What Is a Card Balance?
Your card balance is the total amount you currently owe on your Perpay Credit Card.
When you make purchases, your balance increases.
When you make payments, your balance decreases.
What Is a Negative Balance (Credit Balance)?
A negative balance means you have a credit balance on your account — in other words, you’ve paid more into your Perpay Credit Card account than you owe.
This often happens when you make a payment before using your card. That extra amount becomes a credit on your account, which will automatically apply toward your future purchases.
Why Do I Have a Credit Balance?
When you send your first direct deposit payment, that payment is used to ship your new Perpay Credit Card.
Because we’ve received your funds but you haven’t started spending yet, your account will temporarily show a negative (credit) balance. This balance equals your direct deposit amount minus:
the standard $9.00 card activation fee, and
if applicable, the $35.00 metal card fee (for Metal Perpay Credit Cards).
Example:
If we receive a $100.00 payroll direct deposit, your account will show a –$91.00 credit balance ($100.00 – $9.00 activation fee).
How Does a Credit Balance Benefit Me?
A credit balance means you already have funds paid toward your card!
Your first purchases will be covered by the credit balance.
You’ll start using your card with part of your balance already paid off.
These funds can also be withdrawn to a verified bank account linked to your profile.
For assistance adding or verifying a bank account, check out this article.
What Happens When I Start Making Purchases?
Once you begin using your card:
Purchases up to your credit balance amount are already covered.
After spending that amount, your new purchases will start using your available credit.
💡 Note: A single transaction cannot exceed your total credit limit.
The Perpay Credit Card is issued by Celtic Bank.