Ethics or no, I think if the company lets you do a thing like this, then so be it. In fact, I bet they like it in most cases. I mean, who's to say that, upon your first visit to store or company X, you had no intention to do this for mile gains whatsoever!

Here is my speal for supporting the idea:

If that company has a problem in this area, then that company needs to reassess and change its own policies and laws. But maybe THAT costs them too much too!

So, maybe you can let them know about the hole, or just go on collecting... I bet you find no one in there who cares anyway, and tattle-taling on this would ruin it for others who do NOT intend any harm but like an earning every once and a while.

I went to Home Depot and bought $500 worth of tiles to do a floor. Used a miles-earning debit card and PIN and I will earn miles on this purchase.

Did the job and brought back what I did not use. They gave me cash back as this can be done when you used a debit card and have your receipt on you. Since you can get cash back on such debit cards, you can also essentially get cash back on returns involving them as the original purchasing method. I actually had no idea but I like it. I earned so little, however, it should hardly matter.

Now, getting 'cash back' in the way we all normally know it does not earn miles, but this little twist or hole in the system seems to allow that very thing--currently. And if it is 'currently' the law or policy, then ask yourself this: Is it unethical to take advantage of that law? I dunno. I am no lawyer.

A side-example is this: Currently, if you go get cash back at the grocery store, you do not have to pay fees that you might have to pay at a foreign bank's ATM. Everybody knows this, but in a way you have found another legal way to 'beat the system.' And who here wants to blow THAT whistle!?!?!?

SO, seriously, is beating the system considered unethical or just something you are smart enough to take advantage of while it exists in law?

Think tax returns here, people! If you realllly know the laws and read everything, you can find many legal ways to save money and NOT even break any new or old laws in doing so! It is not always publicized but it is available to all who care to save or earn out there. (The rest are lazy)!

So anyway, the stores that give you back cash on returns (or rebate coupons which you send in) are the ones who either let this stuff happen. They either could care less or know no better right now. Or, they may think this is actually a hidden, not so publicized way of drawing in the very types of customers who think this way! I mean, I will shop at stores that do my Home Depot example BECAUSE I can get my miles on returns! So they got my business!

I also bought a product online because it allowed me to get miles for the purchase AND send in a $10 rebate coupon with the UPC code and copy of receipt. I get the miles for the whole amount charged to my card but get back $10 and they like it!

SO if these companies change this stuff for the worse, then we will pay--or not earn any more (which is essentially the same thing).
It's all about deals and rebates and deals and deals!

So take it now while it exists, and don't worry about it.

I will still buy from Home Depot and that company online who gives rebated. They will get my money, and if I get some miles for it, who cares! I do.

We both win.

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If speed is not your thing, distance may as well be. Enjoy and embrace it all!