WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CLINCARD

You’ve probably heard about our new
payment method: the ClinCard!

The ClinCard is a reloadable debit MasterCard
on which we deposit your indemnity.

Where can I use my ClinCard?

Your ClinCard can be used at any point of sale where MasterCard is accepted, such as:

  • ATMs
  • At grocery stores 
  • At gas stations 
  • In Stores and restaurants
  • Online 
  • Online-payment of certain bills

Daily Limits

  • You can make up to $5,000 worth of transactions per day:
    • Up to $5,000 at point of sale and/or online
    • Up to $1,500 ATM withdrawal
  • You can make a maximum of 15 transactions per day:
    • 10 transactions at point of sale and/or online
    • 5 ATM withdrawals
  • The maximum purchase amount per transaction is $1,000.

Fees associated with the ClinCard

There are no fees for the following transactions:
  • In-store purchases
  • Online purchases (including payment of bills)
  • Accessing your account online

 

  • Charges for ATM withdrawals range from $2 to $4 per transaction. For more details, refer to the section ‘’ATM Withdrawal’’.
  • Restaurants, hotels and airlines may apply a temporary holding of funds of 20 % over the total amount of the transaction. The purpose of the holding is to cover for tips, room service or seat reservation that may add to the transaction total. These funds are usually released within 24-48 hours. For more details, refer to the section ‘’Avoid Surprises’’.

ATM Withdrawals - Limits & Fees

You can make up to 5 withdrawals per day at an ATM
and withdraw a maximum of $1,500 per day. This amount includes transaction fees.




Financial InstitutionsLimit per ATM Withdraw
(Including ATM Transaction Fee) [1] [2]
Fee per ATM Transaction
[2]
Scotia Bank$1,000$3
Desjardins$1,000$2
BMO Bank of Montreal$1,500$3.50
TD Canada Trust$1,500$3.50
National Bank$1,500$4
Laurentian Bank$1,500$3
CIBC$400$3.50
RBC Royal Bank$400$3

 

[1] Limits per ATM Transaction are independently managed by each financial institution. Listed limits per ATM are subject to change.
[2] ATM Transaction fees are independently managed by each financial institution. Listed ATM Transaction fees are subject to change.

Benefits:
ClinCard versus Cheque

ClinCardCheque
Access to up to $5,000 the same day (including point of sale and ATM).Funds are held for 4 to 7 business days before being accessible.
No need for a personal bank account.Participants who don’t have a personal bank account need to go to costly cheque-cashing outlets (3.2% of the value of the cheque + flat service fee of $3.99 per transaction).
If you lose your ClinCard, your remaining balance will be instantly transferred to your new card (a $15 replacement fee will apply).If you cash your cheque and then lose your wallet, you cannot get your money back.
Payment flexibility. Participants have the possibility to buy in-store and online. 
All ClinCard transactions are secured by a PIN. 
You can access your account information, including transaction history and remaining balance by visiting clincardca.mycardplace.com or by calling 1 855-587-3910. 

Competitive Transaction Fees

ClinCard Cheque
Point of Sale No fees $1 per transaction
ATM From $2 to $4 per withdrawal $1 per withdrawal

Avoid Surprises

Example: ATM Withdrawals

You go to the National Bank to make a withdrawal from the ATM.

    • The daily limit for ATM withdrawals is $1,500 (including transaction fees).
    • The limit per transaction to a National Bank ATM is $500.
    • A $4 transaction fee applies for each withdrawal to a National Bank ATM.
    • Most ATMs, including National Bank, only hand out $20 bills.
Assuming that your ClinCard balance is $1,600 and taking into account that the daily limit for ATM withdrawals as well as ATM transaction limits and fees, this means:

    • You will be able to withdraw a maximum of $1,480 in a single day. Based on the National Bank's limit per transaction, you will need to proceed to 3 transactions to reach that daily maximum: 
      • 2(x) ATM withdrawals of $500 (25 x $20)
      • 1(x) ATM withdrawal of $480 (24 x $20)
The following transactions will display on your ClinCard statement:

    • 2(x) "Domestic ATM Cash withdrawal - Debit - $504" i.e.: ATM withdrawal of $500 + National Bank transaction fees of $4
    • 1(x) "Domestic ATM Cash withdrawal - Debit - $484" i.e.: ATM withdrawal of $480 + National Bank transaction fees of $4
  • Once those transactions are completed:
    • You will have a total of $1,480 of cash on hand.
    • Your ClinCard balance will be $108 (initial balance of $1,600 minus ATM withdrawal #1 for $504 minus ATM withdrawal #2 for $504 minus ATM withdrawal #3 for $484).
    • $1,492 out of the $1,500 daily ATM withdrawal limit will be used.
    • You will need to wait for the next business day to complete any new ATM withdrawal as the remainder of the daily limit is $8 and the minimum ATM withdrawal is $20.
    • There is no need to wait for the next business day to use the remaining balance of $108 on your ClinCard. The balance is available immediately to make purchases in point of sales, online or to pay certain bills.

Example: Restaurants, Hotels
and Airlines

You go to a restaurant and your total bill is $100 (including taxes).

  • A total of $120 may temporarily be deducted from your available ClinCard balance
    ($100 + 20 %).
  • You will be able to see the transaction in your ClinCard history once
    the transaction is finalized by the merchant.
  • Once the transaction will be fully processed, your ClinCard’s available balance will be adjusted accordingly.
    • This means:

  • Even if you are not planning to leave tip, your ClinCard must have
    a minimum available balance of $120 in order for you to use it to pay your $100 restaurant bill.
    Otherwise, the transaction will be declined due to insufficient funds.

    • Frequently asked questions

    Why are we changing to this payment method?

    Using ClinCard will facilitate the payment process for us, and more importantly for you, our participants. Payment via debit card has many benefits over issuing cheques and cash. Instant access to your indemnity is one of them!

    What are the benefits of the ClinCard for participants?

    • Funds are available as soon as they are deposited onto your card.
    • No personal bank account is needed to access your funds.
    • You can use the card for purchases in stores, online or to withdraw cash from an ATM.
    • You can access your account information online, including transaction history and your remaining balance.

    When do I get my ClinCard?

    Your personal ClinCard will be issued shortly after you check in for your first or next study. You will then need to activate the card by calling the number included in the envelope that will be given to you. Don’t forget to sign the back of your new card!

    When can I start using my ClinCard?

    The funds are generally deposited within 72 hours after you leave the clinic but in most cases, the funds will be available as soon as you leave the clinic. The first study payment will already be issued on the card and you can use the card anywhere MasterCard is accepted. Don’t forget to activate and assign a PIN prior to using your card by calling 1 855-587-3910.

    How do I use my ClinCard?

    Your ClinCard can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. Each time you make a purchase or withdrawal, the funds will be deducted from your remaining balance. Once all your funds are used and your account balance is at $0, the card will not be functional until your next study payment.

    Funds can only be added by Altasciences.

    Do I need to keep the ClinCard once the balance is at $0?

    Yes! Your ClinCard is reloadable. Every time you visit us for your current or future studies, your indemnity payments will be made to your card. If you lose your card, there will be a charge of $15 to issue a new card at your next check-in.

    What should I do if my ClinCard is lost or stolen?

    You should contact MasterCard directly at 1 855-587-3910. They will be able to reissue a replacement card. If you are on a study, you may also speak with your study manager to have your card replaced. A $15 fee will apply. Your remaining balance will be instantly transferred to your new card.

    What if I try to make a purchase for an amount higher than my balance?

    If you attempt to make a transaction higher than the remaining balance on your ClinCard, the transaction will be declined.

    Does the ClinCard require a PIN (personal identification number)?

    Yes. Like any other debit or credit card, you will be given a PIN while activating the card. The PIN is embedded in the chip on the card and therefore cannot be changed.

    How can I check the balance of my account?

    You can check your balance anytime by visiting clincardca.mycardplace.com or by calling 1 855-587-3910.