Are Vanilla Master Cards really a ripoff?

[Dusty Ayres]

The reason I ask this is because I came across a post on another message board decrying these cards as being ripoffs. I've used them before to buy things, and I've hand no problems, but one person at this other board has, and tried to file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of his mother, who got one as a gift, and only bought one thing, but then couldn't buy another. Is the person right to file a lawsuit, and are those thing really that bad?

 

[Amaris]

I have a Prepaid Visa card, and have had one for about 4 years without a single bit of trouble.

 

[sojourner]

Credit cards have flavors now? Can I get Cumin?

 

[propita]

I want cinnamon.

 

[scotpens]

Are Vanilla Master Cards really a ripoff?

I don't know. Do they taste good?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I still don't get it. What are "vanilla" MasterCards?

 

[RJDiogenes]

Somebody gave me a Milli Vanilli MasterCard, but I'm too embarrassed to use it.

 

[Holdfast]

Somebody gave me a Milli Vanilli MasterCard, but I'm too embarrassed to use it.

It's OK. You don't need to actually use it yourself. With a Milli Vanillia MasterCard you can get someone else to use it on your behalf instead...

 

[RJDiogenes]

True. Or I could sign somebody else's name on the receipt.

 

[Holdfast]

An even better line.

 

[propita]

I just came across my Star Trek mastercard. Or was it visa?

Anyway. Never used. Just got because, well, it was a Star Trek credit card. Do I really have to explain?

 

[Locutus of Bored]

I've received them as gifts at work and on Christmas many times before and never had a problem. Which is not to say it can't happen of course, just that I've never had an issue.

I still don't get it. What are "vanilla" MasterCards?

They're prepaid Mastercards. They're basically reloadable gift cards with the added bonus of being able to use them anywhere that accepts Mastercard. There are similar ones from Visa and other credit card companies.

The "vanilla" part just refers to the color of the cards.

 

[scotpens]

So they're not like “vanilla porn,” then.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

They're prepaid Mastercards. They're basically reloadable gift cards with the added bonus of being able to use them anywhere that accepts Mastercard. There are similar ones from Visa and other credit card companies.

Oh. Okay. I've seen cards like that before, just never heard of that term used to describe them.

 

[Kestra]

I find credit card gift cards annoying in general because the ones I've gotten have always needed to be used for the exact amount. It's not like a normal gift card where you can go over and then give another form of payment for the balance, unless you make specific arrangements with the seller.

 

[McCoy]

I had one of these once. I think there is a clause related to balance. They are not reloadable, and if there is a balance on the card 6 months after activation they start deducting a 2.50 "balance fee" every month. If you get one use it right away. If you give one, advise the recipient to use it right away.

 

[SeerSGB]

I had one of these once. I think there is a clause related to balance. They are not reloadable, and if there is a balance on the card 6 months after activation they start deducting a 2.50 "balance fee" every month. If you get one use it right away. If you give one, advise the recipient to use it right away.

Plus depending on the "type" it might not be usable everywhere-- online and brick and mortar, or might require activation in order to use it.

 

[Kirby]

I just came across my Star Trek mastercard.

You should probably wipe it off.

Hey-o!

 

[tau136]

They get a lot of use in the sub-economy (below where folk have bank accounts or any of the accoutrements) and work very well with no complaints I know of.

 

[CorporalClegg]

At the risk of sounding ignorant, is there a credit card that isn't a ripoff?