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In these tough economic times, credit cards are harder to come by so I tried out some faux credit card options and they worked.
Main Option: Use a listed credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
Debit Card Option: If your bank uses debit cards from one of the above companies you may be able to use it as a credit card at the EStore. Make sure it has an expiration date and a 3 digit security code on the back in the signature line. At the EStore fill in your name and address as it is registered with the bank. The 16 digit debit card number can also be used as a credit card number. You will not need to enter a pin. The bank will take it from your account immediately but charges the company at the credit card rate instead of the debit card rate.
Gift Card Option: The EStore says that the system cannot handle gift cards, but if you set it up correctly gift cards can be used like credit cards on many online sites. First it has to be issued by one of the major credit card companies listed above. It also has to have an expiration date and a 3 digit security code (the newer ones have these). Find the website address of where you can manage your gift card (some have it on the back of the card, others in the supporting documentation). Go to the website, start an account for the card and enter your personal information, such as your name and address. Now it can be used just like a credit card. However, you can only use it if the remaining balance on the gift card is greater than the payment you are making. Some companies allow you to check balances online for free. It's also good to monitor the card online to watch for deducted fees.
Main Option: Use a listed credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
Debit Card Option: If your bank uses debit cards from one of the above companies you may be able to use it as a credit card at the EStore. Make sure it has an expiration date and a 3 digit security code on the back in the signature line. At the EStore fill in your name and address as it is registered with the bank. The 16 digit debit card number can also be used as a credit card number. You will not need to enter a pin. The bank will take it from your account immediately but charges the company at the credit card rate instead of the debit card rate.
Gift Card Option: The EStore says that the system cannot handle gift cards, but if you set it up correctly gift cards can be used like credit cards on many online sites. First it has to be issued by one of the major credit card companies listed above. It also has to have an expiration date and a 3 digit security code (the newer ones have these). Find the website address of where you can manage your gift card (some have it on the back of the card, others in the supporting documentation). Go to the website, start an account for the card and enter your personal information, such as your name and address. Now it can be used just like a credit card. However, you can only use it if the remaining balance on the gift card is greater than the payment you are making. Some companies allow you to check balances online for free. It's also good to monitor the card online to watch for deducted fees.
