Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Beginner December 2018

Tipping With Amex Gift Cards

Megan, on April 11, 2018 at 6:06 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 13

Saved

Flag
Hide content

Hi all!
I was wondering if it is ride to tip vendors with gift cards. My company each year issues our bonuses in Amex gift cards. This is naturally going to occur 2 weeks before my wedding (December 29th). I was wondering if it's rude to give my hair stylist a 20% tip on a gift card, as well as paying my friend whom is playing the violin with one as well. If my company issued my bonus in cash I would just directly apply it. However I get $2,000 in Amex gift cards and am just trying to figure out how to apply it to last minute wedding expenses.

Cheers!
Meg

Flag
Hide content

13 Comments

Latest activity by Brittany, on April 11, 2018 at 12:21 PM

Beginner December 2018
Megan · on April 11, 2018 at 6:07 AM
Flag

Hide content
*rude Not ride. Oi autocorrect.
- Reply
Master June 2016
Sarah · on April 11, 2018 at 6:10 AM
Flag

Hide content
I’m not a fan of this. I personally believe vendors should be tipped in cash. I might be the UO though.
- Reply
Beginner December 2018
Megan · on April 11, 2018 at 6:12 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
I was feeling the same way! But someone mentioned using gift cards to me and I was like.... hmmmm.
- Reply
Expert June 2018
Tiff Rusnak · on April 11, 2018 at 6:33 AM
Flag

Hide content
So I think (this worked a few years ago) you can use the Amex gift card to buy an Amex prepaid card with a pin (works like a debit) You can then use that pin enabled card to get a money order at Walmart and then deposit money order into your account. Takes maybe a couple hours, but I had to get 1000 bucks off of one of those before lol
- Reply
Expert June 2018
Tiff Rusnak · on April 11, 2018 at 6:34 AM
Flag

Hide content
Takes about 20 minutes if you just do the whole thing at Walmart
- Reply
Beginner December 2018
Megan · on April 11, 2018 at 6:36 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Omg that would be amazing!!! Going to look into this. Thanks so much love!
- Reply
Devoted November 2017
Rea · on April 11, 2018 at 7:09 AM
Flag

Hide content
I tipped most of my vendors with an amex gift card. I simply provided the receipt with the amount and in case they had problems cashing it out. Some I gave restaurant gift cards to after doing a little research on their likes. I included the gc in the thank you cards and gave to my doc to disburse along with final payments. The vendors were very pleased evidenced by them sending me a thank you card for being thoughtful.
- Reply
Super June 2018
Future Mrs M · on April 11, 2018 at 8:16 AM
Flag

Hide content
The only gift cards we are giving is to the bridal party... restaurants, shopping. Other than that we felt cash was more suitable for vendors.
- Reply
Devoted September 2018
LizzyG · on April 11, 2018 at 8:45 AM
Flag

Hide content
I think cash is more appropriate for vendors.
- Reply
VIP May 2018
FutureMrsR · on April 11, 2018 at 9:24 AM
Flag

Hide content
I would prefer cash or a check. Can’t pay rent with a gift card, and you shouldn’t burden them by making them cash that out and such.
- Reply
VIP September 2018
Happy Hedgie · on April 11, 2018 at 9:47 AM
Flag

Hide content
I think cash would be more suitable (and likely preferred) by vendors.
Can you use the gift card for living expenses like groceries and use the cash you would spend on that for tips instead?
FH and I were on the fence about getting a hotel room for the wedding night. We realized we had a bunch of credit card reward points saved that we could use for groceries. So, we decided to use those and then put the grocery money towards the hotel room. In the end, we didn't spend any extra money so it was an easy decision.
- Reply
Beginner December 2018
Megan · on April 11, 2018 at 10:04 AM
Flag

Hide content
View Quoted Comment
Oh that's a great idea! Thanks so much for all the feedback, I'll definitely be tipping in cash and using the giftcards for other expenses!!
- Reply

Master April 2019
Brittany · on April 11, 2018 at 12:21 PM
Flag

Hide content
I think I'd be okay to tip your friend playing the violin with a gift card, but not the hair stylist. I'd give her cash for sure.
- Reply