Originally Posted by
Vip4me
I just go directly to the vendor I am buying it from after I click on an ebates link.
The OP is discussing buying discounted gift cards for retailers, not buying full-price gift cards directly from retailers.
If the OP wanted to maximize their return, they would purchase the discounted gift cards, then use those to pay for an order after shopping through ebates or a mileage/points earning portal.