I recently recieved a gift Visa card that had a bunch of interesting information about credit card operations on the back, so I’ll share:
- Resturants and beauty salsons: It’s customary for service-oriented merchants to automatically factor in an additional 25% to cover any tip you may leave on the card. If your total bill, after adding in the additional 25%, exceeds the amount on the gift card, it will be declined. You should ensure your gift card has an available balance that is 25% greater than your total bill.
- Gas stations: If you pay at the pump, the terminal may check to see if you have funds to pay for an amount up to $30 worth of gas. You can avoid this problem by prepaying for your gas inside the station.
- Hotels or car rental agenices: Companies specializing in travel services may automatically factor in an additional 25% to cover incidental charges that you might incur. You should ensure that your gift card has an available balance that is 25% greather than your total bill.