VISA gift card question

[moniot]

My DMiL is thinking about giving these to all the grandkids this year. She is buying them through her bank so no monthly fees only a few dollar activation fee.

My DD had a Visa gift card many years ago and went to use the balance on a purchase. She had used it before no problem on a smaller purchase. She had cash to cover the difference but it was declined the first time they swiped it and it was a pain trying to complete the purchase.

Has anyone used one lately? Do you have to know your balance exactly when you check out? We are concerned that the kids might have issues if they don't use them all at once.

Her other option is cash but she thought the kids might like these better.

 

[Disneylush]

They are still a pain. I bought 4 of them using my change from my change jar then hoping to use them on our disney trip. they are not like a gift card where you can just pay the differance when the card is at the end. The only place that was "easy" to use them was Target.

Plus if you don't use them up within a 12 month time frame they have fees.

Much bigger headache then they were worth!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I agree, they're still a pain. It's unfortunate too, because in theory, they're a great idea. Might as well just give the kiddos a check or cash.

 

[moniot]

I was hoping things had changed and they were easier to use a couple of times. I will pass this info on to DMiL and see what she decides.

To bad it wasn't more like the store gift cards, they swipe it and it takes to amount off the total.

 

[moniot]

Are bank Visa Gift cards any different then the ones you buy like at Sam's or Wal-mart off the rack. You know the ones next to the restaurant and itunes gift cards?

 

[moniot]

bump

 

[Bren's Mom]

No...all Visa 'gift cards' are the same...maybe a different fee schedule but they're the same in that they're not really gift cards, they're really debit cards.

How about getting the new Target coins? The kids would find those cool and certainly could find things they want in Target.

 

[moniot]

Target Coins? This is new to me. I will have to check those out.

The ages range from 10 to 19 so maybe DMiL will give cash to the older ones and these to the younger ones. Or cash to all.