BJ's- 3 Giftcards Per Transaction!

[CookieandOatmeal]

I don't know how new this policy is but when I went to buy disney giftcards at BJ's today, there is now a new rule that only 3 giftcards can be bought per transaction. This made buying $1300 worth of GCs a big pain! After the third transaction, my credit card declined the charge even though I was nowhere near my credit limit. There was such a huge line that was growing behind me- never going to buy giftcards on a Saturday evening! I have to go back in a few days to buy the rest. Good thing I was getting the $100 ones...imagine having to buy the $50 ones because that is all that is left!

 

[monorailmom]

That is what is happening to us, too! My DH goes to BJ's on most Saturdays and sometimes Sundays and has historically had good luck getting multiple $100 gc's. Now the 3 card rule, and the fact that they seem to only have the $50 cards in stock is really messing things up for us!!!

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

That is what is happening to us, too! My DH goes to BJ's on most Saturdays and sometimes Sundays and has historically had good luck getting multiple $100 gc's. Now the 3 card rule, and the fact that they seem to only have the $50 cards in stock is really messing things up for us!!!

I hear ya! It's just super annoying plus I wish they had a sign by the gift cards stating the new rule.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I don't buy GC's. But just curious as to why they limit it.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I don't buy GC's. But just curious as to why they limit it.

I asked the supervisor and I don't even think she really knew since her answer was- "it has something to do with a legal issue" and never elaborated on it. I'm thinking about writing to BJs asking for clarification on why they have this new rule and also to let them know that a limit of 3 transaction is a bit ridiculous. Maybe a limit of 5 would be more reasonable if they are doing this due to fraud, etc.

 

[Araminta18]

Oh wow, I lucked out! I bought 8 gift cards in one transaction on Friday--3 per transaction would have been a huge pain! Hopefully they change it back. Or up the limit.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Ok so I ended up writing to them to see if I could get a reason why and offer them suggestions on either posting clear signage about the rules/upping the limit. This was the response I got back:
I know the restrictions on purchasing the gift cards is a bit frustrating. In this case, the limit is not the number of gift cards you purchase, but rather their total amount. We currently do not allow gift card transactions in excess of $300. However, I do agree that this policy should be more readily visible in the Club. Please know that I will be forwarding your feedback to the appropriate department.

Ok on the $300 limit as to the reason but I thought a previous poster said they also had a problem buying more than three gift cards and they had to buy the $50 ones. Sigh I guess to get ready for my DL trip in August, I'll have to start buying $300/week starting in early June.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Oh wow, I lucked out! I bought 8 gift cards in one transaction on Friday--3 per transaction would have been a huge pain! Hopefully they change it back. Or up the limit.

Can I ask what your total amount was?

 

[Hiitsme]

I've been a BJ's member for a few years now and was wondering if the Disney gift cards are a good deal. It looks like you save about 1% to 2%. Can you use your points to get gc? Thanks to everyone in advance.

 

[Araminta18]

Can I ask what your total amount was?

I bought $200 (they only had $25 gift cards...it was a pain). So I guess it's in line with what the poster said about the limit being the amount you purchase, since I was under the $300 threshold.

 

[5kidsmommy]

Does anyone know if gift cards are added to your 2% back memberships? I can't remember if they are exempt or not.

 

[davper]

I don't know if you get the BJs cash back on them, but the discount is 4% for single GCs. I was in the store today and was looking at the display. Ironically, the 3 pack is only a 2% discount.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Does anyone know if gift cards are added to your 2% back memberships? I can't remember if they are exempt or not.

I believe they are exempt because I remember reading it in the fine print when I was considering upgrading my membership.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I believe they are exempt because I remember reading it in the fine print when I was considering upgrading my membership.

Alright, no big deal. I'll just continue to buy my gift cards from Giant Eagle with free gas as it works out to a 6% and sometimes a 12% discount.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Alright, no big deal. I'll just continue to buy my gift cards from Giant Eagle with free gas as it works out to a 6% and sometimes a 12% discount.

If you have a Chase Freedom credit card, the 5% back category this quarter is warehouse clubs like BJs. I read the fine print and buying gift cards in club should work and earn rewards. Only excludes special services like travel.

 

[5kidsmommy]

If you have a Chase Freedom credit card, the 5% back category this quarter is warehouse clubs like BJs. I read the fine print and buying gift cards in club should work and earn rewards. Only excludes special services like travel.

Sadly no reward cards. We only have one non-store credit card, my husband is frugal like that. It's good though because we don't keep a balance anywhere. But I'll pass this along to him, perhaps he will see the value in it.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Sadly no reward cards. We only have one non-store credit card, my husband is frugal like that. It's good though because we don't keep a balance anywhere. But I'll pass this along to him, perhaps he will see the value in it.

I have multiple reward cards and I never keep a balance on them. Pay each one off every month. Be super disciplined and it's a great way to earn some cash back!

 

[havaneselover]

I have multiple reward cards and I never keep a balance on them. Pay each one off every month. Be super disciplined and it's a great way to earn some cash back!

Agreed! @5kidsmommy your frugal dh is leaving a lot of money on the table.