Comments on: Watch Those Expiration Dates on Rebate Cards!

By: jack c

jack c — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:21:00 +0000

One other thing you want to watch out about gift cards is that some stores won’t let you use it for clearance sale items. Macy’s gift card is like that. You pay real money to buy a gift card to give to your gf, but she can’t use it like real money. What a ripoff! So whenever my credit card company asks if i want the %1 reward in check or gift card, i always go for check.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:50:55 +0000

Here's a tip that helps – a little. Write the balance of the card on the card with permanent marker. When you use some of the balance, write the new balance on the card. That way, you always know for sure when you remember to use it. I also store the cards right next to my credit card, so when I go to pay, I'm more likely to see it. I lost money on those cards too. I'd rather get a paper check.

By: cherilynn stone

cherilynn stone — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:18:24 +0000

It really pays sometimes when you read a lot. Thanks!

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:29:18 +0000

Good advice from Stacey…..lol…..spend it right away! Oh, by the way, most rebate cards I've received expire within 90 days.

By: TFB

TFB — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:29:41 +0000

A good way to deal with a rebate prepaid debit card is to use the entire amount to make a one-time payment toward your phone bill. Phone companies usually accept debit card payments. As soon as you receive the card, deplete it. Then you can forget about it.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:50:50 +0000

A rolling gift card gathers no moss. Guys, you have to spend like a woman!! Blow it in one place!! Go wild!! Use leftover balances on gas–even if it's for the lawnmower! There's no reason to carry a balance my friends

By: LOL

LOL — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:23:00 +0000

JLP: Thanks for the reminder! I have two of those AT&T rebate cards hidden in my wallet. And yes, they are a real pain — especially when you have merchants that can't split a purchase over more than one card. I'd prefer a paper check any day over these things.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:01:10 +0000

It is the same thing with gift cards and check cards. My ex-wife got our daughter some check cards for different reasons and they took money from those things left and right. It turned out that everytime you checked the ballance on it over the phone it would deduct money. It also lost money monthly for keeping up the balanece. I do not like either of those at all. The really bad thing about gift cards is that a lot of places won't give you cash back if you have to return an item, instead it goes back on a card.