Originally Posted by
air360
So I was able to test out my post earlier about using Ink effectively at Kroger. I tried the variable ones but just on the low end. I needed to make a purchase at target so I grabbed a $150 Kroger store GC with my Ink at their fuel station (to confirm 2x points) and then used that to get a variable GC from inside the store. Went through regular checkout line (not self checkout) and had no issues at all. It does say gift card was used to pay on the receipt but you have to look for it and since they can't really visually see you swipe the card (machine blocked by register stuff) it should be fine as long as they don't go crazy inspecting your cards in detail.
Scaling this up will be difficult. The gas station employees don't like "large" amounts (and large to them is tiny to us). I tried to get one to load $490 on my Kroger GC and the CSR immediately refused due to the amount. She later said her system at the gas station wouldn't allow that large of a transaction and I'd have to go inside, but I have a feeling that was just her way of getting rid of me and not an actual limitation.
Does anyone know what the max transaction amount is, if any, for a Kroger GC load/reload at the gas station?
Some other observations:
- The Fry's gas stations I've been to do not sell gift cards of any type. One fuel station employee told me he couldn't reload a Kroger GC (that I bought in the store) and to go in the store. The second fuel station employee (different location), described above, was willing to do it until I told her the amount. Though I haven't completed a transaction yet, unless the second employee was mistaken (to even ask what amount), they do have the capability to reload GCs.
- There is a GC design with the Kroger gas station logo and a gas can. I suggest using this. Some employees don't seem to realize they can work with Kroger GCs, but might be more willing to figure it out if they think it's a "gas card" instead.
- Again, Kroger GCs are reloadable.
- The terms on the back of Kroger GCs do not prohibit the purchase of VGCs. The only prohibitions are "lottery, money orders, Kroger Co. gift cards, or other products prohibited by law." VGCs are not Kroger Co. gift cards.