Prepaid Visa gift cards are CRAPPY!!

[sprgtime]

So a year ago, my company started giving out prepaid Visa gift cards for bonus gifts and special occasions, instead of simply giving us checks

Comments

[sprgtime]

Okay, after wasting 20 minutes on the phone with Visa, I found out that the hospital tried to use the $30 but declined it, and I'll be getting that amount back on my card but there is a 7-day hold anytime the card is declined (even though the reason was because they could not verify my address!). So on the 8th day, that money will appear back on the card.

The other 2 cards - similar story. Because Kroger made the charge and canceled it today, it will be 8 days from today before my money appears again. :(

This stinks. But at least my money will come back. I guess in another 8 days I will try again at Kroger.

[taprootgirl]

That's crazy. My IL's love to give those cards, and I've been trying to think of a tactful way of asking them to stop. Although I've used them online with no problem.

[sprgtime]

Really? Your IL's give them? Ick. Maybe they were lured by advertising about how "convenient" the cards are and how you can "use them just like a credit card" anywhere you want for whatever you want. If that's what you want, cash is king!
I understand why my company switched to them - they buy them in bulk and pay less than $1 for $1 worth on a card due to their bulk purchase.

Where online have you successfully used them? I've tried Paypal, amazon, and the hospital's website.

[taprootgirl]

I used one to renew my paid LJ account, lol. And I swear I used it somewhere else too but I can't remember. I know Aaron used one at some site for mountain biking accesories.

[candyleehuff]

That sucks. I hate those cards. H&R Block is pushing to get unsuspecting people to use them for tax returns for a while now. It's such crap. Of course, this year, they're having trouble trying to 'reuse' the same cards from last year. I think most of the dilemma comes from non paid 'maintenance fees

[pleiades829]

UGH, what a nightmare. >

[plantae]

Ugh, gift cards. I'm with you on this one--just give me the money. It's a whole lot more useful. If you feel like you need to have "shopped" for something, put the money in a cute little tin from the dollar store.