CC''s gift cards...annoying!

[Tacori E-ring]

Okay this is just a silly vent but I tried to use a visa gift card today. First of all the website would not take it so I had to call. Then the charge was denied and they said I had to call the bank (who issued the card). So I did. He says I have to REGISTER it to use it online or over the phone. He needed my name, address, birthday, AND social. It is all to protect me from fraud he says. Dude it is a $100 pre paid card...what is the WORST that will happen? So I was so annoyed I just told him to register it but there computers are down!

He told me to go to the website, THEIR computers are down...seriously these cards are a PITA!

 

[steph72276]

I agree! I had something similar happen to me using one out to eat. It said declined b/c there wasn't enough on it to add in 20% tip....we were just going to leave the tip in cash...so annoying!

Eta: A lot of times, I will just use the amount on the gift card for groceries and then buy whatever I wanted in that amount using my debit card...still a pain to deal with!

 

[brooklyngirl]

Tacori, that's really annoying! I got one of those as a wedding gift, but haven't tried to use it yet -- good to know what to expect!

I must say, I never realy "got" gift cards anyway, especially in this economy where they may not be honored by the time they're used. Why not just give cash instead?

I like what my MIL did with my wedding gift, she gave us a check and told me to use whatever amount of that I wanted on a nice piece of jewelry for myself. If she hadn't said that I would have never used the money for such an extravagant purchase as my WF bezel studs

. It was perfect because the money was used in a way she and I both wanted

 

[Italiahaircolor]

the gift that just keeps on giving...

 

[bee*]

That''s really annoying! It seems like so many hoops to go through to use it!

 

[BeachRunner]

Yes. We use these cards for vacations, but they are a hassle. They automatically take out 20% when you use them at a restaurant, then reimburse the card back after the bill/tip clears. When using them for gas, the CC machine at the pump NEVER takes them. Annoying!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Very annoying - we''ve gotten those before and had no end of trouble trying to use them...seems like there must be an easier way!

 

[InLuv101]

Date: 1/20/2009 3:46:25 PM
Author: steph72276
I agree! I had something similar happen to me using one out to eat. It said declined b/c there wasn''t enough on it to add in 20% tip....we were just going to leave the tip in cash...so annoying!

Eta: A lot of times, I will just use the amount on the gift card for groceries and then buy whatever I wanted in that amount using my debit card...still a pain to deal with!

This has happened to us too! I was mad because the waiter came back & said very loudly -- "Your card was declined." I was mortified!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

VISA gift cards suck. The one I got from Whiteflash would not work anywhere except for the most expensive gas station nearby my house. I tried stores, other gas stations, etc., and was stuck paying .20+ extra per gallon.

ETA - Brooklyngirl mentioned that w/the economy, it's risky to buy gift cards. I was surprised to read in the paper that Circuit City is still honoring them.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/20/2009 3:50:06 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
the gift that just keeps on giving...

LOL. That stinks Tacori.

 

[oobiecoo]

I had problems with mine as well! It was for something like $20 or $25 dollars. I used it once for a small purchase and then it would never work again. The next purchases I tried to make were all less than the amount of the balance so its not like there wasn''t enough on the card or anything. Then it expired 3 months after I recieved it!!!!

 

[mrssalvo]

that''s why I always give cash...I''m sorry tacori, what a hassle..

 

[tlh]

Visa gift cards suck!!!!
I used to think they were great... until I actually tried to use them... if you dont use the entire balance then... you have to know the amount left... SO ANNOYING. NOT WORTH IT. Never again!!! Sorry anyone that got one from me before I knew of the evils!!!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Glad I am not the only one that hates them! I mean registering to protect my identity? Hardly!