Why is there sometimes a problem using a BBVA Compass Visa Gift Card at a restaurant, even though there is enough value available on the Gift Card to cover the bill?
The most frequent cause of this problem is that the restaurant requests authorization for an amount that includes not just the bill for food and beverages, but also the food server’s anticipated tip. For example, the restaurant may increase or “up charge” the food/beverage bill by 15% – 20% when requesting authorization for any card transaction. Restaurants use this “up charge” is to assure that, if a tip is put on the Gift Card, there will be sufficient value available on the Card to cover the total of the food/beverage bill plus the tip. However, even if the restaurant requested and received authorization for a higher, up-charged amount, only the amount shown on the final signed receipt will be deducted from the value on Gift Card. This problem is most likely to occur when the food/beverage bill is about 75% to 100% of the value available on the Gift Card balance, and less likely to occur when that bill is 50% or less of the available value.
Related Questions
- Why is there sometimes a problem using a BBVA Compass Visa Reward Card at a restaurant, even though there is enough value available on the Reward Card to cover the bill?
- Why is there sometimes a problem using a BBVA Compass Visa Gift Card at a restaurant, even though there is enough value available on the Gift Card to cover the bill?
- How can I check the remaining value available on a BBVA Compass Visa Gift Card?
