AMEX Gift Cards and Xstreet RISK API problems

First off, I understand quite well that it takes time for LL to fix problems, especially with payment methods. I recently acquired a $25 AMEX gift card from my Aunt, and I was going to buy $20 worth of lindens from the standard Exchange. Now, regarding AMEX gift cards, they don't work(Apparently). I searched for a solution for this, and came Upon JP's Answer, dated 2007. <- This is not ok. I am in dire need of lindens for my uploads, especially since I am very into Sculpties.

So, moving onto the Risk API, I went to xstreet to try to purchase Lindens. No Dice.
"We're sorry, you can't purchase lindens at this time, etc"
Back around December of 08, I tried resolving this with what at the time was a completely third-party company, Xstreet. With the LL acquirement of Xstreet, I was hoping that when I came to the site today, this would be resolved.

Regarding where I get money for most of my uploads in the first place, I luckily have friends with at least some cash to spare.

Not only is being classed by the Risk API as Fraudulent, or whatever the hell it has classified me as, an insult, it is downright disgusting. I love SL, especially becuase it is not only a video game, but a creative outlet where I can actually USE WHAT I CREATE DIGITALLY.

And second off, for AMEX to be listed as a payment method, and then have gift cards be broken, is absurd as well!

Is there any way I can get around this? I'm really short of lindens ($L94), and I'm running out of them fast. I'd mooch off of my friends, but let's be frank, I want to buy things as well, and as we all know, the linden economy can be very pricey.

Any help with this would not only be appreciated, but would be highly welcomed as well. Thank you in advance,
Foran Luik


Edit: Also paypal is really confusing and I'm not sure on how to add the funds from my card to it

LL has pretty much stopped accepting gift cards and prepaid cards of all types. The rumor is that these cards are not tied to a verifiable address and billing statements aren't mailed out, and therefore they could be used by minors to establish themselves as PIOF and access adult content.

PayPal also has problems accepting prepaid cards.

What I would do is use the Amex card for current RL expenses, instead of drawing the same money out of your bank account at the ATM. Then transfer that money from your bank account to your PayPal account.

Then send the money from PayPal to XStreet.

Then buy your $L

Transfer them to your in-world account.

And tell people who are sending you these worthless gift cards to do it the old fashioned way...tell them you only take cash or checks.

Yeah, that seems like the only way... Alright, thanks for your help. Wish LL would find a way to fix this :{

Here is a thought...

1. Instead of using your Bank ATM or Bank VISA card to make a purchase at a store (grocery store, electronics store, etc)...use the Gift Card!
2. This allows you to save your money in your bank account!
3. Transfer money from your bank account to Paypal
4. Profit...er purchase your L$!