Vanilla Visa gift card?

[destined]

It won't validate/pass the security checks, even though I registerd the correct zip code. Is there any way I can use my Vanilla Visa gift card online? If not, is it possible to purchase a different Visa/MC/Amex gift card with it (in a retail store), with this gift card?

[PayPal_Adrian]

Welcome to the boards!

At this time, we don't recommend adding pre-paid debit or credit cards, as they seldom pass our stringent security measures. Even if they do, and the payment is later refunded, we're required to send it back to the card - which can be a problem for you if you have since discarded the card.

As for using the card you have to purchase another gift card in store, that will be limited by the terms of conditions of the card you have, the merchant you are purchasing from, and the terms and conditions of the card you are purchasing.  You'll want to check with each.

Thanks!

Adrian

[totalnoob]

I had no idea there could be difficulties using this kind of card with paypal, and used it several times on ebay with no problem.  But, I was issued a refund for something yesterday.  I still have the card.  The refund hasn't shown up and I am now wondering if that is because it's a prepaid card, or if it's normal for the refund not to appear on the card yet.  My paypal account history says that the refund is complete.

Thanks.

[PayPal_Adrian]

totalnoob -

Welcome to the boards!

Sometimes the prepaid cards do work just fine, but most simply don't It sounds like yours is working well, though, so I wouldn't consider discarding it.

As for your refund, the "Completed" status in the PayPal account means we've made the funds available to the card issuer.  After that, it's up to them to credit the card back.  Card issuers allow themselves up to thirty days to credit this amount to the card, even though most are fairly prompt about doing so.  To learn more about how long it may take your card issuer to provide the credit, I would recommend giving them a call.

Thanks!

Adrian

[totalnoob]

I checked and the refund went through. Thanks!

[PayPal_Adrian]

Huzzah!  Glad to hear it went through, and thanks for the update.  Oh, and one last thing - if you do deplete the card, don't throw it away immediately. 

That way, if you do receive a refund after the card is depleted, you'll be able to re-use the card or contact the card issuer to see about a refund.

Adrian

[totalnoob]

Got it. Thank you.