Current By Discover Card - Frequently Asked Questions

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About Current by Discover Card

1. What is Current by Discover Card?
2. What is the difference between a Current Card, a credit card and a bank debit card?
3. Why is the Current Card safer than carrying cash?
4. How much does it cost?
5. What's the minimum/maximum balance I can have on the account?
6. What is the Current Deals Program?
7. What is the Current Tips & Tools Program?
8. What account information is online?

Getting a card

1. How do I get a Current Card account?
2. How many cards can a parent order?
3. How long does it take to get my card?
4. When can I start using the card?
5. What card designs are available?
6. Why am I asked to provide personal information?

Getting started

1. Where can I use the card?
2. Why should I register my account online?
3. I have not received my card—what should I do?
4. How do I add money onto the card?
5. How do I set up free direct deposit?
6. How do I set spending limits?
7. How do I set up activity alerts?
8. How do I limit where my teen can use the card?
9. How do I set up and change my PIN?

Using your card

1. Who can use the card?
2. How do I know how much money is on the card?
3. Is it possible to spend more than what is on the card?
4. Can I use my card to pay for part of a purchase?
5. How do I use the card at gas stations?
6. How are funds transferred from the parent's account to the teen's card?
7. Can I withdraw cash from an ATM?
8. What's the difference between credit and debit purchase type?
9. I forgot my user ID or password, what should I do?
10. How do I update or change my account information?
11. How can I get a new card design?
12. Can I suspended my Current Card and reactivate it later?
13. What should I do if my card has been misplaced or stolen?
14. How do I dispute a charge on my Current Card?
15. When does my card expire?
16. How do I close my card/account?

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About Discover Financial Services

About Current by Discover Card

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1. What is Current by Discover Card?

The Current Card is a new kind of debit card for teens. Parents set up the account, choose parental controls, and add money to the card from their Discover Card, another major credit card, debit card, bank account or direct deposit. Find out more: if you are a parent go to - For ParentsTeen Debit Cards page—or if you are a teen go to Debit Card for Teens page.

2. What is the difference between a credit card, a bank debit card and the Current Card?

With a credit card, you are given a line of credit (a loan) and you repay either the entire balance—or in monthly installments with interest.

With a traditional debit card, funds come directly out of your bank account—and you can run the risk of being overdrawn and incurring overdraft fees.

The Current Card, is a deposit account that allows parents to decide where and how much a teen can spend—and ensure they can't spend more than they have. Using the card won't affect a teen's credit history. There are no overlimit or overdraft fees and no interest charges.

3. Why is the Current Card safer than carrying cash?

Unlike cash, your money is protected if the card is lost or stolen with a $0 fraud liability guarantee. Parents can see where the money is being spent and control where the card can and can't be used.

Teens are able to use the card at places where cash can't go—like shopping online or paying bills by phone—and in an emergency you can add money instantly, as long as the transaction is approved.

4. How much does it cost?

When you open your teen card account you will deposit an initial amount between $20 and $500 to each card. You also choose a plan for each card and pay the first month's membership fee of $5 - or choose the $50 annual membership (a savings of $10). Once you choose the plan, the fee will be assessed for each card at account opening. Other card fees are listed below.

• Add money to the card - free
• ATM transactions - $2.50 each
• Online print-ready statements - free
• Copies of statements by mail - $5 each
• $0 inactivity or "dormancy" fee

5. What's the minimum/maximum balance I can have on the account?

Parents can open up to three cards on their account. There is no ongoing mimimum balance requirement - however you need to transfer between $20 and $500 to each card at the time of account opening.

The maximum balance that can be on a teen card is $2,500. Parents can deposit up to $2,500 per card, on their account, minus the total balance on all cards open under their account.

6. What is the Current Deals Program?

The Current Deals Program offers exclusive discounts at your favorite online merchants nationwide. Simply log into your account center and click on Current Deals to learn more.

7. What is the Current Tips & Tools Program?

Our members-only, Current Tips & Tools site offers tips, tools and interactive tutorials on money basics, protecting yourself against identity theft, starting a savings program and more.

8. What account information is online?

After you open an account, you will need to register at our account center. When you log in to the account center you can access: 12 months of account statements, including your current and last statement and available balances. View and update funding sources, spending limits, merchant blocks, activity alerts and personal information.

Getting A Card

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1. How do I get a Current Card account?

Enroll securely online—it takes just a few minutes. Parents can enroll teens 13 years or older. Provide your information and load the card with a minimum of $20 from your Discover Card or other major credit or debit cards. If you have a promo code enter it in the "Order Information" section online. Your card will be mailed to the primary home address (not a PO box).

If you are 18 years or older, sign up here for your own card.

2. How many cards can a parent order?

A parent card order up to three cards.

3. How long does it take to get my card?

Once your account has been approved, you should receive your card in 7–10 business days.

4. When can I start using the card?

Activate your card online or by phone as soon as it arrives and start using it everywhere Discover Card is accepted.

5. What card designs are available?

There are seven teen card designs. Your first card choice is free when you enroll and $3 to order a new design.

6. Why am I asked to provide personal information?

Under the U.S. Patriot Act, we are required to obtain information such as Social Security numbers. Your confidential information is protected with multiple industry-standard security solutions: 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) that encodes your personal information sent over the Internet, multiple firewall layers, active system monitoring that provides real-time alerts.

Your e-mail address is used to provide status updates regarding account information, and will not be sold to other third parties. In order to maintain a Current Card account you must consent to receive information about the Current Card account via e-mail.

Getting Started

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1. Where can I use the Current Card?

You can use your card everywhere Discover Card is accepted—online, in stores and at ATMs. You can even use your card to pay bills or make purchases online or by phone.

2. Why should I register my account online?

Registration is required in order to manage your account online. Parents can set custom spending limits, restrict purchases in certain categories, and choose activity alerts. Teens can track spending, set up activity alerts, check out Current Deals, and learn money skills using Current Tips & Tools—and more.

3. I have not received my Current Card—what should I do?

If you haven't received your card after 7–10 days, call us at 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773).

4. How do I add money to the card?

At the time of the account opening, you choose a credit or debit card to initially deposit at least $20 to the card. There are three ways to add money to a card. Parents can set up their account to automatically add money to the teen's card from their Discover Card or other major credit or debit cards, from a bank account—or by direct deposit. To add money instantly, in case of emergencies, select the "One Time Transfer" feature. (As long as the transaction is approved.) Teens can also set up free direct deposit and have their paycheck deposited on their card account.

5. How do I set up free direct deposit?

A direct deposit form is included with the card or available online. It already includes your account information, name and address—all you have to do is sign the form and give it to your employer. Please note, some employers may require you to use their own form. It may take a few weeks for your paycheck to be automatically added to the account.

6. How do I set spending limits?

Customize daily, weekly or monthly spending limits for each card at the online account center. Log in to set or change limits!

7. How do I set up activity alerts?

At the online account center, parents and teens can set alerts to go to a specific e-mail or cell phone when the card balance is below a certain amount, certain transactions have taken place, and there are large purchases.

8. How do I limit where my teen can use the card?

Log in to the account center, click the Manage This Card tab and select the merchant categories you want to restrict. These merchant categories (not specific stores or retailers) include travel: airlines, bus lines and trains; auto: gas stations, car dealerships, repair shops; car rentals; movie theater; video rentals; bowling, pool halls and arcades; ATMs; bars and liquor stores; tobacco stores; hotels.

9. How do I set up and change my PIN?

Log in to your Teen Card Account Center to set up or change your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to guess. Keep a copy of your PIN in a safe place, and never write it on your card or carry it with you.

Using Current by Discover Card

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1. Who can use the card?

Only the cardholder whose name appears on the card. Add another cardholder to the account, by clicking Add New Card Holder once you log in to your account center.

2. How do I know how much money is on the card?

Check your available card balance 24/7 online or call 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773). You can also set up e-mail or cell phone alerts.

3. Is it possible to spend more than is on the card?

No. You can't spend more than your available balance. Because the transaction is declined if it exceeds the amount available on the card, you can never be overdrawn.

4. Can I use my card to pay for part of a purchase?

Yes. Many stores let you pay for part of your purchase with your card and part by another means, like cash. This is known as a "split tender." Let the cashier know before the checkout process begins that you want to split your payment.

5. How do I use the card at gas stations?

When you pay at the pump, your card may get pre-authorized for more than the amount you intend to purchase (to cover any potential extra charges). While only the actual amount of your purchase is deducted from your account, the pre-authorized amount will not be available for purchases or withdrawals. It may take several days for your account to be credited the difference between the actual and the authorized amount. Pay inside rather than at the pump to avoid pre-authorization. Restaurants may also request pre-authorization to cover an additional amount for tips. (Other places that require pre-authorization include car rental agencies and hotels.)

6. How are funds transferred from the parent's account to the teen's card?

Parents and teens can transfer funds online, at the account center or by calling customer service at any time 24/7. Teens can also request funds from parents by logging in to the account center.

7. Can I withdraw cash from an ATM?

Yes—unless parents have blocked the card from being used at ATMs. Each ATM transaction costs $2.50. Also, each card is subject to daily ATM withdrawal limits of $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month. ATM owner charges may apply.

8. What's the difference between a credit and debit purchase type?

When you use card for purchases and choose "debit" option, you'll enter your PIN. If you swipe your card as "credit", you'll sign a receipt instead of using your PIN.

9. I forgot my user ID or password, what should I do?

Visit CurrentbyDiscover.com and click on the Forgot User ID/Password link below the Log In button. Provide answers to a few security questions and we'll send you information for your user ID or password by e-mail.

10. How do I update or change my account information?

You can update your e-mail address, password and other account information anytime. Log in to your account and select Edit My Account button.

11. How can I get a new card design?

To select a new card design, log in to your account. The cost is $3. Your card number will stay the same—only the design changes. Be sure to destroy your old card once you activate your new card.

12. Can I suspended my Current Card and reactivate it later?

Yes, suspend and reactivate your card for as long as you want, online or by phone. This stops purchases on the card and freezes your account. You can still check the account online or at 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773). To reactivate your card, change your status online to "Active".

13. What should I do if my card has been misplaced or stolen?

If your card or PIN has been misplaced, lost or stolen, or you believe that someone has made an unauthorized transaction from your account—notify us immediately at 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773). We'll put a stop on all future transactions and mail you a new card with the same design in 7–10 business days. You're not liable for unauthorized purchases and your money is protected with our $0 fraud liability guarantee.

14. How do I dispute a charge on my Current Card?

To dispute a charge call 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773). Have your statement ready with the merchant name and date of purchase—and we may request additional information to resolve your dispute.

15. When does my card expire?

The expiration date is on the front of the card in the bottom right corner. Upon expiration, a new card with the same image will be sent. You can submit a new image request up to 45 days prior to the cards expiration date.

16. How do I close my card/account?

Call 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773). If you close your card, the balance remaining on the card(s), will be transferred to the parent's account. If you close your account, the remaining balance can be transferred via ACH to the linked bank account within 5–7 business days. If the bank account is not in place, we will send you a paper check within 7–10 business days. Once you close your account, it cannot be reopened.

Contact Us

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Access your account 24/7 online at CurrentbyDiscover.com or call toll free 866-99-CURRENT (866-992-8773).

Mailing Address:

Discover Financial Services

PO BOX 52164

Phoenix, AZ 85072-2164