EDIT 6: Don't bother unless you are truly bored. No more additions.

Typically, unless a site charges extra fees to me for a payment method, I try to use the method I prefer based on the company I would be supporting.

Maybe I'm starting to feel guilty though. These digital store merchants are working so hard to provide me great deals. Maybe I should be nice and save them money when I can.

Between Visa debit, Google Payments, and Paypal, what would you rank them least expensive to most expensive in merchant fees.

I don't use Amazon Payments at the moment, how do their fees compare?

Working for a bank, I try to use my Visa mostly. I was using Google Payments for awhile, but I think one bundle site was charging me slightly more, it may have been Paypal though.

I dislike Paypal due to an $800 charge back on my account when I was only 17, which was quite a bit of money for me back then. I gave in to using them though years ago due to convenience, but try to avoid so as much as possible.

What is your favorite method of payment? Why?

Thanks for taking the time to read to this. For any that post a decent response, determined by me, will be friend requested and given a link to a private Paper's Please giveaway I'm making for this guy. Being a jobless gamer is rather painful, feel for them sometimes.

I will also create one more giveaway for any other game in the Humble Indie Bundle 12. This private link will also be shared with all the same people.

What game will be picked? That will be determined by those with decent responses, vote for the game from that bundle you want in your reply. I will create both giveaways around this time tomorrow, and they will have no CV requirement. They will last probably until Sunday.

I know I could probably research it myself, but this gives me a chance to be lazy, and giveaway games. Which are two things I'm rather great at.

EDIT:Turns out someone gifted it to him already! So if you reply to this thread vote for 2 games from that bundle. I will create giveaways for the top two. Keep in mind replies that are helpful will definitely get the link. If you're brave, and think you are funny enough to entertain me, humorous post may also be considered. Don't forget to vote for two games though!!

EDIT x 2: Jokes about Sillibird are encouraged.

EDIT X 3: You won't even have to be my friend! I created a group to invite people in temporarily for private giveaways.

EDIT X 4: If you haven't voted, and want to, please vote for TWO games soon. Everyone here now is getting invited. Others will be judged to a bit higher standards ;-)

EDIT x 5: Votes closed, and the winners are! The giveaways will end Friday afternoon around 3PM MST. You can still get an invite, but you have to REALLY impress me with the best comment EVER.
Prison Architect 12
Papers Please 9

9 years ago*

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I've never tried Google Payment or Amazon Payment. I'm using Paypal most of the time, because most online stores support it and it's very convenient. I prefer it over entering Credit Card information on smaller sites, even though I use CC on Amazon.
So far I never had any problems with Paypal, except for one instance when I had to wait for almost 2 weeks for a charge-back - which was "only" for $5, so I was fine with waiting.
About fees: When using my CC with a foreign currency I have to pay a very small conversion fee; when paying with Paypal there's Paypal's internal conversion rate, which is slightly worse than the "normal" conversion rate. So in respect to fees it doesn't really matter if I use Paypal or CC.

Edit: my votes go to Papers, Please and Prison Architect

9 years ago
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Ya, I don't like putting my card out all over the place. Was really afraid of these bundle and third party steam key sites when I first started using them.

Now have done so many transactions with them I'm more comfortable with putting my card info in.

Doesn't hurt to have less exposure though.

9 years ago
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I use PayPal, because it's quick, easy, and reliable.

9 years ago
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Check out google wallet, it is even MORE quick and easy. I've only used it maybe 12 times, so I can't say how reliable. No problems, but have only had problems with paypal once in 15 years or so.

9 years ago
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GW is really reliable, fast and convenient. As I'm buying bundles often, and a lot of time "in pairs" for me and my kids - I would run in problems already, I think, if there were some. And no need to enter your information every time and all over the place.
Problems with Paypal on the other hand? Well, I'm not the one to say - I just don't use it.

9 years ago
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Good to know, will probably be going back to them if it's only one site hitting me with that fee. Then use another method there.

9 years ago
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I think paypal is decent but NOT bill me later. I once used my moms paypal a time ago and it was something small (I think like $5) but I didn't realize it had bill me later selected. Well, long story short she was charged $30 in fees... Reason is, is because they don't say that it's over due until they charge you late fees. Otherwise I like paypal :P

EDIT: I'd vote for Prison Architect (if you are paying $10) and Gone Home. Thanks! :D

9 years ago
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Used bill me later quite some time ago on newegg. Didn't have any problems.

Thanks for voting, and yes I have Prison Architect. I need to start playing it, seems to be in high demand.

9 years ago
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Well you just need to remember you used it that's all. If you don't then you get charged a lot haha

9 years ago
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I would recommed only one way to pay for such thing: PayPal obviously. Never had a problem with this method, it is fast and reliable, fee is small comparing to other methods znd payments are instant.

9 years ago
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I actually like google wallet even more then paypal. Quick, easy, and I believe no logins if you're signed in your google account.

Paypal is accepted by more though.

9 years ago
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Paypal is my preferred choice. They do take out a chunk of fees from the seller so it's on the same level as steam trading cards.
Mayhaps the companies are aware of fees though and just hike a little bit higher price to recuperate from there loss in fees.

9 years ago
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But... I'm trying to save them money! They wouldn't do that to me?!?

9 years ago
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Oh, a giveaway. Welp, I'm a bit late now, already posted my lame and boring comment. :P

9 years ago
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Admitting to your mistakes takes courage, there may be space for you yet!

9 years ago
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Yeah, I was looking at how much Paypal takes in the transaction when trying to decide on a payment method and saw it was something along the lines of 0.30 plus a certain percentage of the transaction. So I tried looking at Amazon payments as an alternative that didn't require credit card info, but they take the same amount as Paypal, so there's not much in way of competition there. I try to avoid using Paypal when its possible based on crap they tend to pull with their users.

9 years ago
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I did for awhile, avoid paypal, but I realized it was more of a hassle. I'll bend over as they take my money, all for convenience I guess.

Good to know the fees are similar. Will probably have to do some research, you're the first to post about fees I believe.

9 years ago
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Ya I read the same after looking in to it a bit. I believe per transaction debit/credit cards can be cheaper for online merchants. Just gathered that comparing paypal vs google and then looking up visa's processing fees.

Volume of business, and I'm sure many other factors have impacts as well I'm guessing.

9 years ago
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I don't know anything about merchant fees. As for what I use, it's a mix of Paypal and Google Wallet, depends on what I buy.

Probably a weird thing to do, but I have an email addy that I use for gaming stuff just about exclusively and that's linked to Google Wallet. I buy games through Wallet when I can.

Every other kind of online purchase I do through Paypal when I can, linked to a different email address.

I already have the bundle so won't be voting, but thank you anyway!

9 years ago
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Nice! I do the same thing with all the por.... Um.... Sites about Portland that require me to put an email address in.

9 years ago
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I use those prepaid visa debit cards that you can buy off the shelf. I mostly only buy stuff off Steam, and there's only a one time fee of $5 to activate the card, so I guess this is my preferred payment method.

9 years ago
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Have used those in the past. Didn't like the one I had because it charged me a monthly fee after a year.

9 years ago
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I never had any real issue with Paypal and I prefer it as it covers things pretty well and the slight delay before it's taken out of my bank account allows me to do some spending earlier than normal.

As far as being broke, yeah I've been there once and I think it's shaped my tendencies with games.

As far as games I'm interested in, mainly Luftrausers. But I doubt it'd win.

(edited)

9 years ago
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Oh come now. That is just mean, we don't have to refer to SB as an it.

9 years ago
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I was talking about Paypal

9 years ago
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I kid. Take me serious rarely. Heck this thread is just to get you all in to a chat room in hopes of a crazy sg cyber party.

9 years ago
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I use Paypal most of the time, because like what others have said, it is quick an convenient. Steam and HumbleBundle accept it, so it works perfectly for me, but I can see how your bad experience has turned you off. Never used any of the other payment methods. I have payed with bitcoin before, but only from using some of those "free bitcoin" forum posts.

So yeah, Paypal is always my way to go.

I have most of the games from the bundle from buying them individually awhile ago, but do not have Prison Architect, so I'd enjoy a giveaway for that. Thanks man, hope my two cents was worth reading.

9 years ago
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Google wallet is really nice if you like quick and convenient. I'm all out of my free bitcoins :-(

9 years ago
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TL:DR

9 years ago
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I had to google that... Then I cried inside.... Just a little.

9 years ago
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9 years ago
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I swear I think someone modified my post and but that there!

Are hackers about?

9 years ago
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I like google wallet more than paypal, it's more simple and fast to me, i don't have to put my pass every time i buy something :P

9 years ago
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I did too, but Bundle Stars was charging me differently with them. So I reverted back to cc/paypal.

9 years ago
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hmm... As I see - Bundle Stars just charge pounds instead of $$, so I have extra 13 cents added to my payment as foreign transaction fee, that's it. And I AM WILLING to pay that small fee for convenience of using Google Wallet with my preferred CC - compared to hassle that using PayPal is. I have a Paypal account since a long time ago, but I could never manage to verify it so I would be able to add CC there, and to transfer money first from my bank every time I want to make a purchase... meh.
And the verification process on PayPal is rather tedious and outdated. Using fax(!) when nowadays everything is digital? Really?

9 years ago
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My account with paypal has been linked up for over a decade I think. Verified my bank account, not if this is the reason, but I'm able to just make instant transfers. Don't have to move funds to paypal first.

Still, I agree completely, Google Wallet is even more simple. Nice, clean layout too. I never have to enter a password/credit card info, so I'm not worried someone taking me phising. I didn't look in to it too much, but stopped using it until I figured out if other sites were doing it as well.

9 years ago
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Btw, I vote for Gone Home & LUFTRAUSERS, already have all the rest :P

9 years ago
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9 years ago
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Nice, informative AND finally found a pick of Sillibird!

9 years ago
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I never used google wallet. I like paypal because it's, i dont know, simple. Also I got from them a free coupons, first 15€ and second 10€, so i received 25€ from them as gift.

The only two games that I'm interested in this bundle are Papers, Please and Prison Architect.

9 years ago
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Free coupons!?!

9 years ago
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i use the amazon, i rarely buy the hb but when i do its the fastest way to do it without the need to transfer to my paypal acc the cash first :)

9 years ago
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I really need to check it out. I never keep money in my paypal, just transfer from my linked bank.

9 years ago
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iDEAL for payments within my country and Paypal for international transactions, since credit cards aren't so popular here and Paypal is easy for me to put money on via online banking. It's the second most used payment method on websites, aside from credit cards, so I can't even be bothered with workarounds.

9 years ago
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Looks pretty good! I'm in the US though. SWIM will say though, Netherlands imports have rarely disappointed.

9 years ago
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I'm usually using my Mastercard. no fee's so far that i noticed.
i should move to Paypal since it's more secure, but the card is insured so...

Papers, Please, if you can

9 years ago
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Definitely, want to vote for a second from that bundle?

9 years ago
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I use mostly a credit card to buy games...but I have used paypal but... I'm not 18 so there is a chance that when I get to the limit they will freeze my account...so i try to use credit card....But for you I recommend paypal because it's easy, safe and secure thing to use and a lot of places support it(Most of them support credit cards also but then you will give them your credit card information...but with paypal they shouldn't see it(Not 100% sure)).

9 years ago
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I wouldn't be too concerned if I use credit, not my money, and it's pretty well protected against fraud.

A little more cautious with debit though, because I would prefer not to have my cash compromised, and have to wait to get funds while it is resolved.

I've been debating opening a 2nd online only account, just keep slacking on it though.

9 years ago
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I use a visa debit card to buy in steam, in humblebundle i usually pay with BTC from coinbase or with paypal... but im really distrustful of paypal because of chargebacks...

Never used google or amazon payments, no idea if they are good or not...

Luftrausers and gone home are the games im missing of this bundle :)

9 years ago
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Nice, some non Prison Architect votes!

9 years ago
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i dont have prison architect either but i dont see prison architect as part of the bundle since its more expensive... :P

9 years ago
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Haven't tried Google but Paypal charges 2.5% as currency conversion charges. So it is costly when paying in a different currency.

As for the games. No preference.

9 years ago
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Ya, my debit card hits me with 3% with currency conversions.

9 years ago
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Did you manage to get your $800 back? :O I'm sure there's a story behind that :D

As for which I use, I use Paypal for everything online, simply because it's convenient, since I haven't bothered setting up Google Payments, and I'd rather not use my bank card online :)

Oh, and I'd never even heard of Amazon Payments :O

EDIT: Definitely gonna vote for Prison Architect and Race The Sun :D Been meaning to get PA for a while, but just haven't had the money to spare :P

EDIT x2: "Insert intelligent and highly amusing joke about how many threads Sillibird makes"

EDIT x3: But I like friends :O

9 years ago
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Nope. I worked at Best Buy at the time, and picked up a bunch of video cards that I knew were selling for quite a bit more than my discounted price. Grabbed 4.
1st mistake. Sole them all together.
2nd mistake, shipped to an unverified address.
Pricey lesson at that age :-(

9 years ago
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Ah, that's awful :/ I thought you could dispute a chargeback with the postage ID or something though?

9 years ago
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I'm note sure. I did quite a bit of research, and I pretty much did everything wrong in the transaction. It was a charge back by the credit card company due to fraud, and back then, I believe paypal holds you responsible if you didn't follow certain precautions.

9 years ago
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Ah right :/

Well at least it taught you to be much more careful in the future xD

9 years ago
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Ha, if only I learned lessons that easily.

9 years ago
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For all the online purchases, I try to use Paypal only. reason behind it:

  1. Convenience is one of the big factor. Have my bank account connected and can just login and pay for anything.

  2. If you get into a bad purchase, you can always go through Paypal's dispute resolution center. This gives you a double protection.

I actually buy a lot of different things as I like to try out many different products and am kind of gadget freak (I have 3 special toasters to make different kind of toast designs). With all these purchases, Paypal's resolution center helps a lot as it has saved me multiple times from losing money when I got a bad product and the seller made sure not to help out and rip me off money. I was able to put in a dispute with Paypal and get my money back.

If I am buying something at a physical store, I always use my Credit Card. Reasons:

  1. Easy to use plus I get points for using my card that I can redeem later for money in my account or gift cards.

  2. If something happens, you can still dispute a payment with the Credit Card company. Not 100% foolproof, but still helps.

  3. I always always use my credit card for Car rental. Don't have to pay Car insurance for the rental as the Credit Card covers it. So even if I get in an accident with the rental car, I don't have to pay anything.

9 years ago
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Ya, I can't hold a true grudge against paypal. If you follow their guidelines to protect yourself, you are pretty safe. I was a youngin, and new to paypal selling, so I did not....

As long as you pay the credit card off each month, to avoid interest, I would say that's the only way to shop!

9 years ago
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I have been trying to pay my credit card balances every month. Could not do that for some time when I lost my job and did not get a new one right away. But getting back on track. Have reduced my debt to about 30% in last 6 months after getting a job.

9 years ago
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Very nice! I paid mine off for a good 7 years. Built up awesome credit, had 6 credit cards, and they kept raising my limits. Had a decent job making 52kish a year. Got tired of working, and after a particularity large commission check after an insurance open enrollment, 12k, I quit my job. Started domain buying, running websites, and spending like I was still making 52k a year. Back then they were more lenient on balance transfers, so I just kept moving the balance around to the next promo offer. When I needed cash I would balance transfer to a card that had no balance, to get them to send me a nice check. After about 3 years of that, I started getting notices that my debt is too high to qualify for balance transfers so could no longer move it. Couldn't open new ones, and hadn't worked in so long, that it took me forever to find a job. Needless to say I'm hoping to hit my SOL in the next couple years.

9 years ago
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Good luck with getting to a point of Zero Debt. I did not have that much debt, plus I moved to US only 7 years ago and was a student for a better part of my stay till now. So I racked up some debt on my credit cards but never went all out crazy.

I hope to be zero debt by end of this year. But then again, I already know of a couple of big expenses that I am gonna have in next 1 year that would bring me back into debt even larger than what I have.

First expense would be to go to India to see my parents (almost $2,000 for the flights alone. and the gifts etc for friends and family members is separate). Plus I might get married next year (traditional Indian style arranged Married) and that would increase my expenses again.

But overall I am happy to be in the position I am in. Still working on building up a good credit score, but it does take some time and till now I would say I am at a point where my score can be categorized as Ok to Good range but not very good. Slowly but surely I'll reach that point too.

9 years ago
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Good luck with that arranged marriage, hope you're as lucky as the lucky lady :)

9 years ago
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9 years ago
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Can't even get the voting right, can you? You vote for TWO games!

9 years ago
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9 years ago
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