Thanks for the info JB - I stand corrected; I should have said Safeway Stores instead of Kroger's.

As I said in my follow-up response, I went to another Alberstson's store 20 miles away from the previous Alberston's store and I was able to pay using my cc (Amex) to purchase two $475 variable load VGCs - so, I'm not sure why the first store assistant manager told me that I could NOT use my cc to purchase VGCs.

I will continue to use the 2nd store for future VGC purchases using CC. Thanks!