Dont get fooled, even by Capital One - There is a lost cash cost to any card - I am not arguing about hypothetical "value", just lost cash cost to acquire a point....................................
I see people rushing to Staples to get "free" gift cards - the real cost is higher than people think
200$ card - "Free" = 1000 points - but the card can not be deposited to your bank account for free - it has to be spent where Visa cards are accepted
When liquidated A 200$ card still loses you 5$ in lost cash (it is not the same as 200$ in your bank account) = 0.5c cost for a UR point = minimal cost
If you are payig a 7$ fee to get this card = cost of a UR becomes 0.5+0.7 = 1.2c total, NOT the great deal that people think it is
You make ome good points.
If you read the MS Forum you will discover ways to buy money orders with certain Visa Debit/GC and then you deposit the MO into your checking account. There is a learning curve but many do it successfully. So free indeed except for your time.