Complaint / Review
Wells Fargo Cardholder Services
Wells Fargo - Visa Gift Card -Beware 20%, 15% and $50.00 HOLDBACKS Nationwide

I received a $100.00 Wells Fargo Visa Gift Card for Christmas from a generous friend. My husband and I went to a local restaurant where the bill came to $98.00. I presented the $100.00 Wells Fargo Visa Gift Card to our waitress (along with a $20.00 cash tip), but she informed us the Card was declined. I immediately called the 1-877-855-8719 telephone number on the back of the Card and I was told the card has a $100.00 value; however, they declined our purchase because a 20% HOLD is applied for restaurant purchases and we were attempting to spend more than 80% of the total value of the Card.

Nowhere on this card does it state there are any type of HOLDS or restrictions. According to Cardholder Services of Minnesota (who issues the Cards) the following rules apply to the Wells Fargo Visa Gift Card:

20% HOLD Restaurant
The Card cannot be used for the full value at a merchant that requires a tip, i.E. Restaurant, bar, beauty salon, nail salon, etc. You can use up to 80% and they put a hold on 20%. Then, after 3-7 days the remaining balance can be used.

50% HOLD - Gas Pump
My $100 Wells Fargo Visa Gift Card cannot be used for more than $50.00 at the gas pumps. Then, after 3-7days the remaining balance cam be used.

15% HOLD - Hotels, Car Rental Companies or Catalog Purchases
This Card cannot be used for the full value at hotels, car rental companies or catalog purchases. You can use 85% and they put a hold on 15%. Then, after 3-7 days the remaining balance can be used.

$2.50 MONTHLY FEE
The fine print on the back of the Wells Fargo Visa Gift Card states: Beginning in the 13th month after activation, a Card fee will be assessed monthly against the unused balance of this Card. Other fees may also apply. Who knows what the other fees may be, but there will be a $2.50 monthly fee so don't save up to use on a big ticket item!

Who would have ever guessed that when you receive $100.00 gift card that you can't use it for what you want, when you want and how you want. What a consumer rip off! To avoid possible embarrassment to others, I am sending this to everyone I know. The thought of giving gift cards is a great idea; however, with the above restrictions, I think I'd think twice before purchasing.

If this is the way all gift cards work, don't bother giving to me because I'd much rather have a hug and a kiss!