Originally Posted by
puchong
And then they get you on the exchange rate they use to convert your prepaid card to their local currency - BINGO
Originally Posted by
FormerLurker
But presumably the scam conversion fee isn't as high as 20%, so theoretically you're still ahead. So my question is: where are you able to get the gift cards at a 20% discount? The last time I remember seeing that was several years ago during COVID. Is that still an ongoing promotion somewhere?
Not my experience! My Marriott gift cards get exchanged at rates almost identical to the XE rate, sometimes even in my favour. I’ve been lucky enough to use gift cards almost exclusively since 2020 when Marriott started selling them at a discounted rate.
The most recent promotion was in Dec 2023 when lots of people received emails inviting them to buy up to $3000 worth of gift cards at 20% off. (It was posted here somewhere.) I had lots of friends/family members that had the offer so I was able replenish my stash.
Edit:
discussed here. Start at post #293.