I received a "mytreat GIFT CARD" as a birthday gift in Sep 2009.in May or so of 2010 I made a purchase of some tools without any issues. I then took them back and bought another set of tools which was more to my liking. I had expected to just pay the difference in cash. However the store credited the "mytreat GIFT CARD" and as we all are becoming aware of debits can be made instantaneously, while credits take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks to be credited back. So I ended up paying cash for the new tools.
About a week or two later, I went to another retailer and attempted to use the card assuming that the credit went through and the card was now back to the full value. At the till when the card was swipped, it was rejected.
I then called the number on the "mytreat GIFT CARD" and the person who I believe was not Citizens Bank told me that if was rejected because there was insufficient funds on the card. I asked him how much was on the card and the amout was about $14 less than I thought and was told that after seven months they help themselves to $2 per month. I asked the agent where is says that they take $2 per month and he said on the web. The web does not explicitly mention the fees. I understand that the fee is on the paperboard that the card is stuck to when it is new.
When I said that I was fed up and just wanted the cash, I was told that you need to buy something. If your first purchase does not get the card down to zero balance you need to look at the website to get the balance and then spend accordingling to zero out the card. If you ever take anything back, I strongly advise that you direct the merchant to credit the amount not to the "mytreat GiFT CARD" but to a regular VISA credit card!
In addition the word GIFT CARD is confusing as there are laws in Ontario regarding gift cards however I believe the wording is 'mall gift cards", which apparently this is not. How convenient that the terminology is so close. I called the Ontario Gov't dept of consumer relations and they told me to call the feds. I called the feds and they told me to call the provincial govt
So at this point have decided to freely share my story of dissatisfaction with this card, and am contemplating contacting my MPP oR MP as this card is a RIPOFF if it inot consumed before the $2 per month charge kicks in.
I did contact Citizens bank in Vancouver and they gave credited a few dollars back on to the card.
So this holiday season don't bother with this one. Too much fine print and you could be creating headaches for a friend or loved one!
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