Jun 22, 2013, 10:42 am
Last edit by: ChrisFlyer66
There is a new thread for 2017: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819569-pin-available-now-visa-mc-prepaid-debit-cards-2017-a.html
Federal Reserve interpretation of Dodd-Frank financial reform regulations has resulted in Visa/MC gift cards getting PINs as of April 1, 2013.
Setting PINS
At Walmat, many MCs default to credit(and fail) and require pressing a button to change the payment type to debit. Here are the workarounds:
Old POS systems (monochrome black on green terminals and replacement color terminals):
1a. Screen shows "Insert or Swipe Card Quickly" with "Espanol" button in lower right (note if your screen blinks)
1b. Swipe card
1c. Screen shows "Waiting for cashier..." with with working animation in lower center and "Cancel" button in lower right
2. Press "Cancel" on the screen or red button on pad (if your screen blinks, do not hit button until after blink)
3. Press "ATM/DEBIT" from upper left
4. Press "No Cash Back"
5a. Enter PIN
5b. Screen shows "Waiting for cashier..."
6. Cashier hits blue (not green) Debit button on their side.
New POS systems (color terminal):
1. Swipe GC
2. Press "Change Payment" on screen (Yellow button on pad should also work, but screen works better for some. Timing is critical.)
3. Press "DEBIT"
4. Press "No Cash Back"
5. Enter PIN - Screen showing another 'Waiting for cashier...'.
6. Ask Cashier to hit blue color Debit button on the screen
When splitting transactions among multiple cards at a Walmart register, make sure to have the cashier hit the debit button on their physical keypad. If they hit the debit button on the touchscreen, it will not work. If your transaction got declined, try having the cashier hit 'Debit' using the physical keypad on the right of the screen.
As of 6/19/2014, Walmart rejects Debit attempts above $49.99 on all cards issued by InComm/ITC Financial Services, namely all Vanilla VISA and OneVanilla. There is no workaround.
Error Messages
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Not enough funds available to cover whatever amount was typed in, or most likely NOT typed in.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again.
Federal Reserve interpretation of Dodd-Frank financial reform regulations has resulted in Visa/MC gift cards getting PINs as of April 1, 2013.
Setting PINS
- MetaBank VISA or Sunrise VISA -use the last four digits of the card number (or to set personal PIN call 888-524-1283)
- US Bank VISA and Mastercard - Newer cards come with a PIN printed on cardstock inside the package. To set/reset PIN, call 866-952-5653. One person reports: VISA that has pre-set PIN locks PIN on first use if not previously reset; always call to set PIN before use. If you forget to reset the pin and you can't unload the funds to your BB, call the toll free # and ask rep. to "reset" the card and they will do some magic and you should then be able to unload the funds at WM.
- Vanilla VISA and OneVanilla(not MyVanilla, etc) - selection of 4 digits on the first transaction becomes the PIN
At Walmat, many MCs default to credit(and fail) and require pressing a button to change the payment type to debit. Here are the workarounds:
Old POS systems (monochrome black on green terminals and replacement color terminals):
1a. Screen shows "Insert or Swipe Card Quickly" with "Espanol" button in lower right (note if your screen blinks)
1b. Swipe card
1c. Screen shows "Waiting for cashier..." with with working animation in lower center and "Cancel" button in lower right
2. Press "Cancel" on the screen or red button on pad (if your screen blinks, do not hit button until after blink)
3. Press "ATM/DEBIT" from upper left
4. Press "No Cash Back"
5a. Enter PIN
5b. Screen shows "Waiting for cashier..."
6. Cashier hits blue (not green) Debit button on their side.
New POS systems (color terminal):
1. Swipe GC
2. Press "Change Payment" on screen (Yellow button on pad should also work, but screen works better for some. Timing is critical.)
3. Press "DEBIT"
4. Press "No Cash Back"
5. Enter PIN - Screen showing another 'Waiting for cashier...'.
6. Ask Cashier to hit blue color Debit button on the screen
When splitting transactions among multiple cards at a Walmart register, make sure to have the cashier hit the debit button on their physical keypad. If they hit the debit button on the touchscreen, it will not work. If your transaction got declined, try having the cashier hit 'Debit' using the physical keypad on the right of the screen.
As of 6/19/2014, Walmart rejects Debit attempts above $49.99 on all cards issued by InComm/ITC Financial Services, namely all Vanilla VISA and OneVanilla. There is no workaround.
Error Messages
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Not enough funds available to cover whatever amount was typed in, or most likely NOT typed in.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again.
PIN available now for Visa/MC prepaid debit cards(2013-2016).
Jun 1, 2013, 1:12 am
#1546
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
I dont like making light of the less fortunate and pointing at them like they are animals at the zoo like some around here (although i have marveled at the sights WM has to offer once or twice) but i must say its amazing how many people are unbanked and HEAVILY reliant on check cashing places and Western Union.
Even with so many debit cards on the market there seems to be room for more. People seem to be in the habit of remitting money to their friends and family via WU even though the fees are outlandish. All of these prepaid solutions allow you to transfer $$$ to another card member for free i think. If i had to send $$$ on a regular basis i think i would suggest everyone get on the same prepaid card program.
Anyway i think WM and their patners (BB/Serve) are really doing the people a service by offering finacial services to the underserved while keeping the fees they have to very low. Check cashing and MOs were once primarily at corner stores some years ago. Billpay and prepaids werent available at all to them really.
Even with so many debit cards on the market there seems to be room for more. People seem to be in the habit of remitting money to their friends and family via WU even though the fees are outlandish. All of these prepaid solutions allow you to transfer $$$ to another card member for free i think. If i had to send $$$ on a regular basis i think i would suggest everyone get on the same prepaid card program.
Anyway i think WM and their patners (BB/Serve) are really doing the people a service by offering finacial services to the underserved while keeping the fees they have to very low. Check cashing and MOs were once primarily at corner stores some years ago. Billpay and prepaids werent available at all to them really.
Jun 1, 2013, 9:13 am
#1547
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 809
I dont like making light of the less fortunate and pointing at them like they are animals at the zoo like some around here (although i have marveled at the sights WM has to offer once or twice) but i must say its amazing how many people are unbanked and HEAVILY reliant on check cashing places and Western Union.
Even with so many debit cards on the market there seems to be room for more. People seem to be in the habit of remitting money to their friends and family via WU even though the fees are outlandish. All of these prepaid solutions allow you to transfer $$$ to another card member for free i think. If i had to send $$$ on a regular basis i think i would suggest everyone get on the same prepaid card program.
Anyway i think WM and their patners (BB/Serve) are really doing the people a service by offering finacial services to the underserved while keeping the fees they have to very low. Check cashing and MOs were once primarily at corner stores some years ago. Billpay and prepaids werent available at all to them really.
Even with so many debit cards on the market there seems to be room for more. People seem to be in the habit of remitting money to their friends and family via WU even though the fees are outlandish. All of these prepaid solutions allow you to transfer $$$ to another card member for free i think. If i had to send $$$ on a regular basis i think i would suggest everyone get on the same prepaid card program.
Anyway i think WM and their patners (BB/Serve) are really doing the people a service by offering finacial services to the underserved while keeping the fees they have to very low. Check cashing and MOs were once primarily at corner stores some years ago. Billpay and prepaids werent available at all to them really.
https://www.youngmoneycards.com/Defa...ookieSupport=1
Jun 1, 2013, 9:26 am
#1548
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: UA MPE, BA Blue, AA, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Silver, HHonors Silver, National Exec, Avis First
Posts: 553
It's really is sad. All the check cashing and prepaid products are targeted to rip poor, uneducated people off. There are fees everywhere you look! One of my favorites that I came across is the "Young Money" prepaid card. Enjoy!
https://www.youngmoneycards.com/Defa...ookieSupport=1
https://www.youngmoneycards.com/Defa...ookieSupport=1
Jun 1, 2013, 11:47 am
#1549
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 970
You'd spend half your day keeping track of it all. And since it's all in motion in the Great Circle O' Spend (here today, gone tomorrow - HTGT), keeping track would be a nightmare.I just monitor my bank accounts and CC bills online. There's so much activity, I don't pretend to be able to keep track.
My record keeping involves bulging manilla folder(s) for each month to store receipts/spent cards. In 6 months, I've filled up one of those cardboard storage boxes to the brim.
Jun 1, 2013, 12:50 pm
#1550
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: DL, WoH
Posts: 1,253
Well, you haven't seen my spend habits You'd spend half your day keeping track of it all. And since it's all in motion in the Great Circle O' Spend (here today, gone tomorrow - HTGT), keeping track would be a nightmare.
I just monitor my bank accounts and CC bills online. There's so much activity, I don't pretend to be able to keep track.
My record keeping involves bulging manilla folder(s) for each month to store receipts/spent cards. In 6 months, I've filled up one of those cardboard storage boxes to the brim.
You'd spend half your day keeping track of it all. And since it's all in motion in the Great Circle O' Spend (here today, gone tomorrow - HTGT), keeping track would be a nightmare.I just monitor my bank accounts and CC bills online. There's so much activity, I don't pretend to be able to keep track.
My record keeping involves bulging manilla folder(s) for each month to store receipts/spent cards. In 6 months, I've filled up one of those cardboard storage boxes to the brim.
Jun 1, 2013, 8:43 pm
#1551
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United MP, American AAdvantage, Chase UR, AMEX MR
Posts: 211
A couple of day ago, went to Staples to get GCM branded VISA GC, but I saw a clerk that gave me 'Chase Ink Bold churner' look before, so went to OD. Saw Vanilla GC...tried once, didn't work as expected & haven't tried since yet...then went to OM. I didn't know OM had the GCM branded VISA GC like Staples (too bad I don't have AMEX Biz CC for OM purchases). Anyway, after OM visit, stopped by at a WM on my way back. Tried the default last 4-digit of the card. Didn't work. I had to call and set PIN. Worked as expected.
What is the benefit with AMEX Biz CC for OM purchases? I used the Bold for all office supply stores.
Jun 1, 2013, 8:47 pm
#1552
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United MP, American AAdvantage, Chase UR, AMEX MR
Posts: 211
Jun 1, 2013, 9:27 pm
#1553
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 373
In my area at least, Raley's and Bel Air money orders have a coupon attached for $1 off a $10 purchase (can't use them on another money order though 
). The money orders cost $1 so that makes them effectively free if you shop there. I've used both Metabank and Vanilla cards with no problems.
). The money orders cost $1 so that makes them effectively free if you shop there. I've used both Metabank and Vanilla cards with no problems.
Jun 2, 2013, 2:03 am
#1554
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: ONT
Programs: AGR, UA, AA
Posts: 476
Same. There are tons of AMEX $200 GCs, which are worthless for my purposes, but no $200 Visa/MC GCs.
Jun 2, 2013, 8:04 am
#1556
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United MP, American AAdvantage, Chase UR, AMEX MR
Posts: 211
Jun 2, 2013, 6:27 pm
#1557
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United MP, American AAdvantage, Chase UR, AMEX MR
Posts: 211
Which is better, Chase Bold with 5x for office supply stores or AMEX BIZ GOLD (OPEN Savings) "up to 4 additional Membership Rewards® points OR up to 10% discounts* on eligible purchases with OPEN Savings® partners."?
Jun 2, 2013, 6:36 pm
#1558
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,195
"Eligible" means purchases made online at officemax.com, and purchases made by telephone order and by registered users at officemaxworkplace.com, excluding purchases made at retail location
Jun 2, 2013, 6:40 pm
#1559
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
This clerk and the whole store dunno how to. All others i go to do
Do you need ur points or mr points? Can you get either elsewhere?
Is cash off % worth more than say, that trip you will book with the ur or mr?
Jun 3, 2013, 6:33 am
#1560
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: CO, AA, UA
Posts: 88
OK...any help on this is appreciated. First of all this is not my first Rodeo...I'm pretty experienced with buying the US Bank Visa GC's and then loading to BB. However, yesterday, I ran into my first issue. I purchased 4 US Bank Visa GC's at Kroger, called and changed pin on each one as normal. Ran over to WM to load to BB. I had 3 load with no problem. The 4th would not load. This is NOT due to the kiosk reaching the max load on cards. So I tried waiting 10 minutes and went to register to load...no go. So I gave up, headed home and then returned to a different WM later in the afternoon just to buy a Money Order...when I try to use the card as a debit...it gets declined. So I tried resetting PIN again, still no go. Finally this morning, I went online and registered the card and called the customer service to advise why it keeps getting declined as debit. Of course they tell me because these are not debit cards, can only be used as credit....blah blah blah. Anyone have any real world experience on how to get this to read as a debit even just for a money order so I can liquidate it? Again, this is not a BB issue...it's with the GC itself. Any help is appreciated...^