Roku wanting a cc number to set up

**Darlene** · 04-08-2011, 10:33 AM

We finally downgraded our cable and were thinking of getting a roku (for netflix) and while reading up about them I see they want a cc# at set up. I don't like just giving my number out because someone wants it on file for "possible future purchases". Sure I could set up a paypal account or give them the info they want but in this day and age where identity theft is so rampant I think it's nuts they "need" this info.
I understand how netflix would want my info because I am buying a service from them but if I buy the roku it's mine & I don't want anything more from them but for the box to work, no special channels, nothing.

Guess I'll be figuring out what plan b is and going with that...

Anyone else think it's not right ?

**Contrary Housewife** · 04-08-2011, 11:16 AM

I dislike having a CC "on file" too. Maybe your bank will give you one of those secured CCs, where you put $50 or $100 into an account and that's the limit on the card.

**elphaba** · 04-09-2011, 02:03 PM

I have a Roku and never had to supply a CC#. I got mine about a year or so ago...maybe things have changed??

**Darlene** · 04-09-2011, 05:14 PM

Yes they have changed, since around the first of the year I think. They aren't even up front about it, they say With these easy steps, you are all set and don't even mention the cc is needed unless you dig for the info. You are kind of held hostage if you ordered the thing and find this out when installing... Could you imagine giving one of these as a gift and the people go to hook it up & then have to give personal info to do so. The whole thing just rubs me the wrong way. I just think they should give people a chance to easily opt out. I shouldn't have to contact customer service and try to talk to someone from another country with a heavy accent to get a way around it.

I've read many good things about these units but Hubby is especially put off by this. "Vote with your feet" is one of his favorite lines. I'm looking at a Sony but they don't thrill me as much as the roku. Darn it!

**Momto5RN** · 04-09-2011, 05:32 PM

did you try calling them and seeing if they dont make you do this ? you never know - my radiology pace says payment is due up front at all the desks and lists all the payments they take ck credit cards etc but they billed me my co-pay for dd's arm xray -didnt even ask me for a CC or debit card before saying they will bill us

**NikoSan999** · 04-09-2011, 07:24 PM

I agree with the call them first before you settle for something that is not first choice...you never know. This is the one you want so explore it first.
Another option and we have one of these for those occasions when credit card is needed is we got at the grocery store a card that can be used as debit or credit. It was 6.95 one time only and to put money on it is 2.95 each time ( which we don't do often so no big huge deal ). So you don't want to put just a few dollars on it. When it's used it's a $1. No information is collected when you start it so they can't get any information out of it. It's not reported to the Credit Bureau. There's nothing out there for them to get.

With something similar you could use it for things like that. Just don't put much money on it. Have to admit, it's come in handy a few times when they want a credit card and as we older ones here know...we don't have any anymore...so other than a couple bucks to start you're good to go since they aren't taking money out of it anyway and it might come in handy at some point..already set up.

**Darlene** · 04-09-2011, 08:48 PM

Thanks for all your advice, I guess for the most part I am just po'd that they are doing this at all, I just want to use the darn thing and shouldn't have to call. Just isn't right.
Thanks again.

**mndtrp** · 04-10-2011, 07:06 PM

Once you get past all of the hyperbole, several people in the following thread said you can contact customer support to set up an account, sans credit card.

Roku Forums • View topic - Credit Card required AFTER purchase?

**sinopa27** · 08-11-2011, 03:43 AM

I don't like the idea of a business having my CC# either. What if the business gets hacked. I remember some time last year that happened and I got several emails saying my information could have been hacked by "??" and they claimed that no personal information was stolen. How do I know if they are telling the truth or not?
I agree with the others that say to call and see if it can be overruled. What do you do if you don't have a CC?