this is the KEY. when I 1st used the GC Overseas in April they swiped it like they did all the CCs via their computer and it didnt take, then he went over to the Cashiers cage and swiped it via a reg CC machine and instant presto it Took it.

When I checked out of the same Hotel a couple of weeks ago, with a different person behind the FD, I tried to explain what they had to do but they knew better. In the end they listened to Me and added the 4 before swiping it (Thanks to whomever posted about that somewhere) and I was on my way.

So make sure that the GC at least outside the US is swiped in a reg CC machine and remember if it doesnt take to tell them to 1st key in the #4 before actually swiping it.

GLAD it all worked out in the end for the OP

I didn't have any issues using my GC at the Ren CC in London. So they are definitely usable, assuming the staff at the hotel in question will take them. :(

My only minor issue was that they couldn't see the balance, so the front desk person asked if the balance was enough to cover the charges. I said yes, they gave the card a quick swipe, and no issues.

Congratulations on dealing with gross incomptenence, and perservering.

Glad it all worked out for you. And if Nancy in customer service should happen to frequent FlyerTalk, a special thank you to her too!^

Yes I have sent Nancy several letters of thank you including one to her supervisor as I think she was key in getting this resolved (at least at the Preston Marriott anyway)

Many thanks to all of you with you suggestions. All of those combined helped me get my point across and eventually what I needed.

On another note, they did not have to enter a 4 before swiping. The only time they had to enter a 4 was when they typed it in manually.

do gift card expire?
 

We bought gift cards last year during the special promotion but forgot about them until just recently. Do they expire? We are planning an extended trip to Costa Rica in January and will use them then, but need to know before we try to use them. At that time they will be about a year old. Thanks

I did the exact same thing. I can not find the answer. I am hoping someone here will answer.

If I recall correctly, the cards for the earlier promotion had a "renewal date" (look on the back next to the "account number", above all the fine print) in 2010.

POOR VALUE if you use them outside the US
 

Visa processes them as a credit card and charges a 3% fee.
Does not make sense, since they are prepaid cash cards!

I object to that explanation of their charges!

:mad::mad::mad:

That's a currency conversion fee.

VISA charges 3% currency exchange (conversion) fee (like the AMEX 2% fee) on all foreign currency transactions. If you use the card overseas for a bill in other than dollars, you will incur a currency conversion fee.

If you paid the hotel bill denominated in a foreign currency with dollars (cash), the conversion would be at the hotel's posted cash conversion rate, which is usually closer to 8% to 12% depending on the property.

I've used the card overseas to pay a bill denominated in dollars, and was not charged any fee by VISA.

Marriott vacation card
 

I'll be spending a week in Cancun on an award stay at the Hilton property. However I have a Marriott vacation card with several hundred dollars and would like to use it for restaurant dining at Casa Magna/JW Marriott--is this possible--to use card even if not staying at one of the Marriots? Thanks for your help.

Marriott gift cards can be used in Marriott properties for restaurant and spa purchases even if you are not a guest at the hotel.

you should try the lobster buffet at the JW. I think it is sun,wed and fri.

You can use them if you don't check in - it is just a normal purchase which is covered under the T+C.
The lobster buffet was soo good, but I think the combination of that and a day or Dos Equis left me hurting the next day.

Thank you very much