Feb 26, 2023, 11:17 am
Last edit by: lowkeyflyer
Carried forward from 2019-2022 thread
As of Nov 11, 2020, Meta gebits are getting declined when used for MO/BP purchases at MC/SD. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. READ the posts in the 2019-2022 thread and add a data point with details. USB and GD gift cards do not seem to be affected.
Prior threads can be found here:
2019-2022: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...19-2022-a.html
Prior to 2019: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...rt-2018-a.html
New to MO: Read this entire Wiki (Click to open) and all posts for some tips before asking common questions. It is best to know what you are doing before you try.
Note: The policy for allowing gift cards as payment for money orders can be more restrictive with certain stores or certain clerks. Just because an employee says there's a new restrictive policy "for all Walmarts" means nothing. There are plenty of cases where the employee is incorrect and the new policy is only regional or store specific.
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Tested Gebit (gift debit) cards:
1. DO NOT WORK - Any Vanilla product affiliated with InComm or ITC Financial Services will not work for swipes over $49.99.
2. See above on Visas issued by MetaBank. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. Follow the posts below for the latest information.
3. MC issued by US bank OR Metabank MC (Giftcards.com) can work, but you need to change payment type to debit before they enter the amount in the register. See below for details.
4. Gdot/sun work but take about an hour to activate.(VGC issued by Sunrise also limited to $99/swipe, same as Metabank issued cards, and Sunrise was available immediately).
5. USB work
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
NEW Limits as of 11/18 - 8K with ID every 24 hours. ID required for MO over 1K.
Some tips for starting out:
All WM registers allow 4 debit swipes per transaction, but YMMV per store and cashier. Refer to cards as Debit cards.
Start slow and buy one MO with one Gebit to see how it works. Refer to cards as Debit, only this community calls them Gebits. Your store or cashier may have rules that other stores do not have, only allowing one swipe per trans or up to 4 swipes per trans. Read all the tips below and all the posts below before trying more advanced transactions. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card. Fee: 1K MO or less is usually 88 cents each, but ask or check the wall. Subtract the fee from the total or pay in cash. If a store says "no", thank them and try again another day with a different clerk.
Helpful details and tips for advanced transactions:
1. Cost: 1K MO fee is usually $1 each(Some states limit MO total to 750 or 950 and may have a different fee). Subtract fee from your total or pay in cash. Can buy two 1K MO in one transaction with 4 swipes for $1 x 2 in most states. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card.
2. Split payment transactions: You cannot successfully swipe more than 4 cards in a single transaction. If the cashier screws up and enters $50.00 instead of $500.00 (thus making it impossible for 4 swipes to complete the transaction), the transaction will need to be canceled. The funds should return to your cards right away but may take 24 hours, so note the time and person helping you. When a transaction is canceled during the trans, the money returns to the cards. If canceled after, the cash reg drawer opens and they pay you back in cash.
3. Split payment: The amount of each swipe needs to be entered by the cashier. Ask to "split the payment by $$$". The Gebit must have current balance of that amount or more otherwise slip with Error 51 will print out. Warning: (YMMV) It appears (my experience on 3 occasions during prepaid card load and buying MO in 2 different WMs) that after the debit card was charged no cash could be credited back to the card. Cashier should issue cash back. Keep the slip and contact manager if in doubt. Remember date, time and register if no slip.
4. Bad Printer: IF, by chance, you've swiped your GCs successfully, a receipt prints but the MO doesn't, make sure to ask to see the receipt and check near the bottom IF it says CHANGE/REFUND with a negative sign before the amount of GCs you swiped, that means the cashier must give you cash refund. Cashier may have to call for the cash dept manager to verify the refund. Some stores may outright give your cash refund immediately while there are others that will ask you to come back. Think twice before you buy MOs while on vacation or when you're in unknown to you territories for issues like this.
5. Kiosk: Very few Kate's can sell money orders anymore.>>>>Sometime 2016, a lot of WM supercenters have done away with Kate (kiosks that allows loading of prepaids/sell $500 MOs). As of today, MOST, if not ALL WMs, have replaced this with the regular slim ATM to check balance/withdraw money. Kates are a distant and pleasant memory now.
6. MCGC liquidation- The cashier should not enter the amount first. Technically they just can't hit enter after entering the amount. Let the CSR know you need to swipe first and switch the payment type to debit, then swipe and hit "Cancel" or "Change Payment" to select "Debit" on the screen, enter the pin and have them enter the amount.
7. SSN/ID entry - Any MO purchases in one transaction at or over $3K requires you to input your SSN. Any MO at or over $1K requires ID input (and ID requirement can also be forced by cashier at any amount).
Debit codes PDF
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/attac...0&d=1461170080
As of Nov 11, 2020, Meta gebits are getting declined when used for MO/BP purchases at MC/SD. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. READ the posts in the 2019-2022 thread and add a data point with details. USB and GD gift cards do not seem to be affected.Prior threads can be found here:
2019-2022: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...19-2022-a.html
Prior to 2019: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manu...rt-2018-a.html
New to MO: Read this entire Wiki (Click to open) and all posts for some tips before asking common questions. It is best to know what you are doing before you try.
Note: The policy for allowing gift cards as payment for money orders can be more restrictive with certain stores or certain clerks. Just because an employee says there's a new restrictive policy "for all Walmarts" means nothing. There are plenty of cases where the employee is incorrect and the new policy is only regional or store specific.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tested Gebit (gift debit) cards:
1. DO NOT WORK - Any Vanilla product affiliated with InComm or ITC Financial Services will not work for swipes over $49.99.
2. See above on Visas issued by MetaBank. New limit appears to be $99 per swipe with some metas at some stores. Follow the posts below for the latest information.
3. MC issued by US bank OR Metabank MC (Giftcards.com) can work, but you need to change payment type to debit before they enter the amount in the register. See below for details.
4. Gdot/sun work but take about an hour to activate.(VGC issued by Sunrise also limited to $99/swipe, same as Metabank issued cards, and Sunrise was available immediately).
5. USB work
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________
NEW Limits as of 11/18 - 8K with ID every 24 hours. ID required for MO over 1K.
Some tips for starting out:
All WM registers allow 4 debit swipes per transaction, but YMMV per store and cashier. Refer to cards as Debit cards.
Start slow and buy one MO with one Gebit to see how it works. Refer to cards as Debit, only this community calls them Gebits. Your store or cashier may have rules that other stores do not have, only allowing one swipe per trans or up to 4 swipes per trans. Read all the tips below and all the posts below before trying more advanced transactions. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card. Fee: 1K MO or less is usually 88 cents each, but ask or check the wall. Subtract the fee from the total or pay in cash. If a store says "no", thank them and try again another day with a different clerk.
Helpful details and tips for advanced transactions:
1. Cost: 1K MO fee is usually $1 each(Some states limit MO total to 750 or 950 and may have a different fee). Subtract fee from your total or pay in cash. Can buy two 1K MO in one transaction with 4 swipes for $1 x 2 in most states. NO variety or design of VISA or MC Gebit's will ever auto-drain at Walmart so always tell them the amount you want to pay per card.
2. Split payment transactions: You cannot successfully swipe more than 4 cards in a single transaction. If the cashier screws up and enters $50.00 instead of $500.00 (thus making it impossible for 4 swipes to complete the transaction), the transaction will need to be canceled. The funds should return to your cards right away but may take 24 hours, so note the time and person helping you. When a transaction is canceled during the trans, the money returns to the cards. If canceled after, the cash reg drawer opens and they pay you back in cash.
3. Split payment: The amount of each swipe needs to be entered by the cashier. Ask to "split the payment by $$$". The Gebit must have current balance of that amount or more otherwise slip with Error 51 will print out. Warning: (YMMV) It appears (my experience on 3 occasions during prepaid card load and buying MO in 2 different WMs) that after the debit card was charged no cash could be credited back to the card. Cashier should issue cash back. Keep the slip and contact manager if in doubt. Remember date, time and register if no slip.
4. Bad Printer: IF, by chance, you've swiped your GCs successfully, a receipt prints but the MO doesn't, make sure to ask to see the receipt and check near the bottom IF it says CHANGE/REFUND with a negative sign before the amount of GCs you swiped, that means the cashier must give you cash refund. Cashier may have to call for the cash dept manager to verify the refund. Some stores may outright give your cash refund immediately while there are others that will ask you to come back. Think twice before you buy MOs while on vacation or when you're in unknown to you territories for issues like this.
6. MCGC liquidation- The cashier should not enter the amount first. Technically they just can't hit enter after entering the amount. Let the CSR know you need to swipe first and switch the payment type to debit, then swipe and hit "Cancel" or "Change Payment" to select "Debit" on the screen, enter the pin and have them enter the amount.
7. SSN/ID entry - Any MO purchases in one transaction at or over $3K requires you to input your SSN. Any MO at or over $1K requires ID input (and ID requirement can also be forced by cashier at any amount).
Debit codes PDF
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/attac...0&d=1461170080
Buying Money Orders at Walmart (2022-24)
Jan 7, 2022, 3:40 pm
#17
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,950
Be careful with the SS's. They will only work at one of my WM's. The WM's where they don't work are MS friendly, but something is different with their software. I've tried over and over again. Not sure what the problem is.
Jan 7, 2022, 8:43 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,692
DP for the board - I bought one of the Sutton Bank cards last week (white pkg with gold writing) and the card was 4118. Was near a friendly grocer so burned it before I got to WM. I (incorrectly?) thought it would not work at WM, otherwise I would have tried it there.
Jan 8, 2022, 5:53 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,447
I have tried Sutton bank VGCs at WM for a MO at the CSC and sadly they didn't work for me. Single DP at a single WM, FYI.
Jan 8, 2022, 8:09 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: DL, WoH
Posts: 1,253
There's a lot of conflicting data here so let me clear things up:
Vanilla visas with expirations greater than 05/29 will have either 4118 or 4097 and are WM friendly. These can be found at various places, but a lot of them have activation times.
i.e. vanilla visas bought at speedway or 7-11 have activation times. Don't purchase them then try to walk across the street and cas-hout. I've had some vanillas purchased at 7-11 that have taken more than 24 hours to activate. Eventually they work.
Conversely, vanilla visas bought at CVS are activated immediately and you CAN walk across the street and cash-out.
Vanilla visas with expirations greater than 05/29 will have either 4118 or 4097 and are WM friendly. These can be found at various places, but a lot of them have activation times.
i.e. vanilla visas bought at speedway or 7-11 have activation times. Don't purchase them then try to walk across the street and cas-hout. I've had some vanillas purchased at 7-11 that have taken more than 24 hours to activate. Eventually they work.
Conversely, vanilla visas bought at CVS are activated immediately and you CAN walk across the street and cash-out.
Jan 8, 2022, 11:50 am
#22
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 87
My usual WM in Tucson just changed over to WU mo. Have other areas started that? They are charging $1 per $500 mo, though the Albertsons and Safeways nearby only charge $.69.
Jan 8, 2022, 11:54 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
I’ve read recently that Vanilla VGC issued by InComm do not support refunds for any fraud occurring with them….and that their CS is horrible and not responsive at all.
Has anyone read, heard or have experience with any of these issues. I only buy them from CVS and have had no problem with fraud but just want to be proactive just in case.
Has anyone read, heard or have experience with any of these issues. I only buy them from CVS and have had no problem with fraud but just want to be proactive just in case.
Jan 8, 2022, 12:08 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
Yes WM MO is $1.00 now in Az. Safeway now cheapest fee but only $500 max. At least WM max is higher.
Jan 8, 2022, 12:17 pm
#25
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,061
I’ve read recently that Vanilla VGC issued by InComm do not support refunds for any fraud occurring with them….and that their CS is horrible and not responsive at all.
Has anyone read, heard or have experience with any of these issues. I only buy them from CVS and have had no problem with fraud but just want to be proactive just in case.
Has anyone read, heard or have experience with any of these issues. I only buy them from CVS and have had no problem with fraud but just want to be proactive just in case.
Last edited by danhouston; Jan 8, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Jan 8, 2022, 1:46 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,447
Jan 8, 2022, 2:02 pm
#27
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
I think the inability to register card at all is the key reason they don’t refund fraud claims…it’s their way of screwing the buyer I guess. Wonder if FTC has any regs about gift cards fraud.
Jan 8, 2022, 3:11 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 87
At the Safeway near me I can do USB vgcs, 2x $500, for $998.62 in mo (+ 2 fees for $1000 total) with 2 swipes. Was doing same at WM but just paying 1 mo fee. But now it’s 2 x $1 fee at WM. Not a huge difference, $1.38 vs $2.00, but with time and volume will add up. And both places equal distance to me.
Jan 9, 2022, 1:54 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Globalist, M life Gold, IHG Spire
Posts: 918
to get a live person, but once I got through it was pretty painless. CSR explained that my card # had been compromised before I even bought the card, so the card was flagged (to keep the thief from trying the number again after I loaded it) and I'd have to have USB mail me a replacement card, for full $500 value.My only complaint was the CSR claimed it takes 14 days for the replacement card to arrive. I sure hope USB is faster than that.
Jan 9, 2022, 4:29 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 238
Yes….USB Visa GC have good refund policy. Have had several cards replaced for fraud. I bought one today and they have added new security features to the package. It won’t take 14 days for new card…I’ve received them in a week at most. I don’t understand how Vanilla can get away with no refund policy tho for fraud. I would imagine that a chargeback to cc would be plausible since a fraud has been committed…both by scammer and Vanilla…and funds are lost.