What Is the Joker Prepaid Card?
The Joker Prepaid Card is a non-reloadable prepaid Visa or Mastercard issued in Canada by Peoples Trust Company and Equitable Bank, distributed through Blackhawk Network (Canada), Ltd. It's sold at over 11,000 retail locations across the country and is one of the most widely available prepaid card options for Canadians.
Unlike a regular credit or debit card, the Joker Card is pre-loaded with a fixed amount between $25 and $500. Once the balance is spent, the card cannot be reloaded — you'd need to buy a new one. This makes it ideal as a gift card alternative, a budgeting tool, or a payment method for those without a bank account.
The 5% Cashback Program
The standout feature of the Joker Prepaid Card is its automatic cashback program. When you shop at participating merchants, up to 5% of your purchase is automatically added back to your card balance — no activation, no app, no sign-up required.
Participating merchants include major Canadian and international brands:
- Fashion: Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, Aerie, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Untuckit, Lands' End
- Beauty: Sephora, Sally Beauty
- Department stores: Hudson's Bay, Saks Off 5th
- Sports: Under Armour, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's
- Home: Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Williams-Sonoma
- Dining: Red Lobster, Red Robin, Earls, Jack Astor's, Panera Bread
- Other: Royal Caribbean, TripGift, Dave & Buster's, Sunglass Hut
The cashback rate may vary by merchant. Always check the current partner list at jokercard.ca for the most up-to-date information.
Fees & Costs
The Joker Card has a one-time purchase fee built into the price you pay at retail — typically around $5.95–$7.95 depending on where you buy it. There are no monthly fees, no maintenance fees, and no balance inquiry fees.
The virtual card purchased via ScanIt in-store costs a $7.95 purchase fee plus applicable taxes. Virtual cards bought online at giftcards.ca may have a different fee structure.
There are no foreign transaction fees disclosed in the cardholder agreement, but as always with prepaid cards, you should use the card in CAD wherever possible to avoid currency conversion markups.
✓ Pros
- No bank account required
- No credit check needed
- Available at 11,000+ stores in Canada
- Up to 5% automatic cashback
- Virtual card available instantly
- Funds never expire
- Works worldwide (Visa + Mastercard)
- Available in English and French
✗ Cons
- Non-reloadable
- Purchase fee on every card
- Must register for online shopping
- Limited to $75/transaction in Europe
- May not work at gas pumps
- No mobile app
- Cannot transfer balance between cards
Spending Limits
The Joker Card is available in denominations from $25 to $500 CAD. This is both the purchase limit and the maximum balance you can have on a single card. Since the card is non-reloadable, you cannot add more funds later.
For merchants in the European Economic Area, a specific restriction applies: a maximum of $75 CAD per transaction and a lifetime maximum of $225 CAD spent in the region per card (effective August 7, 2020). This won't affect most Canadian shoppers but is important to know if you shop at EU-based online stores.
Who Is the Joker Card Best For?
Based on our review, the Joker Prepaid Card is an excellent choice for:
- Gift givers: A versatile gift that works like cash — the recipient can use it anywhere
- Teens and students: A safe way to shop online without a bank account
- Newcomers to Canada: No credit history or Canadian bank account required
- Budget shoppers: Load only what you plan to spend and stick to your budget
- Online shoppers: The virtual card option makes it perfect for e-commerce
- Cashback hunters: If you regularly shop at partner merchants, the 5% cashback adds genuine value
Our Verdict
The Joker Prepaid Card earns a 4.2 out of 5 from our team. It stands out in the Canadian prepaid card market due to its extensive retail availability, meaningful cashback program, and flexibility as both a physical and virtual card.
The main drawback is that it's non-reloadable, meaning you'll need to purchase a new card each time you run out. However, for one-time gifting, online shopping, or controlled-budget spending, it's one of the best prepaid options available in Canada today.