Just a few days after I posted I had no trouble buying 2.5k, 1.5k and 1k, I went back to buy 1.5k. The cashier said he was new wasn't sure how to load these. Before I could offer to help, he took the cards, waltked a few steps to the CS counter and asked the two store staff there how to do it. I presume both were managers of some sort - just on the basis of demeanor and apparent seniority but have no hard facts to back that up. One asked how much I was loading, he said three cards, one mgr said no problem. The other said, with something of an attitude, 'he can't use a credit card for those'. The cashier came back, said sorry, no can do with your cc, only cash. Said they'd had lots of fraud. So, I wasn't going to push it, said I don't carry that kind of cash. and just paid for the couple of grocery items. Left and went to another nearby Kroger, bought 1,5k, paid for wtih CC and had no problem.

So, I think the rumors have a good chance of becoming fact sooner rather than later. Will it be Feb 1? No reason not to believe what the other poster said, but I'll be sure to try again Feb 2, next time I'm there. Fingers crossed that there may be a very limited window in early Feb before all stores and cashiers are up to speed, but I'm not holding my breath.

Will be very sad to see this avenue go if it does. It's been very good for a few years.