Why Does MasterCard, Visa Etc. Charge An Extra Fee For There Gift Cards?

cuddlesmama · ‎03-11-2010

I usually don't buy GC but this year I am stumped for one of my relatives and was going to get him a Mastercard GC so her could buy what he wanted but I noticed a $9.00 fee to buy it written on the top of the card. What do these cards charge a fee and others are free?

Jaspersmom · ‎06-08-2011

I don't get it either. It's one of the reasons I don't buy those cards. How about an Amazon gift card or even Home Depot?

deeva · ‎03-09-2010

I buy my visa gift cards from my bank. They charge a $4 fee because people are willing to pay it. I’ve never seen a fee as much as $9.

The retail store gift cards don’t charge fee. But then, you run the risk of the store going out of business and being stuck with a useless gift card.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

There are costs associated with issuing gift cards. Most stores absorb them as a cost of doing business since the money will be spent in their store. When issuing a Visa or MasterCard gift cards those costs are passed on to the buyer since that is the only way to recover them.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

Katcat1 · ‎07-21-2011

@cuddlesmama Simple and easy -- they want to make money! ho! ho! ho! This the season to be jolly.

kindness is strength

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

@cuddlesmama

aoldgirl · ‎11-10-2015

Maybe I'm old fashion, but, why not just send money?

Bri36 · ‎02-20-2017

I only buy retail gift cards.

shaggygirl · ‎11-24-2011

What timing! I just picked up 2 mastercard giftcards at Stop & Shop a short time ago while doing grocery shopping. $5.95 activation on each one. I was carping to the register lady about it and she told me that if you get the ones with a fixed amount already on them (that's what I got) they cost less that the ones you buy and choose the amount of money you want to put on it. Can't remember 100% for sure but think she said those can go as high as $9.95 depending on the amount. These are for each of my son's girlfriends along with a small gift. Feels okay to me giving cash to my kids & grandkids, (daughter's kids who are no longer children) but something just doesn't feel right about giving cash to the girlfriends so giftcards is what it will be.