card.
ATMs in America accept PIN verification for both Chip and PIN and Magstripe cards.
My Money
-
How do I check the available money on my Times MasterCard Prepaid Card and eccount?
If you have registered your mobile number with us, text BAL to 80777 or +44 7781 474 776 if texting from overseas, to get a text with your available balance on it. You can also check your balance online, or by calling our automated service on 0871 220 6420 (calls cost 10p from a BT landline, Customer Care are open 9am - 6pm 7 days a week).
Checking balances on other cards you may have on your eccount is easy too. Find out how here.
It’s a good idea to keep checking the balance on your Times Prepaid Card and eccount and you can manage your money very easily, distributing just what you need to your card. This is a really great way to help you keep your money safe. Find out more about managing your money with the Times eccount.
Transaction Authorisation
-
How are my transactions authorised?
Retail outlets request authorisation via MasterCard. We’re linked to MasterCard via a processor that will verify your available balance, if there isn’t enough money on your card, the transaction will be declined. If approved, the money is paid over to MasterCard from your card for settlement to the Merchant. At all times, only you or a designated person can see the balance available on your card
-
When are transactions declined?
Transactions can be declined if the retailer can’t verify online that you have enough money on your card to cover the value of the transaction – including applicable charges – that you’re making.
Card Security
-
A convenient alternative to cash
One of the great things about the Times MasterCard Prepaid Card and eccount is that it provides security and peace of mind. Using your card is a convenient alternative to carrying around cash. However, we recommend that you take as much care of your card as you would with your cash. It’s truly a comforting thought – access to your money in a wide number of places across the globe for day-to-day purchases.
-
Your PIN
- Memorise your Times Card personal identification number (PIN).
- Don’t reveal your PIN to anyone.
- If you suspect that someone else knows your PIN, contact us immediately and we’ll issue you with a new one.
- For additional security, when using a cash machine, shield the screen and keypad.
-
Online security
Internet shopping can be made easy by using your Times Prepaid Card, most well-known retailers run sites that are very safe and highly secure.
You should never give out your PIN when buying online. Also, never shop on a site without a secure site certificate and be certain that the locked yellow padlock indicator is shown.
-
In-store
You can use your Times Card at over 32 million locations worldwide displaying the MasterCard Acceptance Mark. If you’re entering your PIN to pay for goods or services, be careful and shield the keypad for additional security.
-
Lost or Stolen
If you lose your card or it’s stolen, don’t worry. Simply call us immediately on 0871 220 6420 or +44 (0)20 7101 6599 if overseas (call ratre 10p per minute from a BT landline, standard network rates apply from abroad). We’ll cancel your Times Card and issue you with a replacement within 7-10 days.
You can also send us a text with LOST or STOLEN to 80777 to report your card lost or stolen (please note that the fee for a replacement card is £4.99). This card service is available if you have registered your mobile number with us. Find out more.
-
Peace of mind
Your card is PIN protected. You shouldn’t reveal your PIN to anyone.
You will never be asked for your PIN by Customer Care.
-
Phishing
We will never send an email to a customer requesting security or any other confidential information about the Times Prepaid Card. If you receive an email claiming to be from the Times, Tuxedo or Newcastle Building Society (NBS) with a link to what appears to be the Times, Tuxedo or NBS website, do not enter your personal or eccount details. The Times, Tuxedo and NBS are in no way involved with this email and the website doesn’t belong to us or NBS. Never reply to any such emails or disclose any personal information on such websites.
If you think you’ve received a fraudulent email that looks like it’s from the Times, Tuxedo or NBS, please forward the entire email including the header and footer to security@eccount.com then delete it from your email account.
Expiry and eccount Closure
-
What do I do when my Times MasterCard Prepaid Card expires?
We’ll be in touch, to let you know when your card is about to expire. The fee for a replacement card is £4.99.
How do I close my eccount?
-
Simply call Customer Care. Please note there will be a £10 redemption fee charge if you choose to close your eccount.
-
Any questions or queries?
If there’s anything else you’d like to know about the Times Prepaid Card and eccount, just contact Customer Care, 9am – 6pm, on: 0871 220 6420 or +44 (0)20 7096 9446 if calling from a mobile or overseas.( calls rates 10p per minute from a BT landline, standard network rates apply from abroad)
Customer Care
-
When can I contact Customer Care?
You can contact Customer Care 24 hours a day by sending an email or alternatively call 0871 220 6420 between 9am and 6pm 7 days a week.
-
Am I charged for contacting Customer Care?
Calls to Customer Care will be charged for by the service provider that you use to make the call - some calls however may be free on certain tariff plans. For your call charges, please check with your service provider
