TRANServe Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but, please note that processing time and errors as well as time zone differences may impact the timely accurate processing of your payment request when waiting until the day of the card’s expiration.

If a customer or program participant does not receive a new card they may contact their POC and verify enrollment.

The Office of Management and Budget has designated the Department of Transportation (DOT) as the Lead Federal Agency to inform commercial entities and assist in the timely return of federal funds. Please use the following link for specific information on this process: https://www.transportation.gov/transerve/transit-benefit-policy
 

TRANServe has conducted research on several bank institutions that offer Merchant Accounts. For more information, contact TRANServe@dot.gov.

No.

To prevent disruptions, replacement cards are distributed prior to expiration. 

Please note that replacement cards will be updated with a NEW card number.  Each participant must contact U.S. Bank to activate the replacement card for funds to be available.

A Merchant Account is a bank account established under agreement between an acceptor and a merchant acquiring bank for the settlement of payment card transactions. A Merchant account allows a business to accept TRANServe Credit Card payments.

You can get a Merchant Account from your personal bank or through another financial institution that specializes in e-commerce. The information below may be needed at the time of setup.

• Federal Tax ID / SSN if sole proprietor
• Contact Information
• Estimated number of van pool riders
• Routing & Account # for depositing funds
• Owner Information – Home Address, DOB, Phone Number
• Credit check

A MCC is a four digit number assigned to a business by Visa or Master Card. It is used to classify the business by the type of goods or services it provides. Public transportation providers have specific MCCs they use when selling transit passes.

The TRANServe Card accepts the following Merchant Category Codes:

•  4789 (Transportation Services)
•  4131 (Bus Lines)
•  4111 (Commuter Transport, Ferries)
•  4112 (Passenger Railways)

The average time it takes to set up a Merchant Account is 3-5 business days.

Fees vary based on the amount of risk your business poses to the bank or financial institution. Merchant Accounts often require "per transaction" authorization setup, equipment and monthly fees. Early termination fees may also apply. Depending upon the contract setup with the bank institution, certain fees may be waived if you mention you are setting up a merchant account in order to accept the new TRANServe Credit Card.

Manual Payment: Using a payment form, you can set up customers to have their bills charged to their TRANServe  Credit Card Visa automatically on a pre-determined date each month. Once automatic payments are established, you benefit from guaranteed timely payment and reduced customer service expenses.

Online Payment: By adding a simple payment form, you can enable customers to pay directly on your website. Repeat customers can even create accounts to save their payment information for fast and easy repeat payments. Offering customers an online payment form enables you to accept online payments through either of the ways mentioned above: credit card, debit card or echeck.

Portable Readers:  Data input device allows you to process payments on the go, making it quick and easy to close out sales transactions. TRANServe Credit Card Visa and other credit card payments can be made on the spot by using a wireless terminal signal. Many laptops and cell phones can be integrated with this technology and used as credit card readers.

Generally, it takes 1 business day for accounts associated with a Merchant Account to receive funds and 2-3 business days for non-associated accounts. If there are any credit challenges, the underwriters can apply an additional funding delay for approval. For specific, please check with your bank institution.

Transit benefit funds (credit limit) become available on your TRANServe Credit Card on the 10th day of each month.

Any transportation costs that exceed the amount of a participant's transit benefit must be paid for with their personal funds.

No. It is fraudulent to use the transit benefit for any purpose other than home to work to home commuting by means of mass transportation. Participants certify to this when they submit their transit benefit applications. Also, at each swipe of the TRANServe Credit Card, participants are personally certifying that they are using the card and the transit benefit in this manner.

The use of the TRANServe Credit Card will authorize transactions only to vendors that are identified as Transit Authorities through their Merchant Category Code (MCC).

Participants can check their account information online or by calling Customer Service at 1.800.341.6700 (1.800.341.8300 for the hearing impaired).  They will need their TRANServe Credit Card number and PIN.

If a TRANServe Credit Card is lost, stolen or damaged, your customer must notify USBANK to request a replacement card. Unused funds will be transferred to the new TRANServe Credit Card. More information is available on the TRANServe Credit Card Page of this website. https://www.transportation.gov/transerve/my-transerve-card

If your Agency has transitioned to the TRANServe Credit Card and you did not receive it, contact your Agency Program Office Point of Contact (POC) to verify active enrollment. If you failed to complete annual recertification, you may have been withdrawn from the program until you comply. If a TRANServe Credit Card was ordered, your POC will be able to advise you on next steps.

No. TRANServe Credit Cards expire. New cards will have a new card number. Transit Benefit Program Participants who use online payments with a Transit Provider must update payment information whenever they have a new card number and expiration date to ensure successful transaction post.

No, cards will expire five years from date of issue and replacement cards will be distributed prior to expiration as to not disrupt operations. However, please note that replacement cards will be updated with a NEW card number and each participant will have to activate the replacement card for funds to be available.