Buying resistors on line without credit card

[SpareRibs]

Hello,
Where can I buy resistors on line with a money order instead of as credit card ? Radio Shack only has 2 Watt at 1 ohm. Norvac has nothing in the way of audio parts.
I hate living near Salem. The best advice anyone can give here is, hit the I-5 and drive until you get to Portland.

[The Dude]

This may or may not help you out, but I believe you can setup a PayPal account without a credit card using only your bank account. I understand that many don't like PayPal, but if you have no aversions, it would also save you time. You could pay immediately and not have to wait for the company to get your check. Of course you'll have to see if your vendor(s) accept PayPal.

[Enzo]

Whatever one's dislike for credit cards might be, they are nonetheless the currency of online transactions. I use paypal for some things, but many places do not take paypal.

If you don't want or can't handle or can't qualify for an actual credit card, a debit card acts like a credit card where you shop, but acts like writing a check at your bank. Ask at your bank about debit cards. if you don't have a bank account, you ought to look into getting one. I have banked at real banks and at Credit Unions for well over 50 years. I prefer my credit union, they have done well by me. I get no charges per check for written checks or online payments. I could also get a debit card on my account, but I have so many credit cards I don;t need one.

There are also secured credit cards. That is a credit card where you deposit money into the account then spend it with the card. So ther is no loan involved, no actual credit extended. it is just another form of checking account but there are no checks. There is nothing to have to qualify for, since you have deposited the money up front. I don't know who issues them offhand, but should be easy to find. If you go that route, look at their fees first. Some treat you fairly, others tack on fees like at ATMs.

[The Dude]

^^^^^Agreed. Also, if you have poor credit (not saying you do), a prepaid card is a good way to begin to establish credit.

[Zozobra]

Get a paypal and look at places like bitsbox and tayda

[Tom Phillips]

You can also buy a "Gift Card" such as the one shown at https://www311.americanexpress.com/B...rademark-Exact

They are available over the counter at local stores. It is basically a pre-paid credit card but there is no bank account involved at all. You just buy it with cash and you can load it with various dollar values. If you don't use it all buying resistors then you can use the remainder to buy other things at local stores, gas stations etc.

[John_H]

I've been using a prepaid debit card for online purchases, and payments since '03. I don't leave much cash on it. If it is ever hacked, it wouldn't be a big loss.

[J M Fahey]

You can also buy a "Gift Card" such as the one shown at https://www311.americanexpress.com/B...rademark-Exact

They are available over the counter at local stores. It is basically a pre-paid credit card but there is no bank account involved at all. You just buy it with cash and you can load it with various dollar values. If you don't use it all buying resistors then you can use the remainder to buy other things at local stores, gas stations etc.

FWIW a few months ago my Son was in California visiting Family and used his Argentine Debit Card all over the place with no issues , he just swiped it for anything, billed in U$ of course, and I paid it here in Argentine Pesos, exchanged at the official rate (which is lower than buying US Dollar bills on the street).

It worked everywhere, from Taco Bell to Target to Barnes and Noble to anywhere else ... except, as Murphy's Law dictates, at Guitar Center where he fell in love with a Jazz Bass.

After much testing and groaning, it looks like GC does NOT take Debit cards of any kind, not even USA ones, period, at least in Orange County.

Boy, was he depressed !!!!!
And being Debit instead of Credit, he could pay for anything, no limit, (as long as I replenished it here) but not get actual U$ bills in his hands.

Until he went to nearby Target and bought a Gift card covering the Bass and a nice strong case , plus assorted small stuff , strings and such to cover the balance.
Worked like a charm.

What I'm not sure about is that they can be used online, afaik they are good just for "cash" purchases, but I may be wrong.

[Tom Phillips]

...he went to nearby Target and bought a Gift card ...What I'm not sure about is that they can be used online, afaik they are good just for "cash" purchases, but I may be wrong.

I have successfully used gift cards on line such as at Amazon. However, each vendor handles gift cards differently and it can be more complicated than using a regular credit card on line. Now when I receive a gift card I uses them up a quickly as possible to just get it over with. Buying gas uses them up quickly.

[Leo_Gnardo]

It worked everywhere, from Taco Bell to Target to Barnes and Noble to anywhere else ... except, as Murphy's Law dictates, at Guitar Center where he fell in love with a Jazz Bass. After much testing and groaning, it looks like GC does NOT take Debit cards of any kind, not even USA ones, period, at least in Orange County.

Funny thing, the deeply in debt and much-in-arrears Gutter Center doesn't want to take on the merest possibility of a dodgy transaction. Just one more could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. OOF! Glad your son found an instrument he likes, a way to pay for it, & hope he's enjoying it thoroughly.

[g1]

Now when I receive a gift card I uses them up a quickly as possible to just get it over with. Buying gas uses them up quickly.

Also be sure to read the fine print as there may be a time limit on the card.
I forgot about a gift card, and when I found it again (in my wallet ), it was no good, even though I had never used it. Turned out, after 6 months, there was a monthly "fee". So even though the card was still before the expiry date, the money was all gone.