Carigamers
Official Forums => Announcements, Articles, Guides and Promotions => Topic started by: TriniXaeno on December 31, 2010, 09:14:07 PM
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A VTM is basically a Visa Electron card and is a great option for gamers who don't want the anvil of a traditional credit card hanging around their neck. It is also a lot easier to qualify for, requiring no prior credit record, job letter, pay slip or collateral.
Visa Electron is a reloadable debit card that works everywhere a credit card would. That means Online as well. Most importantly it IS NOT a credit card. A VTM is not a loan facility from the bank in any form or fashion. Meaning only the funds you "load" on the VTM are available for purchases and not a dime more.
That's great for two reasons.
1) Less interest
2) Less interest
As everyone should know by now, Credit Cards are the devil incarnate. They will burn a hole through your finances given half a chance (and they are almost always given half a chance)
For example, if you have a Credit Card with a 20,000.00 limit and you do not religiously pay off the amount due, you'll easily pay over $5000.00 in bank charges and interest a year. That is a lot of money that could be better spent.
So enough on the finance lesson and back to the VTM.
Republic Bank will allow you to purchase a VTM for US$10.00
All you need are two forms of ID. (One, if you're an existing customer)
You get the card the same day and it comes with a PIN which you will need if making withdrawals at an ATM machine. The PIN is sealed in the envelope with the card, unfortunately you are not allowed to set it yourself. If you planned to maintain an easy to remember PIN (like say 1234) across all your bank cards, you are SOL.
The expiry date is comfortably set in the year 2013. The card sports the regular 12 digit visa number to the front and the 3 digit security codes (known as CVC2 or CVV2 codes) to the back.
There isn't a name imprinted but they still included a spot for your "Authorized Signature". You may want to put something legible here for local merchants who may still want to verify your signature or ask for ID.
Note, you are allowed multiple cards for the same account. Up to a limit of 5. Great for sharing with friends or family. You will need ID for each member you want to sign up. Also, each additional card costs US$10.00
Once you've got the card, you should apply for their online banking feature, https://republiconline.republictt.com/ (https://republiconline.republictt.com/)
This will let you see the balance on your VTM and also transfer money if you have a Savings Account with Republic Bank (with money in it of course)
The Poor/Smart Mans way to buy online.
The Gotchas:
The first time money is loaded on the card, it will take 48 hours to be reflected in your account. Thereafter, it takes 24 hours. (A bit of a killjoy if you were anxious to try it out online with a purchase right away)
Loading money costs you 1.15% of the amount. So say you went to Republic Bank and loaded $100.00 on the card, they will take $1.15 for their troubles, leaving you with a net deposit of $98.85
Does not sound like a whole lot but if you use this card often, that percentage charge will add up to some significant money, (still no where near the financial smart bomb a credit card is though)
The card sign up form at the bank mandates that you place "Trinidad & Tobago" as the issuing country. Despite being US$ based.
Had the form allowed you to use a United States address, this would likely solve a lot of woes faced by Trinis attempting to purchase from NewEgg and the likes.
Being a US Based card, ATM withdrawals in the United States are free but local withdrawals carry a TT$20 charge. Note, local purchases are free as well (At KFC, Hilo, Francis Fashions, etc..). This charge only applies to local ATM cash withdrawals using your pin.
Read the official RBL VTM FAQ here: https://www.republictt.com/personal/visa-travelmoney (https://www.republictt.com/personal/visa-travelmoney)
This card has been tested with an online purchase by yours truly on STEAM (awesome game downloading service, where you can pay for a game online and download it directly to your PC). Also tested with Amazon.com. Worked like a charm.
That's it for the Republic VTM, happy hunting.
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I salute this post and support it all the way!
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got one for me and my girl today (it was free to apply for it today , no 10usd charge). this may easily replace my credit card as my primary online shopping card next year
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Protip...if you load funds from your account via the RepublicOnline website,
the money is available instantaneously on your VTM card. Of course the account you're
loading from has to be a RBL account (savings or chequing).
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^^ This feature changed my life. Saved me countless hours in bank lines waiting to load the vtm, not to mention no more missing out on 'now for now' deals anymore without having to store credit on it.
Arc, we should really get Republic in on this market eh, huge market opportunity for them here on GATT. Of course we could be paid for the opportunity by getting them to sponsor/part sponsor our events.
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Ah the VTM that saved us all. Another tip, when loading funds onto your VTM try to do it in large sums as you'd avoid being hit with the 1.15% rate.
If you do realize the catch with this card is them charging you every time you load fund onto it, so I try to do a large deposit on the card once or twice a year. Then again it's all up to you, just my 2c
This card really is a life saver and I've purchased from a couple other sites other than Amazon without any problems.
I see this card as a good tool in helping you manage funds as opposed to a devilish credit card that would keep whispering buy it BUY IT!!! you'll just pay for it later lol.
Good post Wyatt!!
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Actually, they charge a percentage of the total amount you deposit into the card EACH time you load. There is no change in commission percentage regardless of the amount involved. So whether its a staggered load or all at once, the same amount will be claimed.
Lets say the commission was 50% and you wanted to load $18 over the period of 3 weeks, each week an equal amount.
Week 1 they would take $3 etc etc making it a total of $9 commission in the 3 weeks: Cost of loading per week including commission = $9. $9x3= $27
As opposed to putting in the whole hog at once.
50% of 18 is still $9: Cost of loading all at once = $18 + $9 = $27
Yea, u cah get away THAT easy.
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Hmm you are right, seems like my math failed me there so it doesn't matter they still get you.
Damn these banks!!!
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Got mine a month ago. Works pretty good, but not every website takes them, though.
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All hail the almighty VTM
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are there websites a normal trini visa credit card will work but not the vtm? or is it the same site reject both types of cards?
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are there websites a normal trini visa credit card will work but not the vtm? or is it the same site reject both types of cards?
From my experience its the same for both
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I've had this card for a while now.. However, the design on my card differs from the one shown in the pic. Its a very good alternative to the dreaded credit card as others have stated.. Good write up though..
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yup switched from scotia mastercard to republic vtm, the main reason i switch cuz of the annoyingly long time it takes funds to go from scotia bank acct to scotia cc... its ridiculous, 5+ days sometimes
but i'm so happy that i switched because of the online banking... INSTANT fund transfer.. i mean no more missing out on deals etc cuz u dont have enuff credit on the card... i also likes the fact that it in usd as well... just makes things easier when you calculating how much money you need to have on the card etc etc...
all in all.. excellent card and saves a tonne on interest (and yes the loading percentage is the same whether u do plenty small loads or one big load, its interest based so it will always add up)
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good good info galore! im getting one! sold!
ps if possible list the sites that reject / accept purchases plz tanx
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As far as I see, all sites that your normal cc works on the VTM does as well.
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question in case i didn't read properly...can this card be used on Amazon.ca (the canadian version)
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Yes sir, it most definitely can.
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thank you SIR!
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Hi. Can these be used for Paypal withdrawal?
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Yes
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Thanks. I think I'll get one soon then.
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Do I need to be over 18 to sign up for the VTM?
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Do I need to be over 18 to sign up for the VTM?
I think so but not sure
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can anyone confirm if the VTM works on newegg using ur skybox address as ur billing address??
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can anyone confirm if the VTM works on newegg using ur skybox address as ur billing address??
Does not work.
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excellent post, gonna apply for one asap
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I would love to get info on using it on websites.
I used it to purchase a camera recently, and the company emailed me back asking for a scanned copy of the card, showing my name and part of the card # for verification.
Can this be a problem as the card does not carry your name on it, but just the signature?
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I would love to get info on using it on websites.
I used it to purchase a camera recently, and the company emailed me back asking for a scanned copy of the card, showing my name and part of the card # for verification.
Can this be a problem as the card does not carry your name on it, but just the signature?
e-mail the scanned picture to them but do let them know that it's a visa pre-paid debit card...see if they are willing to accept it.
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what's the make and model of the camera? as well as the website in question?
Some sites that do not take international cards (like newegg) will not take the VTM, nor any locally issued credit card for that matter.
In those circumstances, best bet is to find your product on a website that will accept international cards. There are many.
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it doesn't work on PSN or WII, but you can use it to purchase the PSN codes on AMAZON once you put the card address to US you have no prob....
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Can the VTM be used on Amazon Prime? If not is there a work around to access Amazon Prime content?
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yes @ amazon prime
well the card will work, you will have a prime account.. but you will have to use vpn filtering to actually get access to the videos
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yes @ amazon prime
well the card will work, you will have a prime account.. but you will have to use vpn filtering to actually get access to the videos
Thank you for the reply. Now about that VPN filtering...I going and look for the thread but maybe you can elaborate some more on it?
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http://www.carigamers.com/cms/forums/index.php/topic,20728.0.html
thats the thread... you can try the solutions in there and see if the work for amazon prime as well
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http://www.carigamers.com/cms/forums/index.php/topic,20728.0.html
thats the thread... you can try the solutions in there and see if the work for amazon prime as well
I have this DNS change. I guess the main problem is the address of the credit card for Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime would probably work if there is a work around that includes an American address.
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I found this on UnblockUS. This may be the answer.
http://portal.unblock-us.com/knowledgebase/34/I-dont-have-a-US-Credit-card-How-do-I-set-up-Amazon-on-Demand.html
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you can get a US address placed on your credit card as well
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I found this on UnblockUS. This may be the answer.
http://portal.unblock-us.com/knowledgebase/34/I-dont-have-a-US-Credit-card-How-do-I-set-up-Amazon-on-Demand.html
I did as this link suggests and I am pleased to report that it works!!!
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you can get a US address placed on your credit card as well
Seriously, in Trinidad? I did not know that. I will have to investigate that.
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I found this on UnblockUS. This may be the answer.
http://portal.unblock-us.com/knowledgebase/34/I-dont-have-a-US-Credit-card-How-do-I-set-up-Amazon-on-Demand.html
I did as this link suggests and I am pleased to report that it works!!!
If you can...please elaborate on this a little bit. Thanks.
Is it that the account you need for the VOD needs to be Prime as well?
EDIT: Never mind...my existing Prime account works perfectly without having to do
any of that stuff. Started watching Star Trek: Deep Space 9 from ep 1. :happy0203:
Good times.
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lol, you mean it didn't need the work around??
Amazon gone international with their VOD?
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lol, you mean it didn't need the work around??
Amazon gone international with their VOD?
Someone answer this quickly, it could be the death-blow to my Netflix plans :)
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Apparently. Didn't need no 'extra' workaround, but I still have the UnblockUS service running though. That is definitely a requirement.
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I found this on UnblockUS. This may be the answer.
http://portal.unblock-us.com/knowledgebase/34/I-dont-have-a-US-Credit-card-How-do-I-set-up-Amazon-on-Demand.html
I did as this link suggests and I am pleased to report that it works!!!
If you can...please elaborate on this a little bit. Thanks.
Is it that the account you need for the VOD needs to be Prime as well?
EDIT: Never mind...my existing Prime account works perfectly without having to do
any of that stuff. Started watching Star Trek: Deep Space 9 from ep 1. :happy0203:
Good times.
Let me explain this way.
1. My Amazon account has my Trini Credit card and consequently my Trini address.
2. I "upgraded" my Amazon account to Amazon Prime in an effort to access VOD content.
3. I regretted the move as I realised that it was my Trini address is the barrier to my non viewing of the VOD goodness.
4. I made a new account on Amazon and bought myself a gift card.
5. I used my skybox address (US based of course) on the new Amazon account.
6. I now view the Amazon VOD goodness.
Question Arcmanov, are you saying that you view the VOD goodness with your Trini CCard that is linked to your Amazon account?
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Yes, that is correct.
The difference, I gather is the fact that I never used a 'trini' address on my Amazon account. It turns out that I don't even need the second account. My original account, with my Republic Bank ccard attached to it, works just fine.
* french-kisses UnblockUs * :)
Swyped from another Galaxy using Tapatalk
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very interesting
Don't think I ever used a trini address on my amazon account either. So maybe I too will be in luck. lol
Strange that they didn't use IPs to block the content. Not that I'm complaining.
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What do I put as the billing address when buying something from amazon using this card? I'm shipping it to a family member abroad, do I put their address as the billing address, or my address in Trini? (Noob question) :(
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The billing address is always the one on the c-card. The shipping address is who you're sending it to.
It helps if you mark it as a gift, so Amazon will know that it's not the address you would normally send it to.
...and hey, the only way to find out something (at times) is to ask. never be afraid to do so. :)
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Thanks a lot man. One more thing, what's the zip/postal code for Trinidad?
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we don't have a zip
I usually put TT or NA (for Not Applicable) if the field would accept it.
Neither are "right" but just better than leaving the field blank. lol
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one question....will this work on steam? or the will the crd be able to access digital downloads on amazon's site?
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Never tried for digital downloads on Amazon but it does work for normal purchases on Amazon. Also it works on steam.
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hmm ok i waas wondering if i could use it to purchase apps on my tablet.....have to wait till monday to try though
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one question....will this work on steam? or the will the crd be able to access digital downloads on amazon's site?
Works on steam definitely
Not on amazon digital though :/
And also works in the android marketplace
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Works on steam definitely
Not on amazon digital though :/
And also in the android marketplace
is that a YES for the android marketplace, like through a tablet yes it will work kindah yes?
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Works on steam definitely
Not on amazon digital though :/
And also in the android marketplace
is that a YES for the android marketplace, like through a tablet yes it will work kindah yes?
Sorry, my mad, yes it does work in the marketplace :)
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Yuh in the game Trinitus.
VTM ftw
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Hi, Saw this post and I made an account just to ask. Is there a limit to how much money you can use at a time on the VTM? I play alot of online MMO's and when it is time to purchase credits they always seem to reject my card reason always being "I have exceeded my limit" I know for sure my card has money on it...it always happen if I purchase anything over $50 USD (I should have about $200 USD on the card)..Any answers?? please help D:
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The limit is US$5000
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I say it depends on the MMO and the area. Most US MMO server games will support the VTM. Which game you purchasing credits/game cash with? Also some MMO's refresh your in game cash/cash mall one a week, check for that and make note of it.
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Hi, Saw this post and I made an account just to ask. Is there a limit to how much money you can use at a time on the VTM? I play alot of online MMO's and when it is time to purchase credits they always seem to reject my card reason always being "I have exceeded my limit" I know for sure my card has money on it...it always happen if I purchase anything over $50 USD (I should have about $200 USD on the card)..Any answers?? please help D:
A lot of MMo sites rejects this card because i had this problem already...alternatively you can use paypal. If you do get this error using paypal system just put and extra 2$ on your card and you should be fine
Btw telling us the MMo your playing would help don't be shy, Us at Gatt may be familiar with the game's purchase system
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I am finally gonna get one of these VTM cards after two years of a credit card raping my wallet and causing it to bleed money every month.
Will also give me a chance to clear and then cancel my credit card in a few months' time.
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Thinking of ordering pc parts for a new Mini ITX build, and found out that Newegg.com doesn't accept VTM cards, is there any other site I should be wary of that doesn't accept the card too?
Ref site for online PC stores: http://www.xmarks.com/topic/online_computer_stores
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Honestly Newegg isn't a bargain site anymore, I usually find the same item cheaper at Amazon.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
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^^^
Yeah, what he said. Amazon ftw.
I only go to Newegg (or even eBay) for stuff that Amazon don't have.
Just order everything you can from Amazon and done. (Buy your PSU locally if you can, though)
Start a build thread nah... I'd be happy to provide some recommendations. :happy0203:
SM-N900 | VN ROM v8.1 (KitKat 4.4.2) | SwiftKey | Tapatalk Pro
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Posted the items i bought so far in the forums, I'll post up the wish list soon enough.
I got burned on newegg for trying to buy the motherboard i wanted for $30 US cheaper including shipping, bleh.. :ko:
items listed here: http://www.carigamers.com/cms/forums/index.php/topic,18565.msg310587/topicseen.html#new
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Hi, I don't know if this post is still active, but I'll still ask. I only dropped in my republic bank online form for my VTM yesterday, while at the bank the attendant told me that I could only load US dollars into the card 😕 is this true? Also when your transferring money online from your account, does the money need to be in US dollars for it to be transferred and accepted in the card? Can you give me some clarity on this please
Thanks
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Your tt$ is converted to us$ when you load the card. For example if you want to load $500us, they take the ttd equivalent plus their commission out from your account.
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