Questions about buying a giftcard. (to get a packer)

[Wilhelm]

I've tried finding information about it, but it seems to be something that is so obvious that nobody mentions it. But when buying a giftcard in a store, do they put the money in it right there. Lets say you pay them, 5 dollars and you want them to put 20 dollars on the giftcard. Can you pay 25 dollars and they will fill the giftcard with money for you?

Also I'm just using the amount of money as an example, the currency where I live isn't dollars I just used it because I think that's most people on here are familiar with. So the giftcard doesn't cost 5 dollars. Anyway, I feel like I'm making this more complicated then I need to.

[Sam-]

The giftcards come in increments, like there are $25, $50, $75 etc giftcards, so you take that up to the register and then pay the fee for the giftcard itself (usually like five bucks) plus the amount you chose, and then they activate the card and the money is on it.

[Epi]

Sometimes when I'm in a hurry I've purchased prepaid VISA cards at the grocery store that have predetermined amounts ($25, $50, etc...), I don't recall ever being charged an extra $5 though to purchase these VISA cards (or ebay giftcards, oo ebay.)

[Sam-]

Oh yeah, I was talking about the VISA type ones. I didn't even think about ebay/amazon ones.

But I've always been charged five or six bucks for them, all the brands I've seen have had that extra charge. I'm jealous that you get ones that don't have that! lol

[anibioman]

visa gift cards cost like 4 dollars themselves plus the amount you want on it, there is usually a $20 minimum. some visa cards are preset amounts like $25 cards. so you get one bring it up to the cash register they scan it ask "how much do you want to put on it?" you tell them "$20" they say "your total is $24" you give them the money and you go on your merry way. im not trying to be annoying im just trying to give you a good description.

[Wilhelm]

The giftcard here costs about 5 dollars (I looked it up) and then you pay how much money you want on the giftcard. So that's how things work here, I've never heard of one where you just pay for the amount you want on the giftcard. That seems much better though. :/ Oh well.

Thanks for the answers, I'm pretty sure I know how it works now.

[Renate]

Does Amazon sell packers?

There are three kind of gift cards:

• Visa, Master Card or American Express gift cards in fixed or variable denominations, fees of $4-$6.
• Green Dot reloadable prepaid cards, fees of $5. Top-ups cost $5 unless paid by direct deposit.
• Store cards (Amazon, Macy's, various restaurants, etc). These are tied to the company and have no fee.

[dmx]

I've bought Visa and Mastercard ones and they both come in predetermined amounts. Like $25, $30, $50, $100, etc. Just pick the one you need.

On both of mine there was a $4 activation charge. The company has to make money off it some way.

So the price is whatever amount displayed on the card plus $4 (may vary by location).

[Sharky]

Wow I have never noticed that there was a fee.