I received a Wal-Mart Visa Gift Card from somebody for Christmas. The card states that it can be used any place that Visa debit cards are accepted but cannot be used at any place that requires a PIN. What exactly does this mean? It looks just like a regular Visa credit or debit card but it does not have my name on it. I have been wary of using the card because I'm just not sure if I can use it any old place that has the Visa sign up. When checking out and they ask "Credit or Debit?" should I state credit and run it that way? Will it work that way? If I state debit, every place will ask for a PIN, no? Has anybody ever received and used one of these before?
You never have to use a PIN at stores, even if it is a debit card. Just tell them it's credit and it will be fine. I hardly ever punch in my PIN number, I just tell them to run it as a credit card and sign.
Sounds like you have a Visa gift card more so then a Walmart gift card. Just pretend its a credit card for which you will never receive a bill.
True dat. Using your PIN at a store counter is a big security risk. The stores default to "debit" because they don't get hit with the high transaction fee, but you sacrifice a bit of privacy and security. Always select "credit".
When you shop at Wal-Mart, use it like it's a regular credit card. No need to enter a PIN or sign anything. I received a Visa Wal-Mart card last year for Xmas. It means that you can use the card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. However, if that place REQUIRES a pin (and you can't use the credit option), you can't use the Wal-Mart card since it's a gift card and obviously there's no PIN number with it. Hope that helps.
You can use the card like a regular credit card. But, if the place store, restaurant, or whatever requires a pin number then you can't use it.
Well I have never had that happen with a credit card (PIN use required) but thanks a lot. That clears it up.
Just to reiterate, use the advice that SirCharlesFan posted. If asked (by a person or a machine) whether it's a credit or debit, say or select credit.
