Im just wondering what peoples thoughts are about using gift cards, not just for a tip, but for the donation.

Cash is king.

Why? You are going to need to give a bit more context as to why you want to pay with gift cards instead of cash.

The purpose would be hiding cash flow from so

If the SO is going to notice you withdrawing cash, how are they not going to notice you purchasing a gift card, with either cash or credit?
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There are always exceptions to the rules but in general most providers will not take a gift card as a donation. There are too many games and there is a potential for chargeback. Some apps, like venmo/paypal, will allow you to use a credit card   as an electronic payment but again.... same issue as above.

Im in a business where I give out gift cards regularly so that would be my "cover" rather than having to explain 300 to 500 cash withdrawals

get your hands on discretionary cash that is only known to you, you probably shouldn't be doing this if you have a nosey SO.  Buying gift cards with a credit card still leaves a digital "paper trail."  

Wont he have to explain why he is buying hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards? I dont see how buying GCs would help in that endeavor.

True I guess it would depend on how many times he meets up with the girls

That doesn't make any sense. You still have to buy the gift cards.

Not accepr giftcards for my donation.
In some cases I will accept them for a small deposit.
Had a guy years ago give me a giftcard for my entire donation. I went out of town and didn't use the giftcard.
A week later tried to use it and there was very little $ left.
Lesson learned never again

-- Modified on 3/18/2025 2:13:03 PM

I think for deposit or tip is fine. With a deposit, she has a chance to use, transfer, or verify the value before the meeting. With a tip, it's extra that's not required or expected, so any form of a tip should be fine. But payment is tricky. She runs the risk of it not working or you doing something to deactivate it before she uses it. Only way I see this working is if she makes an acception and if you're okay with sending it to her in advance so she can use it before you have a chance to possibly stiff her.

I could understand that but I would use them for "regulars" who know I wouldn't screw them over.    Cash is king but alot of places people go dont even take cash any more.  

What kind of gift cards? Unless it is a Visa vanilla gift card I am going to say nada.

I usually give Amex or Visa gift cards

Lets presume the $300 or $400 etc gift card wont be canceled and is legit.  My question is given that, would using a gift card to pay be a problem?

I can see a provider accepting a gc from a regular, but only on rare occasion.  It's not a good business decision for them.
Their biggest expenses, like anyone else are rent/mortgage, car, and insurance.  Can't use a gift card for any of those.  

Right.  Cant for mortgage or car note.  But food, gas, Dr bills etc you can.  Hell if you go to a ball game you cant even use cash to buy a beer.  Plus I would say a thief is more likely to take cash and leave the plastic so its safer

Get real. From a providers perspective there is no way the plastic gift card safer than cash. For every place that is card only there are more places that are cash only. Stop deluding yourself, it is a huge ask, risk, and pain in the ass for most providers to take a gift card over real cash. It isn't better in any way. You're dealing with the same BS as everyone else. Don't expect special treatment or accommodation.