Gift Visa cards for camping and traveling expenses

RollingBnB

Looking for some advice on using gift cards to make online reservations for campsites. Thinking of buying some visa or MC gift cards and use them while out on the road to make the next res. This way if I get hacked only lose whats left on the card. Thoughts?

Homebodyatheart

Some of them have an "activation fee" so your $40 card is now worth $33, or something like that. They also have to be used in a certain time frame or the value drops. Personally I'd avoid them. 

HR_Taly

I'd agree with @Homebodyatheart.  Be careful of the activation fees and monthly maintenance fees that some charge.  And I'm not sure - but I don't know about the fraud protection that these might have.  I wouldn't recommend them.

I have the Chase Amazon Prime card, and I've signed up for the email alerts for all activity.  I swear that thing has ESP.  I feel as if I nearly get an alert each time I use it *before* I hit the "buy now" button!  Maybe it knows me too well

I'd recommend checking into the alert options your current card(s) may have.  Sure, sometimes when I use my card frequently it's a bit annoying but then again, it's a simple delete of an email.  If I wanted to I could set it to "online purchases only", or "only purchases above $xxx" but for now, I've got it opted into all of them.  So I'll know within moments if anyone uses my card, and for how much.  And Chase (I've heard - it hasn't happened to me, touch wood!) is very good about not making you responsible for fraudulent activity reported on your card.

Verna

My Credit Union requires the home zip code to be entered when getting gasoline. They say thieves will try the card first for smaller amounts of gas and then will go back for many fill ups of friends and relatives. I always get a call from the fraud department if I'm driving a lot and fill up more than twice a day. 

RollingBnB

Yes Verna, we have to give Shell our route before we leave. We just are concerned about CC getting stole and card shut off. Getting a replacement could be a nightmare on the road. That's why I'm wondering if anyone ever used a gift visa to reserve a site.

Sharon_is_SAM

Have you considered using a different card for reservations?  We use a separate checking account for travel (ATM use) to avoid the risk of access to our main account.  That way, we limit the damage.  I think JKJenn had a system that she used on the road involving atypical cards.

PhotoJoe

Bank of America, along with Chase has been very good about fraudulent charges and as HR_Taley said.  Set up alerts, I'll normally get an alert standing at the cash register when I make a purchase so you'll know immediately if a card is used.  There also is fraud protection with credit cards where you are not responsible for fraudulent purchases beyond $50 if you report it promptly.  This is not true with debit cards.  So far I have not had a bank hold me responsible for any fraudulent charges and we have had a couple of incidents.  If I remember correctly the bank contacted me about the fraud first.  Depending on how far away from home you'll be you can let your bank know where you'll be traveling so your charges will go through.

Joe

jkjenn

I cashed in airline miles for gas gift cards last year and realized that was a good way to keep safe while on the road. 

jkjenn

Also, if you have a newer phone with Samsung Pay, you can use that at more and more gas pumps, as well as regular pay terminals, not just the Tap & Pay ones.

jgram2

@jkjenn -wait one darn minute! Your T@B flies?!? I want that edition!

Ratkity

Twojgrams said:

@jkjenn -wait one darn minute! Your T@B flies?!? I want that edition!

Only First Class.

ericnliz

@Twojgrams, Wait till 'ya see the new pontoon retro-fit!