So I was able to test out my post earlier about using Ink effectively at Kroger. I tried the variable ones but just on the low end. I needed to make a purchase at target so I grabbed a $150 Kroger store GC with my Ink at their fuel station (to confirm 2x points) and then used that to get a variable GC from inside the store. Went through regular checkout line (not self checkout) and had no issues at all. It does say gift card was used to pay on the receipt but you have to look for it and since they can't really visually see you swipe the card (machine blocked by register stuff) it should be fine as long as they don't go crazy inspecting your cards in detail.

Although it's moving more money than at staples, if you can do the 500's then you end up with the same points per out of pocket fees as you do at office supply.
And since the 2x is not the same category as 5x it doesn't hurt your office supply annual amounts at all