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

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

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:19:24 GMT

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.

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

NRB525 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:36:17 GMT

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

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

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:44:15 GMT

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.

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

NRB525 — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:49:32 GMT

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

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

Anonymous — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 19:16:21 GMT

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

Thanks!

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

UncleB — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 05:02:05 GMT

@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.

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

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 06:23:27 GMT

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

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

UncleB — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 06:46:44 GMT

@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).

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

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 16:02:51 GMT

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.