Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about running and using Yo.City gift cards.
How much does it cost to get started?
Nothing. There are no setup fees, no monthly fees, and no cost to your chamber. Sponsors fund the cards, and your chamber earns a portion of every sponsorship.
How long does it take to launch a program?
Most organizations can set up their account, design their card, and start issuing in the same day. The process is entirely self-serve.
How do I control which merchants can accept the cards?
You manage a list of approved merchants using their Merchant IDs (MIDs). Only businesses on your list can accept the cards. Transactions at non-approved merchants are automatically declined.
Can I create cards for special events?
Yes. You can create event-specific cards with custom expiration dates. Perfect for festivals, holiday promotions, or limited-time campaigns.
How do the cards get funded?
Sponsors fund the cards. Local businesses, banks, or organizations pay for sponsorship packages through your portal. We handle card production and fulfillment, and your chamber earns revenue from each sponsorship.
How do I find sponsors?
Local banks, credit unions, and businesses often sponsor gift card programs for community visibility. Their logo appears on every card, giving them ongoing exposure. We provide a self-serve sponsor portal where they can choose their package and pay online.
How much does my chamber earn?
After card costs and a 30% platform fee, your chamber keeps the rest of each sponsorship. Use our calculator on the pricing page to see exact earnings for different sponsorship levels.
What happens when cards expire?
By default, cards expire after 3 years (you can set custom dates). When a card expires, any remaining balance returns to your master account. You receive a detailed report showing which cards expired and how much was recovered.
Can I look up a specific card for a customer?
Yes. Your admin dashboard lets you search for any card by its details, view its balance and transaction history, and reissue funds if needed.
How do I design my card?
Upload a card-sized image for the main design, then add up to 5 sponsor logos that display across the bottom. We handle the rest.
Do merchants need to do anything to accept the cards?
No. The cards work on the standard Visa/Mastercard network. If a merchant has a regular payment terminal, they can accept Yo.City cards — no special equipment or signup required.
How do I get a card?
Cards are distributed free by your local chamber or organization through community events, promotions, or giveaways. The cards are funded by local sponsors who support the community.
How do I check my card balance?
Visit the balance check page on your community's Yo.City site. Enter your card details and you'll see your current balance.
Can I add more money to my card?
The cards you receive are pre-funded by local sponsors. Once the balance is spent, check with your local chamber about upcoming card giveaways or promotions.
Where can I use my gift card?
Your card works at participating local businesses in your community. These are typically chamber members, downtown businesses, or other locally-owned shops and restaurants. If you try to use it somewhere that's not participating, the transaction will simply be declined.
Why was my card declined?
The most common reasons are: the merchant isn't on the approved list, your balance is too low for the purchase, or the card has expired. Check your balance online or contact your local chamber for help.
What if my card expires with money still on it?
Contact your local chamber or organization. They can look up your card and may be able to reissue the remaining funds to a new card.
Can I get a digital card instead of plastic?
Digital delivery is available when you purchase online. You'll receive card details that you can use for in-store purchases.
Is there a fee when I buy or use the card?
No. When you buy a $50 card, you get the full $50 to spend. There are no activation fees, no monthly fees, and no transaction fees for cardholders.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.