Looks like you might be right. Different store and card, no problem. Also, used the denied card the day before at a CVS. Rookie level mistake on my part.

I quickly give another credit card, and it goes through, some have asked the cashier to run the same card again.

No problem last night at my local CVS for my second $1,009.90 purchase in two weeks. (2x$500 Vanilla Prepaids plus fee). Manager authorized use of Amex CC right away. I have also combined this purchase with a $990.90 GC purchase the same day at a different CVS.

"Alternative payment method required" almost always happens if I get more than 2k per day on a Chase card, and they need to call to clear it up. But otherwise, just a second swipe often works. I don't know why that would be, but it often is for me. The same cards almost never require a re-swipe at other stores.

On the plus side, that's the first time we've heard "the law has changed" as an excuse for why they couldn't take a CC. I'd gotten pretty tired of, "we got a memo from headquarters."

Mike

Yeah Chase flagged my account and I had to call after I picked up $1k worth of VRs at CVS the other week. Annoying.

Same here but it was back to back (24 - 48 hrs ) transaction.
One call and all cleared up.

Curious as to which "law" this is....

You know...the law that says CVS can't take credit cards anymore. Congress just passed it.

Just bought two VR along with a B-day card I needed for my son's birthday and the clerk says "Oh, that's a nice birthday present!". I said "Yes. Yes it is.":)

If it's true, that blows...oh well, $1 more for Vanilla GC then.

Tried use the Fidelity AMEX last night right before the closing time of 10PM, got the "Alternative payment method required", but my card some how gets the fraud alert all the time on this card. Supposedly, senior manager fixed it...I guess I'll go find out.

So I went, there was no problem what-so-ever buying a VR with a CC, Fidelity AMEX in my case.

<implied facepalm>

:D

Do nothing congress finally did something.....;)