How soon can I use my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card after I buy it?
If you get your card from a CIBC Banking Centre
You can use your prepaid card once you’ve signed the back. Your PIN is enclosed in the package.
If you order your card online
Once your prepaid card arrives in the mail, you can use it after you’ve activated it and signed the back. When you get a new prepaid card in the mail, your PIN will be sent separately. To activate your card, call Prepaid Cardholder Services at 1-855-887-3888 or visit cibc.com/prepaidcard.
How do I use a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
When prompted, tap, insert or swipe your prepaid card at the merchant’s terminal. Then, if necessary, enter your PIN, or sign to authorize the transaction.
Note: if “prepaid” is not a payment option, choose “Chequing”, “Savings” or “Credit Card” – the money will be deducted from your prepaid card balance, not your other accounts.
How do I shop online with a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
- Choose Visa as the card type
- Provide your prepaid card number and expiry date. Some online retailers require the 3-digit security code on the back of your card
- Enter your first and last name
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
How do I change the PIN on my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
To change your PIN, simply:
- Insert your card into any CIBC ATM.
- Select the “More” option, then “Change PIN” and follow the instructions.
You can also call 1-855-887-3888 and follow the automated prompts for changing your PIN.
Your new PIN will be updated once you use your card to withdraw cash at an ATM or make a purchase using your PIN.
Note: If your first transaction is an in-store purchase, do not tap or swipe your card. You will be prompted to enter your PIN three times to update your card and complete your purchase.
How do I set up email or SMS alerts?
After you receive your card, visit cibc.com/prepaidcard and sign in or register, then follow the instructions for setting up your alerts.5
Can I use a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card for bookings and reservations?
Yes, but some merchants may advise you to use a credit card instead.
Some merchants such as restaurants, salons, hotels, cruise lines and car rental agencies may place a hold on funds for the total amount of your purchase, plus up to an additional 20% (for tips or incidental charges). If the hold amount is higher than your prepaid card balance, the transaction may be declined.
How do I reload my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
If you’re a CIBC client, sign on to CIBC Online Banking® or CIBC Mobile Banking®. From the drop-down next to the prepaid card, you want to load, select “Reload” and follow the instructions.
Non-CIBC clients can reload their card only at CIBC Banking Centres in Toronto Pearson Airport.
Can I buy or load a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card with cash, or with a debit or credit card?
CIBC clients can buy and load from an existing bank account, including a US $ account, or Personal Line of Credit. If you want to buy or load your prepaid card using cash, simply deposit the cash to your CIBC account and complete the purchase from that account.
If you are not a CIBC client, you can buy or load your prepaid card from a debit or credit card at CIBC Banking Centres in Toronto Pearson Airport.
What are the fees for a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
Fee |
Amount |
Customization |
$5.95 CA/$4.50 US1 |
| |
CAD |
ATM Withdrawals (at CIBC ATMs within Canada)* |
Free |
ATM Withdrawals (Outside Canada)* No fee will be charged for the first ATM withdrawal in each month. |
$3.50 |
Card Replacement (Lost or stolen) |
$14.95 |
Card Replacement Shipment by Courier (optional) |
$15.00 |
Foreign Conversion Transactions (debits and credits) not in the currency of your Card are converted into the currency of your Card no later than the Transaction posting date at an exchange rate that is 2.5% over the rate CIBC must pay. |
2.5% |
*These are the ATM withdrawal fees charged by CIBC. Non-CIBC ATM providers may charge additional fees.
¹When paying from a CIBC USD deposit account
The customization fee is for customizing the card to the cardholder’s individual information and when customized it is registered to the cardholder and his/her personal information and is not transferable. This enables the card to be protected from fraudulent use, unlike a gift card.
Will a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card affect my credit rating?
No. Buying or using a prepaid card won’t affect your credit rating because it’s not a credit card. It’s a prepaid card that lets you use only the money you’ve loaded onto it.
Can I buy a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card if I’m not a client?
Yes. Non-CIBC clients can buy prepaid cards at the Toronto Pearson Airport banking center. To purchase a prepaid card using your debit or credit card, you need to provide two pieces of identification. Non-CIBC clients can reload their Smart Prepaid Cards only at CIBC Banking Centres in Toronto Pearson Airport.
Can I buy a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card if I’m a non-resident of Canada or a visitor?
Yes. However, in order to buy a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card you must have a valid Canadian address and provide two pieces of identification.
Is there a minimum age requirement to get a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
No, there is no minimum age requirement. In order to get a card you must have a valid Canadian address and provide 2 pieces of identification.
Why is there an expiry date on my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
An expiry date is needed for transactions like online purchases.
The money on your card doesn’t expire. Your card expires on the last day of the month shown on the card.
Before your card expires, a replacement will be sent to you if
- your card has a positive balance and you’ve used it in the last 12 months, or
- your card has zero balance and you’ve used it in the last 30 days.
Otherwise, call 1-855-887-3888 for a replacement card.
Is it safe to use a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
Yes, you’re protected against fraud under the Visa Zero Liability Policy.3 You’re safe when shopping in person and online. If your card or card details are lost or stolen, you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized use, provided you meet your obligations outlined in the cardholder agreement available at cibc.com/prepaidcard.
What should I do if my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card is lost or stolen?
Should you notice suspicious activity on your account, discover your card to be lost, stolen or misused, or suspect that someone knows your PIN or card details, contact us immediately at 1 855-887-3888.
A replacement fee applies.
How do I return something I bought with my CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card?
You may need to present your prepaid card and the merchant receipt for a refund. The merchant may choose to return funds to the same prepaid card that was used to make the purchase. It may take up to 10 days to process a refund to your card, so you can’t use the money during that time.
Can I use a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card to withdraw money from an ATM or get cash back from a merchant?
You can’t get cash back from a merchant. You can withdraw money from ATMs worldwide. Just look for the Visa* or Plus* symbol.
Can I use a CIBC Smart™ Prepaid Visa* Card to withdraw U.S. money from a U.S. dollar ATM in Canada?
No, you can only withdraw Canadian funds from ATMs in Canada.
