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Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

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Anonymous
Not applicable

Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

Hi,

So I recently got the Chase Ink Cash Card and did not notice that it charged a FTF (I will definitely be reading every detail of the fine print in the future). So I'm wondering if I can go to a store, purchase a Visa/MC/Amex giftcard to circumvent the Foreign Transaction Fees.
Message 1 of 9
8 REPLIES 8
NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

More likely, if you read the fine print on the gift card, you can't use them outside the U.S.

High Bal Jan 2009 $116k on $146k limits 80% Util.
Oct 2014 $46k on $127k 36% util EQ 722 TU 727 EX 727
April 2018 $18k on $344k 5% util EQ 806 TU 810 EX 812
Jan 2019 $7.6k on $360k EQ 832 TU 839 EX 831
March 2021 $33k on $312k EQ 796 TU 798 EX 801
May 2021 Paid all Installments and Mortgages, one new Mortgage EQ 761 TY 774 EX 777
April 2022 EQ=811 TU=807 EX=805 - TU VS 3.0 765
Message 2 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

Hmm I saw that for Visa GiftCards but not for Amex maybe Amex would be the way to go? Unless there's something I'm missing there.
Message 3 of 9
NRB525
Super Contributor

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

AMEX gift cards also, only in the U.S.

High Bal Jan 2009 $116k on $146k limits 80% Util.
Oct 2014 $46k on $127k 36% util EQ 722 TU 727 EX 727
April 2018 $18k on $344k 5% util EQ 806 TU 810 EX 812
Jan 2019 $7.6k on $360k EQ 832 TU 839 EX 831
March 2021 $33k on $312k EQ 796 TU 798 EX 801
May 2021 Paid all Installments and Mortgages, one new Mortgage EQ 761 TY 774 EX 777
April 2022 EQ=811 TU=807 EX=805 - TU VS 3.0 765
Message 4 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

I don't see that anywhere in the Cardholder Agreement...can you show me please.

Thanks!
Message 5 of 9
UncleB
Credit Mentor

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?


@Anonymous wrote:
I don't see that anywhere in the Cardholder Agreement...can you show me please.

Thanks!

From:  https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/prepaid/gift-cards/american-express-gift-card/cardholder-agreement.html?vgnextchannel=95ddb81e8482a110VgnVCM100000defaad94RCRD&appinstancename=default

 

The Gift Card is a prepaid payment device that comes with a set dollar value printed on the front of the card. It is not a credit, charge or debit card. It can be used at retailers and other merchants located in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that accept the American Express Card, including mail order, online and brick and mortar establishments ("Merchant"). The Gift Card cannot be used at cruise lines, for recurring billing purchases, or at casinos or ATMs. Usage restrictions apply for international airlines.

Message 6 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

Thanks UncleB you wouldn't happen to know if MC allows Foreign Transactions? So for no Visa or Amex.
Message 7 of 9
UncleB
Credit Mentor

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?


@Anonymous wrote:
Thanks UncleB you wouldn't happen to know if MC allows Foreign Transactions? So for no Visa or Amex.

All the GCs I've come in conctact with have been for U.S. use only. 

 

I have a MasterCard GC backed by U.S. Bank and the terms clearly state that it is only valid for domestic purchases:  https://www.prepaidgiftbalance.com/documents/10270120/10285026/Kroger+Gift+FAQs.pdf/c7afa4c3-0d8f-4cd2-85e8-e09e02035b4d.

 

I don't expect you'll find international-capable gift cards at your run-of-the-mill office supply and grocery stores (although I would love to find out I'm mistaken).

Message 8 of 9
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Do Visa/MC/Amex Giftcards charge FTF's?

Okay thanks for the info. I just want to be able to use the card but with the FTF being 3-5% it's not worth it at all and that was the primary reason for getting the card was to make overseas purchases.
Message 9 of 9
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