Gift certificates with option for different amounts

Yes I changed both options. By trying again, I meant using the same GC. If kept the Automatic apply balance set to NO, how does one apply the blance when they want to use it?

Once a coupon gets converted to a balance it cannot be used as a coupon anymore.  It can only be used as stored credit in the customer's account it was added to.

OK, so I assume that the way it works is if you have store credit (GC balance), it must be applied for future purchases until it is used up.

Yes, correct.