Using Visa Prepaid cards

[Ohiodislover]

My daughters will be getting Visa prepaids from their Nana prior to our visit.

Will they be able to use them at Seaworld, or should I plan on giving them cash?

They would be using them for meals, and possibly snack stands also. I figure there would be no problem in the stores if they find souvenirs.

Thanks much for the information.

 

[EleanorMaeBerry]

With my experience using Visa gift cards, I would recommend that you bring some cash for the girls as back up.

Every time that the visa gift card is swiped for a purchase, it will not work again until the next business day because the charge needs to be processed through the account.

I've made purchases on Fridays before, and then the card would decline for transactions until the following Monday.

 

[mjohnson96]

With my experience using Visa gift cards, I would recommend that you bring some cash for the girls as back up.

Every time that the visa gift card is swiped for a purchase, it will not work again until the next business day because the charge needs to be processed through the account.

I've made purchases on Fridays before, and then the card would decline for transactions until the following Monday.

That is only on certain types of purchases, such as gas or hotels. If you purchase something that places a hold on your card then on prepaid cards they place a hold for the entire balance on a card. That is why you should never use prepaid cards for gas/hotels/some restaurants.

Here is the info from the FAQ on Visa Gift card site

When using your GiftCards.com gift card to buy gas, rent a car or pay for a hotel room, the merchant may place an authorization hold (See Definition) on your card balance that can last anywhere from 1 to 5 days. For rental cars and hotels, that hold may last as long as 30 days. During this hold, you will not have access to the held funds, but will regain access once the hold is removed.
Authorization holds are used by merchants and banks to ensure that you have enough funds on your card to complete the transaction. This hold will stay on your card until the issuing bank completes and clears the transaction. For example, if you swipe your card at a gas pump, the gas station may preauthorize your card for an amount between $75 to $100 or more. This is to ensure that you have enough funds on your card to cover the entire transaction since the final amount will not be known until after you finish pumping gas.
Here are some tips to help avoid having funds held on your card:
* When using your card at a gas station, prepay for your transaction inside with the station attendant.
* When using your card for a hotel stay or a car rental, use a credit card to make the reservation, but make the final payment with your GiftCards.com gift card.

Basically if you use your giftcard for counter service meals and gift shop purchases then you will be able to use it multiple times per day. I give DD a Visa Giftcard during our trips so she knows that if she wants something she only has the money on her giftcard to purchase it.

 

[EleanorMaeBerry]

That is only on certain types of purchases

Thanks for the correction.