An OTC (Over-the-Counter) card is a prepaid debit card that is often provided to individuals as part of their healthcare benefits.
This card can be used to purchase a variety of eligible health-related items such as vitamins, pain relievers, and first aid supplies.
If you have an OTC card, you may be wondering how to add money to it so you can use it for your healthcare purchases.
However, there may be times when you need to add additional funds to your card, and there are several options available to do so.
In this article, we will explore different ways to reload your OTC card and answer some common questions related to using your OTC card for healthcare purchases.
How Do I Get Money on My OTC Card
OTC cards, also known as Over-The-Counter cards, are prepaid debit cards that allow users to spend money they have loaded onto the card. These cards are commonly used for government assistance programs, such as SNAP and WIC.
To load money onto an OTC card, you have several options.
1. Direct Deposit
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to load money onto an OTC card is through direct deposit.
Direct deposit is the process of transferring funds from your employer or other source of income directly into your OTC card account.
To set up direct deposit, you will need to provide your OTC card routing number and account number to your employer or the source of your income.
2. Bank Transfer
Another way to load money onto an OTC card is through a bank transfer. You can transfer funds from your bank account to your OTC card account using the card’s routing and account number.
This option may take a few business days to process, so plan ahead if you need to use the funds immediately.
3. Reload Network
Many OTC cards are part of a reload network, which allows you to load money onto your card at participating retailers. To find out if your card is part of a reload network, check the card’s website or call customer service.
If your card is part of a reload network, you can load money onto your card at participating retailers such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and many others.
4. Mobile Check Deposit
Some OTC cards also allow you to load money onto your card by depositing a check using your mobile device. To use this option, you will need to download the card’s mobile app and follow the instructions to deposit a check.
This option may take a few business days to process, so plan ahead if you need to use the funds immediately.
5. Money Order
You can also load money after getting an OTC card using a money order. To do this, you will need to purchase a money order from a post office, bank, or other retailer and then deposit it into your OTC card account.
Some OTC cards charge a fee for using this option, so be sure to check the card’s website or call customer service for details.
6. Cash Reload
If you prefer to load cash onto your OTC card, you can do so at participating retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens.
To use this option, you will need to bring your OTC card and cash to the retailer’s customer service desk, where you can load the funds onto your card.
Some OTC cards charge a fee for using this option, so be sure to check the card’s website or call customer service for details.
7. Online Bill Payment
Some OTC cards allow you to load money onto your card. Make a payment through your online banking or bill payment service to load your OTC card.
To use this option, you will need to add your OTC card as a payee and then make a payment to your card account.
This option may take a few business days to process, so plan ahead if you need to use the funds immediately.
8. Peer-to-Peer Payment
Some OTC cards allow you to receive payments from other individuals through peer-to-peer payment services such as PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.
Once you receive the payment, you can transfer the funds to your OTC card account. Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with using peer-to-peer payment services.
9. Money Transfer Services
You may be able to load money onto your OTC card using a money transfer service such as Western Union or MoneyGram.
To do this, you will need to visit a participating agent’s location and provide the agent with your OTC card information and the amount you wish to load onto your OTC card for purchases. Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with using money transfer services.
When Does OTC Card Reload
If you are an active member of an OTC card program, your card will automatically reload on the first day of every quarter.
This means that your card will be reloaded with your benefit amount on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.
You will have the full three months of each quarter to use your OTC card benefit amount for eligible purchases, such as over-the-counter medications and health-related products.
It’s important to note that any remaining balance on your OTC card at the end of a quarter does not roll over to the next quarter.
This means that if you don’t use your full benefit amount during a quarter, you will lose the remaining balance when the quarter ends.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan your purchases accordingly and try to use your entire benefit amount before the end of each quarter.
If you have any questions or concerns about your OTC card and its reloading schedule, you should contact your card provider for more information.
They will be able to provide you with specific details on how your card works and what you can do to make the most of your benefits.
Stores That Can Reload OTC
If you’re looking to reload your OTC card, several stores may allow you to do so. Walmart is one such retailer that participates in some OTC card programs, such as Healthy Benefits Plus.
Dollar General is one of the stores that accept OTC cards that may allow you to reload your card, with Healthscope Benefits being one OTC card provider that allows this option.
Walgreens is also a participating retailer in some OTC card programs, such as Anthem, while CVS Pharmacy is another option for reloading your card with some providers, such as Aetna.
Keep in mind that the availability of reload options may vary depending on your OTC card provider and the participating retailers in their program, so be sure to check with your provider to see what options are available to you and how to use them.
Conclusion
Adding money to an OTC card can be a simple process with the right information. While automatic reloading is typically available every quarter, there are other options available for those who need additional funds.
By understanding how to reload your card and where to use it, you can make the most of your OTC benefits for your healthcare needs.
FAQ’s
What is an OTC card and how does it work?
An OTC card, or Over-The-Counter card, is a prepaid debit card used for government assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC. To use an OTC card, you must load money onto the card either through direct deposit, bank transfer, reload network, mobile check deposit, money order, cash reload, online bill payment, or peer-to-peer payment.
Can I load cash onto my OTC card?
Yes, many OTC cards allow you to load cash onto the card at participating retailers such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Be sure to check with your OTC card provider for any fees associated with using this option.
What is the easiest way to load money onto an OTC card?
Direct deposit is often considered the easiest and most convenient way to load money onto an OTC card, as it allows funds to be transferred directly from your employer or other sources of income into your OTC card account.
Are there any fees associated with loading money onto an OTC card?
Yes, It is not free. It depends on the OTC card provider and the method used to load the funds onto the card. Some OTC cards may charge fees for certain types of transactions, such as cash reloads or money orders. Be sure to check with your OTC card provider like Countycare, for specific details on any fees associated with loading money onto your card.
How long does it take for funds to be available on my OTC card?
For a quarter year in many cases. Mostly, The time it takes for funds to be available on an OTC card can vary depending on the method used to load the funds. For example, direct deposit and online bill payments may take a few business days to process, while cash reloads may be available immediately. Be sure to plan ahead if you need to use the funds immediately.
Does the OTC balance expire?
Yes, It expires at the end of the quarter. But in many cases, It depends on the OTC card provider. Some OTC cards may have an expiration date on the balance, while others may allow the balance to roll over from month to month. Be sure to check with your OTC card provider for any information regarding expiration dates or rollover balances.
Can I get money back from my OTC card?
It is possible. But, It depends on the OTC card provider and the specific circumstances. In general, if you have a remaining balance on your OTC card and no longer need to use it, you may be able to request a refund or transfer the balance to another account. Be sure to check with your OTC card provider for any policies or fees associated with getting money back from your card.