# Will the subscription software accept payment from nameless "gift" debit cards?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [March 21, 2004, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530 "2004-03-21T07:16:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530/1 "2004-03-21T07:16:23Z")

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And by “nameless,” I mean those gotten without an individual’s name printed on it or associated with it (I’m assuming you have that option, but even if not I think it might be worth using just for peace of mind, since the card is not tied to any bank account).

I asked this question in the subscription announcement thread, but I’m pretty sure it’ll get lost in all the discussions and questions, and I wanted to give this its own thread to introduce this option to people concerned about anonymity and giving out credit card/bank account numbers.

You (meaning readers or mods/admins) can read about these cards [here](http://www.usa.visa.com/personal/cards/visa_gift.html).

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530/2 "2004-03-21T09:06:11Z")

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From the FAQ of the very site you cite:

> [@](#):
>
> **Q. Can I use my Visa Gift card for online or phone purchases?**  
> A. Yes. You will need to be sure that your name, address, and phone number on file with card-issuing financial institution is exactly the same as the information you give to the merchant. If the information is different, the purchase could be declined. You can check or update your profile information at your card issuing financial institution’s Web site, or by contacting them using the toll-free number provided in your card materials.

So, one would buy oneself a VISA debit card in one’s own name with $4.95 on it (if you’re only gonna use it just this once for the SDMB). Then you use it to register with the SDMB using your real name and address. Yes, that means the SDMB will know your real name and address, but, they won’t have a credit card number that can be hacked and used to ring up a huge credit card bill that you’ll receive in the mail and give you a heart attack.

Peace.

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**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2004, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530/3 "2004-03-21T17:53:30Z")

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Ed just posted in the subscription discussion thread that he thinks they can be used, but he’s checking to make sure. He’ll probably post the answer there once he finds out for sure.