While it is not efficient, I do believe it is objectively the best way to maximize non-SUB returns. Buying BHN VGCs at Staples/OD for 5x then translating that 5x over to WM.

one walmart used to carry a ton of vanilla cards, all have disaapeared. This walmart still have secure spend mastercards, not sure if they can work in wm to load money or get MO. The other nearby walmart still has vanilla stock. What is going on? Anyone experincing this?

Likely a temp situation at that branch. It happened to me a while back at the branch closest to me. No more vannis. I have to admit a good deal of it was because of my purchases. :p I slid over to the Pathward Incomms until the vannis were restocked.

I'd stay away from MCs. Not worth the hassle.

Anyone else getting longer than normal activation times on SS VGCs and Vanilla VGS purchased at WM? It's been my experience over the last few months that funds are available in 2 to 4 hours after purchase, but the last week or so it has taken 6 to 24 hours on most of the cards I have bought.

1 hr lag still worked as usual for me yday

I finally received the replacement cards from InComm and it took around 6 weeks after I called them and emailed them the documents.

By what metric?

If you call instead of checking online, the voice system will inform you where you are in respect to activation. Next time, try calling about 50 min after purchase timestamp, and you will hear it tell you your card will be ready in xx minutes. Then try again a few minutes after an hour.

As danhouston cited, and hour is normal.

Hi - any advice? I just tried to make a purchase of a $190 money order (for actual spend) using a $200 visa gift card at the Walmart Money Center, and was about to swipe when the cashier stopped me when she saw the card was a gift card and said no gift cards for money orders. Do you think I should:
A) try again at a different Walmart?
B) try again at the same Walmart another time (with a different cashier)?
C) avoid money orders and try to load at regular checkout to Discover checking?
D) any other tips?

Wondering if this is just a local thing (Virginia) or how common that’s the rule and/or enforced currently

A. Yes
B. Yes
C. Unless you find a cashier at a checkout that willing to do it for you. Sometimes they just told me to go to MC.
D. Do A-C at another time. You will find a cashier that doesn't care.

Both the online and voice system had been down the last 36 hours. I made multiple attempts. I'm aware how to check the balances. The VGCs in question were declined repeatedly at the 4, 8, and 24 hour mark after purchase. Customer Service didn't have an explanation why, but just said to try again. They finally work about 36 hours after purchase.

You are looking for the "Buying MO at WM" thread. This is the wrong thread for what you are asking. The purpose of this thread is to discuss the types of VGCs that are sold at WM.

I'm having issues with loading Vanilla VGC (pathward/incomm) at WM. Tried two different WMs. Error 'Debit not available'. Anyone knows about this?

What's the first 4 digits of the card? Did you wait at least an hour after purchasing VGCs? Any problems checking balance online?

4097 5810. Yes, purchased few days ago. No, says active and funds available.

This has happened to me a few times. It always works the next day or next time I try to liquidate. If you see the same problem again I would give incomm a call.
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