COMMUTER BENEFIT PLAN (CBP) FAQs
Commuter Benefit Card
What is a Commuter Benefit Card?
How does the Commuter Benefit Card work?
When can I start using my card for commuter expenses?
How do I activate my card?
How can I find the balance on my card?
Where can I use my card?
Can I use my card for purchases other than eligible expenses?
If asked, should I select "Debit" or "Credit"?
What if my card does not work at the point-of-sale?
What are some reasons my card might not work at the point-of-sale?
What if an expense is more than the amount remaining in my account?
What if my card is lost or stolen?
If I become ineligible (including termination of employment) to participate in the plan, what happens to the balances in my mass transit and/or parking account?
What is a Commuter Benefit Card?
A Commuter Benefit Card is a stored value card that is linked to a Commuter Benefit Plan (CBP). The card allows a participant to access plan funds at the point-of-sale to pay for eligible workplace mass transit and/or parking expenses. This card may be an eTRAC Prepaid MasterCard or a Beniversal Prepaid MasterCard. These cards work much like a credit card and operate nationwide with approved vendors that accept MasterCard.
How does the Commuter Benefit Card work?
Transit and/or parking funds (e.g. from payroll deductions) are "stored" in the appropriate account on the card. The participant can then use the card to pay for an eligible service at an approved vendor. The funds for a purchase are deducted from the appropriate account, reducing the value stored on the card in that account. Transit purchases are limited to the available transit balance on the card; parking purchases are limited to the available parking balance.
When can I start using my card for commuter expenses?
You can start using your card once you have activated it and your CBP funds are available on the card.
You can activate your card online when you log into your account using your Company Code, Member ID and password or by phone - - just follow the instructions that come with your card.
How can I find the balance on my card?
To get your account balance and answers to other questions:
| • | Log into your account with your Company Code, Member ID and password, 24/7. |
| • | Call the Benefit Resource Participant Services Department at (800) 473-9595, Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm (Eastern Time). |
The card can only be used at approved vendors that accept MasterCard. Mass transit and parking funds on your card can only be used at vendors that primarily provide transit passes and/or workplace parking. You cannot use those funds at non-qualified locations such as restaurants, gas stations, bookstores, department stores or grocery stores. For example:
| • | If you participate in a transit account, your card can be used for eligible purchases at a transit company's ticket vending machine, ticket window or mail and ride program. |
| • | If you participate in a parking account, your card can be used for eligible workplace parking at a parking garage or lot. |
Can I use my card for purchases other than eligible expenses?
No. If your card is used for anything other than eligible expenses, your account may be suspended.
If asked, should I select "Debit" or "Credit"?
Always choose "Credit". Your card has no PIN associated with it, so you must choose Credit when asked to select the kind of card you are using.
What if my card does not work at the point-of-sale?
You may use a different form of payment and then submit a claim to Benefit Resource for reimbursement. You can do this in one of two ways:
| • | Log into your account and select Online Claim Entry (available if allowed by your plan). Complete your claim form, then either upload it to Benefit Resource or print it so you can fax or mail it to Benefit Resource. |
| • | Complete a paper claim form and fax or mail it to Benefit Resource. |
What are some reasons my card might not work at the point-of-sale?
| • | Your card has not been activated. |
| • | Your account balance is less than the full expense. |
| • | You attempted to purchase items that are not eligible under your plan. |
| • | You attempted to use your card at a non-qualified merchant. |
| • | The merchant is not registered in an elgible network |
| • | The merchant is having technical problems. |
| • | The address you gave the merchant does not match the address on file with your card. |
What if an expense is more than the amount remaining in my account?
| • | If the merchant can do a split transaction, tell the clerk you wish to use your card for the exact amount left in your account and then pay for the remaining amount separately. |
| • | If the merchant cannot do a split transaction, you will need to use another form of payment and submit a claim to Benefit Resource for reimbursement from the funds remaining in your account. |
What if my card is lost or stolen?
You should notify the Benefit Resource Participant Services Department immediately at (800) 473-9595 in the event your card is lost or stolen.
| • | Account balances will be available via your card through the end of the month following your last month of employment. |
| • | Refer to your Plan Specifications for additional information. |