When the kind folks at VISA asked if they could send me a gift card to try out the new VISA Checkout option that’s now available with many of my favourite online stores, I eagerly agreed.
Because: shopping.
I have mad shopping problems and my personal VISA Infinite credit card is so well-used that I have it memorized. But because I hate the idea of saving my credit card information at every store because of potential security issues, the checkout process takes longer. Punching in my name, address and card information every time I check out takes time away from, well, more shopping. The end of all that was in sight with VISA Checkout.
First, you create a profile on the VISA Checkout homepage. Easy. We’re talking 30 seconds.
Then, add your credit card or VISA gift card to your profile. And you can add as many as you like, which is nice for us bloggers who often get paid in VISA gift cards!
Time to shop. When I learned that Staples was having a VISA Checkout promotion ($20 off every $100 spent, on from now until May 12, 2015), I popped over through VISA Checkout’s retailer portal, which took me straight to Staples.ca. Here, I stocked up on some goodies to keep the kids busy once school’s out — should we find ourselves with a rainy day or three:
Checkout was a breeze. I just hit the “VISA Checkout” button as my payment option, signed into my account and confirmed that the information was correct. Payment complete. Shipment confirmed.
The majority of my order arrived within two days, though I’m still waiting for one final item. And considering it’s been eight days since I ordered it, that’s a bit of a drag.
Oh, how I wish that was the only downside.
I was so excited by my overall experience at Staples that I decided to head to Old Navy‘s online store next. I spent a good 45 minutes carefully selecting summer clothes for both of my kids. Again, I headed to the checkout and selected the VISA Checkout option. But after signing in and confirming my information was accurate, I just couldn’t seem to check out. Every time I tried, the screen refreshed and asked me to complete payment. But the VISA Checkout option was now gone. So it was either enter my personal credit card info or say goodbye to all the stuff I’d picked out.
Hm, I thought. Let’s try a different store using a different browser. I switched from Chrome to Internet Explorer and signed in again on the VISA Checkout homepage, then went to GAP.ca. I nabbed a great pair of pants that were on sale, a cute straw fedora for Miss Q and a pair of flip flops for The K Man. At checkout, I selected “VISA Checkout,” entered my log-in details and hit “Place Order.” It was processing! YES!
Nope.
This time, I got an error message. But at least I got a message!
Hm, I wondered. Let me check my gift card balance just to be sure there was as much available on it as I thought. Back to the VISA Checkout homepage I went, but — alas — there isn’t a way to check my balance here. Bummer.
So, it was off to VISA’s Gift Card Store, which is a great place to check any the transactions made on it — for free. Turns out I still had more than enough remaining to cover that GAP purchase. Phew.
Finally, I strolled over to lululemon for another try. I picked out some gorgeous cropped pants that would surely get me back into my yoga practise, and attempted to check out with VISA Checkout. Just like the name suggests. It seemed promising as I went through each step successfully.
Then another error message.
I take to my smartphone. Because VISA Checkout works on a laptop, tablet or smartphone. So it has to work this time. (Right?)
Wrong. I give up.
Whether it’s buggy at my end or VISA’s, we’ll probably never know. But one thing’s for sure: I didn’t spend my paycheque. This week. And, hey, I can always do more shopping at Staples.
Want to win your own VISA Gift Card? I’ve got $100 up for grabs. Enter here.
Yuen C says
I would use it for Cineplex!
Yuen C says
I would use it for Cineplex!
Andrew P (@apham17) says
I would use Visa Checkout at Cineplex
Andrew P (@apham17) says
I would use Visa Checkout at Cineplex
Lori L. says
That’s too bad it didn’t work well for you! I’d probably try it as I am weary of using my credit cards unless absolutely necessary. I’d shop at Chapters or Sephora!
Lori L. says
That’s too bad it didn’t work well for you! I’d probably try it as I am weary of using my credit cards unless absolutely necessary. I’d shop at Chapters or Sephora!
Cheryl says
I’ve never used it, I’d use it for old mavy
Cheryl says
I’ve never used it, I’d use it for old mavy
Cheryl says
I’d use it for old navy
Cheryl says
I’d use it for old navy
Lee-Ann says
I haven’t tried it – but I definitely would. Maybe at Cineplex first?
Lee-Ann says
I haven’t tried it – but I definitely would. Maybe at Cineplex first?
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
I would try it at cineplex. movie night anyone? 🙂
nanasharron says
I would like to try VISA Checkout for the security and convenience 🙂 Many thanks
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
I would try it at cineplex. movie night anyone? 🙂
nanasharron says
I would like to try VISA Checkout for the security and convenience 🙂 Many thanks
Jasen H says
I would give Visa checkout a try. Unfortunate that the service seems to have so many issues right now. I’d use it at Newegg.
Jasen H says
I would give Visa checkout a try. Unfortunate that the service seems to have so many issues right now. I’d use it at Newegg.
Stacy Scott says
I would love to try it out and would use it at CIneplex.=) Awesome!
Stacy Scott says
I would love to try it out and would use it at CIneplex.=) Awesome!
kristen visser says
this would totally come in handy at the Cineplex!!
kristen visser says
this would totally come in handy at the Cineplex!!
Jenness M says
I would use it amazon.
Jenness M says
I would use it amazon.
Darlene S. says
No doubt Old Navy, we shop there A LOT
Darlene S. says
No doubt Old Navy, we shop there A LOT
Nicole Jubleew says
I would definitely try Visa checkout. I’d use it everywhere.
Nicole Jubleew says
I would definitely try Visa checkout. I’d use it everywhere.
Tricia Cooper says
Sure, I would try VISA Checkout — I’d use it at Ticketmaster!
Tricia Cooper says
Sure, I would try VISA Checkout — I’d use it at Ticketmaster!
Judy Cowan says
I would love to try it out and would use it at CIneplex.
Judy Cowan says
I would love to try it out and would use it at CIneplex.
Mary Gaudet says
I would get my movie tickets using Visa Checkout!
Mary Gaudet says
I would get my movie tickets using Visa Checkout!
aly3360 says
I’d love to try the visa check out. I’d probably use it at old navy, as I shop there pretty often – or la senza since i’ve had so many problems checking out on their site!!
– amber y
aly3360 says
I’d love to try the visa check out. I’d probably use it at old navy, as I shop there pretty often – or la senza since i’ve had so many problems checking out on their site!!
– amber y
Juliee Fitze says
I would like to try it not sure what store yet depends on what I need at the time.
Juliee Fitze says
I would like to try it not sure what store yet depends on what I need at the time.
MrsWhite says
I would definitely try Visa Checkout! Most likely at Beyond the Rack – Amazing deals all the time 🙂
MrsWhite says
I would definitely try Visa Checkout! Most likely at Beyond the Rack – Amazing deals all the time 🙂
Holly says
I shop at staples a few times a week, so I’d definitely use Visa checkout there!
Holly says
I shop at staples a few times a week, so I’d definitely use Visa checkout there!
Gene d says
I would use it on amazon
Gene d says
I would use it on amazon
Krista M says
I would definitely use Visa Checkout for the convenience it offers (plus the bonus of no line-ups at the movies!) Mostly I’d use it for all our concert tickets at Ticketmaster!
Krista M says
I would definitely use Visa Checkout for the convenience it offers (plus the bonus of no line-ups at the movies!) Mostly I’d use it for all our concert tickets at Ticketmaster!
ivy pluchinsky says
I’d use it at cineplex.
ivy pluchinsky says
I’d use it at cineplex.
Athena says
I’d use it at cineplex.
Athena says
I’d use it at cineplex.
Olivia says
I’d like to try out Visa checkout. Hopefully it would work where I do most of my online shopping – Amazon.ca!
Olivia says
I’d like to try out Visa checkout. Hopefully it would work where I do most of my online shopping – Amazon.ca!
Jenny Major says
I would use it for cineplex
Jenny Major says
I would use it for cineplex
Danielle Floyd says
I would like to use this at Tim Horton’s
Danielle Floyd says
I would like to use this at Tim Horton’s
Bailey Dexter says
I would use it almost everywhere, so easy to use!
Bailey Dexter says
I would use it almost everywhere, so easy to use!
andrea amy says
I think I would use it for cineplex! Movie night 🙂
andrea amy says
I think I would use it for cineplex! Movie night 🙂
caroline m. says
I would use it on amazon
caroline m. says
I would use it on amazon
Julie Bolduc says
I’d checkout at Walmart
Julie Bolduc says
I’d checkout at Walmart
Julie Bolduc says
I’d like to try the visa checkout at Walmart
Julie Bolduc says
I’d like to try the visa checkout at Walmart
Amy Heffernan says
I would use it to go to the movies with my family!
Amy Heffernan says
I would use it to go to the movies with my family!
nicolthepickle says
I was thinking of Old Navy, but after your experience, yikes!
nicolthepickle says
I was thinking of Old Navy, but after your experience, yikes!
Lori Jackson says
I would use it for Cineplex….nothing worse than antsy kids that just want popcorn and to secure a seat…….in the back row as always lol
Lori Jackson says
I would use it for Cineplex….nothing worse than antsy kids that just want popcorn and to secure a seat…….in the back row as always lol
Carol Denny says
I would use it for the movies.
Carol Denny says
I would use it for the movies.
Vesper Meikle says
I would try it for online shopping – Amazon first probably
Vesper Meikle says
I would try it for online shopping – Amazon first probably
Rebby says
I’d use the Visa checkout to shop online, for sites like Amazon!
Rebby says
I’d use the Visa checkout to shop online, for sites like Amazon!
billiondollarprincesss says
I would use it at Forver 21
billiondollarprincesss says
I would use it at Forver 21
billiondollarprincesss says
I would use it at Forever 21
billiondollarprincesss says
I would use it at Forever 21
nomnombearinyvr says
I would try visa check out at cineplex!
Jeannie Lam
nomnombearinyvr says
I would try visa check out at cineplex!
Jeannie Lam
Cody Pfoh (@CodyPfoh) says
walmart 🙂
Cody Pfoh (@CodyPfoh) says
walmart 🙂
JaimeeM says
yes! i would definitely use it for well.ca and amazon – canadian tire
JaimeeM says
yes! i would definitely use it for well.ca and amazon – canadian tire
Lushka Smith says
Yes, I’d try it out and would use it at Amazon.ca.
Lushka Smith says
Yes, I’d try it out and would use it at Amazon.ca.
Josh S says
I would like to try it at cineplex. Hopefully I don’t run into the same problems you had.
Josh S says
I would like to try it at cineplex. Hopefully I don’t run into the same problems you had.
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
HOME DEPOT i got reno work up the ying yang lol ty for the chance
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
HOME DEPOT i got reno work up the ying yang lol ty for the chance
newfiechick72 says
I haven’t tried it yet, but would try it at Cineplex.
newfiechick72 says
I haven’t tried it yet, but would try it at Cineplex.
Belinda McNabb says
I would start off using it at cineplex
Belinda McNabb says
I would start off using it at cineplex
Carole Dube says
I would use visa checkout at cineplex and many other place!
Carole Dube says
I would use visa checkout at cineplex and many other place!
Florence C says
I would use it at Old Navy.
Florence C says
I would use it at Old Navy.
Glogirl says
I’m not sure I would try Visa Checkout. I don’t like the idea of my credit card info being stored on line.
Glogirl says
I’m not sure I would try Visa Checkout. I don’t like the idea of my credit card info being stored on line.
Suzanne G says
I would use Visa Checkout and the store I would use it at would be Lululemon’s.
Suzanne G says
I would use Visa Checkout and the store I would use it at would be Lululemon’s.
Wendy hutton says
I haven’t used Visa checkout but would use it on amazon or walmart
Wendy hutton says
I haven’t used Visa checkout but would use it on amazon or walmart
JodiMitro says
I would love to try Visa Checkout at Staples! I could spend $100 there for fun and that was a great promotion you hit up! Thanks for a great, honest review and awesome giveaway!
JodiMitro says
I would love to try Visa Checkout at Staples! I could spend $100 there for fun and that was a great promotion you hit up! Thanks for a great, honest review and awesome giveaway!
Jodi Mitrovic says
Sounds like a great idea but seems to still have some bugs to work out! Great Staples promotion though! I can’t spend $100 at Staples for fun! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Jodi Mitrovic says
Sounds like a great idea but seems to still have some bugs to work out! Great Staples promotion though! I can’t spend $100 at Staples for fun! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
Raji.K (@BinderKaur2) says
I haven’t used Visa checkout, however will give it a try at least. Where is the question, perhaps Michaels! Cheers
Raji.K (@BinderKaur2) says
I haven’t used Visa checkout, however will give it a try at least. Where is the question, perhaps Michaels! Cheers
Raji.K (@BinderKaur2) says
I haven’t used Visa checkout, however would give it a try. Where is the question, perhaps at Michaels. Cheers
Raji.K (@BinderKaur2) says
I haven’t used Visa checkout, however would give it a try. Where is the question, perhaps at Michaels. Cheers
beewbedard says
We havent used them yet but would love to try it at cineplex
beewbedard says
We havent used them yet but would love to try it at cineplex
Karla Sceviour says
yes,I would use it when shopping online,at amazon 🙂
Karla Sceviour says
yes,I would use it when shopping online,at amazon 🙂
Anita H. says
I would try Visa Checkout at Staples
Anita H. says
I would try Visa Checkout at Staples
Sara says
I would definitely try visa check out. I too hate entering all of my info all the time. I would most likely try it at a childrns store – like Carters
Sara says
I would definitely try visa check out. I too hate entering all of my info all the time. I would most likely try it at a childrns store – like Carters
Jenn says
I’d try it – probably on Staples since I know it works there. 😀 I have the same issues with trusting websites to store things like my credit card so checkout is always a long process.
Jenn says
I’d try it – probably on Staples since I know it works there. 😀 I have the same issues with trusting websites to store things like my credit card so checkout is always a long process.
selena says
I have the same worry as you, I HATE to leave my credit info on file anywhere!Would love to give it a try
selena says
I have the same worry as you, I HATE to leave my credit info on file anywhere!Would love to give it a try
Mishelle says
I would use it for my daughter who buys all sorts of stuff for her anime costumes from places I don’t really want to use my regular visa… Did you know you could get a bright neon purple wig?!?! Who knew!!
M
Mishelle says
I would use it for my daughter who buys all sorts of stuff for her anime costumes from places I don’t really want to use my regular visa… Did you know you could get a bright neon purple wig?!?! Who knew!!
M
Mishelle says
I’ve learned that with those kind of visa cards (visa’s bought at a Wal-mart for example) you have to spend the balance left over all at once exactly or it won’t work. I had a walmart cashier explain it to me when my daughter got one last christmas and left $2.50 on it instead of spending it all. She said that some were very picky and you had to spend it all in one shot or almost exactly that amount with the second. She was right… I spent it on a $2.45 e-book on amazon but had to try a couple times as the $2.15 book wouldn’t go through even though there was more than enough there.
Mishelle
Mishelle says
I’ve learned that with those kind of visa cards (visa’s bought at a Wal-mart for example) you have to spend the balance left over all at once exactly or it won’t work. I had a walmart cashier explain it to me when my daughter got one last christmas and left $2.50 on it instead of spending it all. She said that some were very picky and you had to spend it all in one shot or almost exactly that amount with the second. She was right… I spent it on a $2.45 e-book on amazon but had to try a couple times as the $2.15 book wouldn’t go through even though there was more than enough there.
Mishelle
lori novak says
No, I haven’t tried the Visa Checkout yet but I plan to the next time I am online shopping. Glad to hear a non biased review of it like you gave us!
I am sure Visa will work out the kinks over time!
lori novak says
No, I haven’t tried the Visa Checkout yet but I plan to the next time I am online shopping. Glad to hear a non biased review of it like you gave us!
I am sure Visa will work out the kinks over time!
Belinda McNabb says
I would use visa checkout at cineplex
Belinda McNabb says
I would use visa checkout at cineplex
Michelle L says
I’d use it for home depot….renos
Michelle L says
I’d use it for home depot….renos
Suzi says
I’d like to try Visa Checkout – personally I’d use it at Reitmans!
Suzi says
I’d like to try Visa Checkout – personally I’d use it at Reitmans!