Prepaid visa cards

[cjnix29]

I haven't used these in a long time because it was such a pain. From what I remember, say I have a card for $100. If I want to buy something that costs $150, will I be able to use it and pay the difference? I thought I remembered trying this, and it was declined because there wasn't enough money. Instead of it being like a gift card, it was more like a credit card over the limit. Is this still true?

 

[disneychrista]

If you are using a prepaid you need to know how much you have on the card and do a split transaction. If you do not know the balance on your card and you are purchasing something for more than this amount, your card will be declined.

 

[cjnix29]

Ok, next question....can I take this prepaid Visa card into say Target and buy Disney gift cards?

 

[starry_solo]

Yes you can take it to Target and buy Disney gift cards.

 

[Pooh2]

My husband recently received a visa gift card from his employer. We used it at a restaurant and were stunned that the bank that sells the gift card takes a fee for using it at restaurants! So our $75 gift card was only worth $68. So beware of these bank fees. I would never give one as a gift.
For disney world trips, we get disney world gift cards at the disney store ahead of time so we do not need to carry as much cash.

 

[supersnoop]

My husband recently received a visa gift card from his employer. We used it at a restaurant and were stunned that the bank that sells the gift card takes a fee for using it at restaurants! So our $75 gift card was only worth $68. So beware of these bank fees. I would never give one as a gift.
For disney world trips, we get disney world gift cards at the disney store ahead of time so we do not need to carry as much cash.

No, they don't charge a fee for using at restaurants. Every restaurant will authorize a credit card for the bill + 20% to allow for the tip. That amount will be unavailable until the final charge settles. That's why you should never use a prepaid card at a restaurant or gas station (they authorize for $50-$99).

 

[Disneefun]

Whenever someone gives me one of these, I just use it on Amazon to buy an Amazon GC and then shop at Amazon (we shop there all the time, anyway). They don't put any holds on the card, so $50 is a $50 GC, for example. Easy peasy and easier than trying to argue about it at a cash register or restaurant, or trying to figure out how to use that $2.36 or whatever is left over after you spend the bulk of the money.

 

[scard192]

my employer gives us Visa prepaid cards for Christmas and the first year I tried to use it at a restaurant and they had problems with it. Now I use it somewhere else and keep track of what is left on it. The Trader Joes in my town has cashiers who know how to run what is left on the card, I usually finish them up there.

 

[wiigirl]

Yes you can take it to Target and buy Disney gift cards.

 

[SueInBoston]

Whenever someone gives me one of these, I just use it on Amazon to buy an Amazon GC and then shop at Amazon (we shop there all the time, anyway). They don't put any holds on the card, so $50 is a $50 GC, for example. Easy peasy and easier than trying to argue about it at a cash register or restaurant, or trying to figure out how to use that $2.36 or whatever is left over after you spend the bulk of the money.

Great idea about the left over amount!!

 

[disneylove69]

I called when ibhad an issue and was told if you use it at a restaraunt or hotel they treat like they would a credit card. The bank assumes yourvare going to add a tip so you have to have 20% more then bill left on the card. Hotel is based on what that hotel charges. I tried using one for Dcl on board charge and it only approved $75 out of $100. Amex said Dcl falls under hotel. Use it at a retailer. If the card is used up in a transaction u can use another form of payment.

 

[cjnix29]

Great, thanks for the help!! I am not a fan of these cards, and don't give them as gifts ever because they seem like a hassle. But we are looking at a deal that will give us one of these cards if we sign up for cable. Trying to figure out if the deal is worth it. Thanks for the advice!

 

[mblondie0509]

Whenever someone gives me one of these, I just use it on Amazon to buy an Amazon GC and then shop at Amazon (we shop there all the time, anyway). They don't put any holds on the card, so $50 is a $50 GC, for example. Easy peasy and easier than trying to argue about it at a cash register or restaurant, or trying to figure out how to use that $2.36 or whatever is left over after you spend the bulk of the money.

This is GENIUS! I don't know why I never thought of this...I just added almost $15 to my Amazon account by digging out the almost used up gift cards my son received for xmas/bday. I know I have more at home. I used to do a Direct Sales company that would allow you to put multiple payments in and that is how I used up those extra small amounts but this is so much better. Thank you!