MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC TV) - If you rack up on gift cards this holiday, resist the urge to buy stuff with them.
You might be able to use those cards to pay your bills.
Consumer Reports' MoneyAdviser magazine reported some companies, like cellular service companies and certain retailers, will accept bank-issued gift cards that bear major credit card logos as bill payment options.
The key, MoneyAdviser suggested, is asking your creditors if they will accept what's called a SPLIT-TENDER TRANSACTION.
All that means is combining more than one form of payment, like your gift card plus a check or credit card.
Remember, this should only be tried with bank-issued gift cards that bear either a Visa, Mastercard or American Express logo.
Also, don't expect to be able to pay off your entire bill with the gift card alone. You'll have to request the split-tender transaction.
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