Visa Buxx cards

[BusyMomof3]

Just heard about these and I'm wondering if anyone has used them before. They are prepaid debit cards that are supposed to work like regular Visa debit cards, but you can "reload" them when the amount left on them gets low. Will they work at WDW? Would this be a good option for DD and DS who will be there on a band trip over spring break? We will be there also and could arrange to meet up with them several times so they wouldn't be carrying too much cash at one time, but maybe it would be better to get them one of these instead.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

I never heard of the Visa Buxx....but you can use your room keys for charges in the parks and not have to worry about carrying money.

 

[Mitchell]

I work at Target and we have had a lot of problems with the Visa Buxx Cards-reedeming them. And a lot of our guest say they have the problem with other stores too.

At Target we always have to know the exact amount on the card to process them and if the guest doesn't know we always have to call the 1800 to get the balance.

Just a heads up! WDW might be different!

Melissa

 

[BusyMomof3]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, the room key charge is not an option as DD and DS will be staying off-site with their marching band.

Melissa, that's what I was wondering about. It sounds like they could really be a pain.

anyone else have any experience with these?

 

[Maridw]

My DD has had a Visa Buxx for the last 5 years and has had NO trouble using them at WDW. A friend of hers had one and we decided to get one for DD before her 8th grade trip.

It worked great. We made sure she had enough money on it so that she would not be worried about carrying too much cash. She did have some for meals, but for all her souveniers, she used her Visa.

She has even used it on other trips and around town. (She has used it at our Target with never a problem-could be certain banks). I put $20 a payday on it and that is her allowance. She knows when the money is going on and keeps track of her balance, so that she knows just what she can or can't get depending on her balance.

It's a great way to learn how to use a credit card for teens. They have to know how much "credit" they have to be able to use it for purchases. Their "credit limit" is the available balance-cash on the card. The only difference is, they don't pay a bill at the end of the month, it is already paid for in advance.

Wachovia Visa Buxx is pretty good. You can do a search on google for Visa Buxx and it will give you a couple different banks that have them. But check the load fees - fee to put money on the card. Some have a fee for each time you put money on it, some don't. Wachovia doesn't.

My DD is now 18 and DH is thinking about getting her a regular credit card with a low credit limit, so that she will learn the responsibility of making the payments.

One other thing about the Visa Buxx, it allows others (relatives) to load cash gifts on to it too. You can set it up to allow relatives that option. A parent does have to have their name on the account too. I get a statement of my DD's account activity monthly just like she does. So I know where her money goes to (I usually do anyway).

I was truly glad to find out about Visa Buxx. It has made her traveling out of state so much easier. I know she has enough money but she is not carrying cash. Plus if she is out of town and needs more, I can always add it and she will have it right away.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I work at Target and we have had a lot of problems with the Visa Buxx Cards-reedeming them. And a lot of our guest say they have the problem with other stores too.

At Target we always have to know the exact amount on the card to process them and if the guest doesn't know we always have to call the 1800 to get the balance.

Just a heads up! WDW might be different!

Melissa

I second this statement!!!! UGH they are real hassles IMHO! Twice I have had to void out a transaction with them, due to the customer being unaware of their "exact" balance. TWICE I have had to stay on the phone with their (Visa) customer service to get the credit put back on the card so we could run the transaction again.
***WORD TO THE WISE*** If a retailer states they have to VOID the transaction, be prepared to have to call customer service. Usually, after voiding, the amount is put back on a credit card right away. Also, if using that store's gift card, it is put back on the card (after voiding). The same is not true with the Buxx card. They (Buxx customer service) have to have the retailer fax a letter (WITH letterhead) stating certain information to them. I was on the phone with the last customer for 1.5 hrs, trying to get it resolved! *sigh* Yeah, so...I don't like them. LOL.