topic Re: MasterCard question in Community Chat

MasterCard question

summergal1 — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 01:21:09 GMT

Has anyone been able to apply a MasterCard debt gift card towards a purchase?

I’m very frustrated trying to use two cards I received as a gift. I have tried to use them at both Michaels and HSN online.🤦‍♀️

Re: MasterCard question

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 01:25:55 GMT

@summergal1 I have been gifted a couple Visa gift cards in the past....even the sales associates tell me they are all different!

I swipe them like a credit card and usually there is a number on the back you can use as the pin...also I have had a couple that I first had to 'register' first....by calling the number on the back of the card.....

Re: MasterCard question

sunshine45 — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 01:41:01 GMT

hate using them online.....too many problems.

i prefer using them in store and using them in full. so if i am buying a $100 item and i have a $50 gift card, i ask them to apply the $50 first, and then pay cash or charge the rest.

dont like using them at gas stations or in restaurants either.

Re: MasterCard question

Kachina624 — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 01:43:44 GMT

Do the merchants where you've tried to use the card, take MasterCard? If not, that might be the problem.

Re: MasterCard question

summergal1 — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:35:45 GMT

Yes they do🤦🏼‍♀️

Re: MasterCard question

Yahooey — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 05:55:58 GMT

@summergal1

can you call a number to check the balance?

is this a gift card?

Stealing numbers and cloning cards

Another very common method of gift card fraud is committed is through stealingnumbers off physical gift cards. ... Gift cards are not usable until they are activated at the cash register. In many stores, gift cards are sitting out in an accessible place.

Re: MasterCard question

Nuttmeg — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 08:28:07 GMT

Where you able to contact CS for the two companies? I would ask their policy using a gift cards. How can they know you or the card are real?

Re: MasterCard question

Tribesters — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 10:21:43 GMT

@summergal1

Not sure about MC gift cards but Visa cards have to be registered online to use online. It’s simple- you just link your name & address to the card. Have you gone to the website on the card to see if they have a place to register the card?

Re: MasterCard question

CelticCrafter — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 12:54:57 GMT

When we get them as payment for a rebate the paperwork always tells us to use it as a credit card and if there is a balance make sure we keep track of it for the next purchase.

Re: MasterCard question

gidgetgh — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:26:09 GMT

I’ve used the as well as Visa and AMEX gift cards for years and never had a problem.

Never use them for gas or at a restaurant. I’ve never used them for online purchases.

In a store, you run it like a credit card, even if the card says debit on it.

Re: MasterCard question

sidsmom — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:56:58 GMT

When I would receive in the past, I made a point to try &

use the entire balance for one purchase.

At one time there was a transaction fee, which would eat away

at the balance, as well as a monthly fee if remained dormant

for a period of time.

I would use the entire balance in one transaction either at the

grocery store, buying stables, or place the entire balance

on my Starbucks gold card.

No more forgotten gift cards in my wallet or desk drawer

worth nothing. Get it, use entire balance, cut up, forget.

Re: MasterCard question

Peaches McPhee — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:06:00 GMT

It's been awhile, but I never could get them to work online. Try using it in person, so to speak. You do need to know the balance.

Re: MasterCard question

tobes — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 16:28:44 GMT

@summergal1 have used gift cards with no problem, even ordering over the phone