An all-in-one manual for activating your RMR benefits card, linking it to Apple or Google Wallet, ordering dependent cards, setting up a secure PIN, and understanding automated terminal rules like MCCs and IIAS.
Table of Contents
- Activating and Managing Your Benefits Cards
- Adding Your Card to a Mobile Wallet
- Merchant Processing: MCCs and the IIAS System
- Using Your Benefits Card on Amazon.com
- Dual-Account Routing Rules (HSA vs. Limited Purpose FSA)
- Debit Card PIN Requirements & ATM Restrictions
1. Activating and Managing Your Benefits Cards
Participants can fully manage primary and dependent benefits cards through the Rocky Mountain Reserve (RMR) online platform. The system allows you to lock or close cards, order replacements, and issue new debit cards for family members.
Card Activation Methods
When a new card arrives in the mail, it must be activated before use. You can activate it instantly using one of two methods:
Via Phone (Fastest): Call Visa directly at 1-877-315-3483.
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Via the User Portal:
Log in to the User Portal.
Click on Cards on the left sidebar menu to display all active and inactive cards.
Locate the card profile and click the green Activate Card button.
Select Yes, Activate in the pop-up window to finalize.
Ordering a Dependent Card
Your dependents can use your primary card, or they can receive a personalized benefits card issued directly in their own name. To order a dependent card, use one of the two platform paths below:
Method A (Cards Dashboard)
Go to the Cards screen via the left sidebar.
Click Add a Card for Dependent in the top right corner.
Select Create New Dependent from the dropdown menu.
Input the dependent’s details and click Add Dependent & Order Card.
Method B (Account Settings)
Click your profile initials in the top right-hand corner of the homepage and select Manage Account.
Select the Dependents tab and click Add Dependent. Fill out their Name, Date of Birth, and SSN, then click Save.
Return to the main dashboard, select Cards from the left sidebar, click Add a Card, select your dependent from the list, and click Order Card.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card
Navigate to the Cards menu, locate the specific cardholder's name, and click Manage Card > Manage Card Access.
Select Replace Card
Select your replacement reason from the dropdown menu, verify the populated mailing address, and click Submit.
To prevent unauthorized spending while waiting for your new card, you can instantly toggle the status to Lock or Close from the same screen.
2. Adding Your Card to a Mobile Wallet
You can link your chip-enabled RMR benefits card to your smartphone for contactless payments.
Apple Wallet Setup
Open the native Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the plus sign (+) at the top right.
Select Debit or Credit Card and press Continue.
Hold your iPhone near the card to scan it, or select Enter Card Details Manually to type in the 16-digit number and expiration date.
Enter the 3-digit Security Code (CVV) from the back of the card and agree to the terms.
Choose your verification method (the email address on file or by calling RMR support).
Enter the temporary verification code you receive to activate the card for use.
Your card has now been added to Apple Wallet
Google Wallet Setup
Open the Google Wallet app and tap the plus sign (+) or Add to Wallet icon at the bottom right.
Select Payment card, then choose New credit or debit card.
Scan the card with your phone camera or manually input the card details.
Click Save and continue.
Accept the standard UMB terms of use.
Complete the security check by verifying your identity via text message or phone call.
- Card is now added to Google Wallet and ready for use.
3. Merchant Processing: MCCs and the IIAS System
Your RMR benefits card is a Limited Merchant Category Card. Unlike a standard credit card, its usage is governed by automated IRS tracking rules built into retail point-of-sale terminals.
Merchant Category Codes (MCC)
Every business is assigned a four-digit Merchant Category Code (MCC) by card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) to classify the type of goods or services they sell. These codes regulate card processing fees, rewards points, and IRS tax compliance.
Because your card is limited-purpose, it will automatically decline if swiped at an ineligible merchant code—such as a gas station, clothing store, or movie theater—because the merchant code fails to match your plan's strict healthcare requirements.
Explore Eligible Codes by Account Type:
The Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS)
To allow checkouts at "big box" stores, supermarkets, and wholesale clubs (such as Walmart, Target, and Costco) that sell a mixture of eligible medical items and general merchandise, merchants use the IIAS protocol.
When you swipe your card at an IIAS-certified merchant, the register automatically isolates eligible items (like bandages or contact lens solution) from ineligible products (like soda or electronics). The terminal approves your RMR benefits card only for the exact dollar sum of the eligible items. The register will then prompt you to provide a second form of payment (cash, debit, or personal credit card) to cover the remaining balance for the ineligible items.
Ready to shop? Search for IIAS-Certified Merchants
4. Using Your Benefits Card on Amazon.com
Many participants find Amazon a convenient way to use their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds before the end of the plan year. While Rocky Mountain Reserve is not affiliated with Amazon.com, we provide the following tips to help you navigate your purchases successfully.
The Amazon FSA/HSA Store
Amazon features a dedicated section entirely devoted to FSA and HSA eligible items. This storefront filters for products that are generally recognized as qualifying medical expenses, making it easier to ensure your funds are used correctly.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer: Rocky Mountain Reserve does not guarantee the eligibility of any specific item. The IRS determines which expenses are qualifying and may modify this list at any time.
Why Shop for Benefits Items on Amazon?
Convenience: You can add your benefits card directly to your Amazon Wallet just like a standard credit card.
Eligible Fees: Shipping and applicable taxes for eligible medical items can typically be paid for using your benefits card.
Avoid "Use It or Lose It": If you have a year-end deadline for your FSA, Amazon offers a fast way to purchase essential health supplies—like first aid kits, monitors, or sunscreens—to ensure your funds do not go to waste.
How to Make a Purchase
Visit the Storefront: Navigate directly to the Amazon FSA/HSA Store.
Verify Eligibility: Look for the "FSA or HSA Eligible" badge on the product detail page.
Checkout: Select your benefits card as the payment method. By using your card at checkout, the merchant's system identifies the eligible items, often reducing the need for manual claim submissions.
Save Your Receipt: Even if your card is accepted, save a PDF of your itemized receipt. The IRS may still require documentation to substantiate the purchase later.
A Note on Combined Carts
If your cart contains both medical items (like bandages) and non-medical items (like household snacks), Amazon may require you to provide a second form of payment for the ineligible portion. Ensure your benefits card is set as the primary payment for eligible items to avoid a transaction decline.
5. Dual-Account Routing Rules (HSA vs. Limited Purpose FSA)
If you are enrolled in both a Limited Purpose Health FSA (restricted to dental and vision) and a Health Savings Account (HSA), a single RMR benefits card accesses both balances automatically. The platform determines which fund to pull from based entirely on the merchant's transmitted MCC.
Transaction Processing Priority
When you swipe your card, the transaction follows a strict automated sequence:
[Card Swipe] ──> Is the Merchant Code (MCC) Dental or Vision?
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├──> YES ──> Paid from Limited Purpose FSA
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└──> NO ──> Paid from HSA (Medical Expenses)
Correcting Transaction Routing Errors
Because routing relies completely on the merchant's terminal classification, an error can occur if a dental or vision clinic uses a non-standard or generic medical MCC. This causes the charge to bypass your Limited Purpose FSA and mistakenly pull directly from your HSA.
If a dental or vision charge mistakenly pulls from your HSA, you have two correction options:
Option 1 (Leave HSA Intact): Keep the distribution as a qualified, tax-free HSA withdrawal for your tax return. Then, manually submit your itemized dental/vision receipts into the RMR portal to claim a separate reimbursement from your Limited Purpose FSA, which will be paid to you via check or direct deposit.
Option 2 (HSA Distribution Reversal): To return the funds to your HSA, complete an official Distribution Reversal Form and mail it to RMR along with a personal check for the mistaken amount. Once the account is made whole, submit a manual claim against your Limited Purpose FSA with the provider receipts to receive your tax-free reimbursement.
⚠️ FSA-to-HSA Restriction: Because an HSA is a privately owned bank account, funds can never be transferred directly from an HSA to an FSA. If a medical charge accidentally pulls from your Limited Purpose FSA instead of your HSA, you must manually request a cash distribution from your HSA (via check or electronic transfer) and mail a personal check to RMR for manual deposit into your FSA.
6. Debit Card PIN Requirements & ATM Restrictions
Debit Card PIN FAQ
Your benefits card can be run as either "Debit" or "Credit" at most payment terminals. Federal law (the Dodd-Frank Act) requires all pre-tax benefit cards to be assigned a 4-digit PIN.
Running as Credit: RMR recommends running your benefits card as Credit whenever possible to bypass the PIN prompt and avoid transaction issues.
When a PIN is Required: Certain merchants force debit routing to avoid higher processing fees. If a terminal prompts you for a PIN, you must enter your 4-digit code to finalize the purchase.
How to Create or Set Your PIN
For security reasons, PINs cannot be set online, and RMR customer support agents do not have access to view or modify your PIN. You must configure it yourself through the automated phone system:
Call 1-877-315-3483 and select Option 2.
Follow the voice prompts to establish your custom 4-digit code.
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You will be required to accurately enter the following data parameters:
Card Number: The full 16-digit card number from the front of the card.
ZIP Code: The primary billing address zip code on file for the account.
CVV: The 3-digit security code located on the back signature strip.
Date of Birth (MMYY format): The primary cardholder's birth month and year. Note: If you are configuring a PIN for a dependent card, you must still enter the primary account holder's date of birth.
Absolute Restriction on Cash Access
⚠️ ATM and Cash-Back Blocked: Under strict IRS regulations, your benefits card cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM or to receive cash-back at a point-of-sale terminal. This zero-cash restriction applies uniformly across all benefit accounts (FSA, HSA, DCA, and LPF).
Pre-tax accounts require a transparent digital paper trail (via merchant data and itemized receipts) to prove funds are used exclusively for qualified care. Because cash withdrawals cannot be monitored or verified by a third-party administrator, cash access is completely disabled to protect the tax-exempt status of the plan.
Alternate Method for Cash-Only Providers:
If you encounter a medical provider that only accepts cash payments:
Pay out-of-pocket using personal cash, a check, or a personal credit card.
Obtain an official itemized receipt displaying the Date of service, Type of service, Provider name, and Final amount paid.
Log in to the RMR portal or mobile app, upload a picture of the receipt, and submit a manual claim to receive a free direct deposit reimbursement into your personal checking account.
Contact Participant Services:
💬 Live Chat: Available via the User Portal
✉️ Email: info@rmrbenefits.com
📞 Phone: 888-722-1223
🕒 Support Hours: M–F, 8 AM – 5 PM MST
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