FAQs | Warrior Card Swap

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Card Swap start each month?

The Card Swap cycle starts on the 1st of each month.
Here's how to save the Card Swap icon to your mobile home screen:

You can save bookmark the Card Swap to your mobile home screen like an app. The steps are outlined on this pdf:
Here is a step-by-step PDF of how to navigate the portal:
Here are videos showing how to navigate the portal on mobile and laptop:

We have these videos to make it super simple for you! Once you Register and receive your confirmation email with login details, you can login here: https://www.warriorcardswap.com/card-swap-portal How to Access the Portal: On a mobile device: https://www.loom.com/share/1b186b2310a1416fa1492af5a4195866 On a laptop/desktop: https://www.loom.com/share/dc5501a1b8784d5e9c6bf483f20e5e53 How to login and view your match information: On a mobile device: https://www.loom.com/share/863b94f3dc1c440199094a46fe4c8c24 On a laptop/desktop: https://www.loom.com/share/2cb79b024e2943a293d93115f32e06d8
Do I need to register each month?

No! You only need to register once and then you can update your information and participation status inside the portal to participate each month.
When can I sign up for the Card Swap?

You can register at any time! Once you have registered, you have until the 4th of each month to login to your portal and say YES to participating that month.
When will I get my match?!

You can login to your portal to see who your match is on the 5th of each month.
How do I change my preferences?

Login to your portal to see and change all of your preferences.
What are my options for matching with someone?

You can chose to Make a Friend (hoping for a response) or Brighten Someone's Day (no response expected). Additionally, you can choose to send to someone within your country or with someone anywhere in the world. During the holiday swaps, you will be matched within country according to holiday card preference!
Do I have to participate every month?

No! You can participate whenever you are feeling up to it. We ask that you update your status as "no" if you are not participating in a given month. This lets our system know that your information is still current AND it will prevent you from getting unnecessary emails.
Do you have participants from all over the world?

Yes! We’ve had participants from 29 countries as of Summer 2022!
How much does the Card Swap cost?

The Card Swap is FREE to join! The only cost is postage and a card (if you choose to purchase a card and not make one.) We do have a "support the card swap" button on the site. This is for donations to help keep our program running.
What if I don’t want to do snail mail?

You may choose either the Digital or Snail Mail physical card option.
How do I update my information?

You can update all of your information inside the portal. Click on the blue "Login" box on the home page to access it. To watch a video, click here.
Brain fog and forgetfulness happen to me a lot! What if I forget to send my card?

We get it! You will get a reminder to send your card out by the 10th of the month. However, we STRONGLY suggest setting recurring reminders on your phone for the following dates each month: 1st: Reminder to login to the portal and Opt-IN for the month. 5th: Reminder to login to the portal and see your match's information. 10th: this will remind you that YOUR CARD SHOULD BE IN THE MAIL TODAY!
I’d really like to make some friends! Will the Card Swap help with that?

While we are not specifically a pen pal program and cannot guarantee a friendship with your match, we can say that many swappers have made real life friends and regular pen pals!
What if I Opt In and can’t get out to get a card or stamp on time?

Be sure to have back up cards and postage on hand for those moments where you don't have the time or energy... and if your health prevents you from sending your card, you can hit the YIKES option which will prompt a member of our Yikes Crew to step in and send a card to your match.
What if I have an emergency or become too ill to participate?

We're sorry to hear this! If it is before the matches have been assigned, simply login and change your participation status to NO for the month. If you have already said YES to participating and have a match assigned, simply login to the portal and change your sending status to YIKES. This will send your match info to our Yikes Crew and someone will send a card to your match so that they receive a card that month. If you are going through a really tough time, you can request extra support for yourself here: https://cards2warriors.org/nominate
Will I get a card every time I participate?

In a perfect world, yes! ;) But we all know that the chronic world is far from perfect... We can’t guarantee that you will receive a card each time you participate, but it is our HOPE that you will! We encourage you to focus on the giving and sending of a card to a fellow warrior, and if/when a card shows up, it will be your bonus surprise and delight! If you have a couple of months that a card does NOT arrive for you, please let us know.
I’m super excited to meet new people, but what if my match doesn’t write back?

First, make sure that your preference is set to "Make a Friend" as this will match you with other warriors who wish to send cards back and forth. Remember that depending on where your card is coming from, it can take weeks to arrive... and all of our warriors are juggling appointments and health challenges. Hopefully, you will receive a response before too long. In the meantime, we invite you to check out our private online Social Club with other warriors and card swappers here.
My password isn't working.

Double check that you have it correct - it is case-sensitive! If that doesn't work, try clicking the "forgot password" to have your password emailed to you so that you can make sure it is correct. If it still isn't working, please reach out to us via the contact form below so that we can help solve the issue.
I’m confused about how the Card Swap works! Can you explain it?

Sure thing! Once you Register, you are in our system and can participate whenever you are feeling up to it. Each month, you'll get a reminder from us. Login to your portal to set your participation status as YES or NO for the month. If you opt to participate, on the 5th you will be able to login and see who you are sending your card TO, as well as a hint of who and where your card will be coming FROM. Send your card by the 10th so that it arrives in the same month. Reach out if you have any further questions. :)
If I’m in the U.S., how do I format the address correctly if sending international mail?

Just follow this link to the: Address Formatting Tool!
Can I use a P.O. Box or does it have to be a street address?

You can use any mailing address that the postal service will deliver to... including a house/street address, a post box, or a business address. In fact, many of our warriors use PO box or business addresses for privacy reasons.
Do I have to use my real name?

No! You can use whatever name you wish!
How old do I have to be to participate?

You can participate at any age. If you are under 13, you must have parental permission to participate and they will be notified that you have registered with us.
Why do you ask for my DOB?

The primary reason we ask for your DOB is because our matching algorithm matches minor warriors in age groups and adult warriors within + or - 10 years of your age. We NEVER share this information with anyone else!

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