slbnoob

Can I buy the variable VGC using self-checkout? I usually do self-checkout but because I'm buying variable VGCs I assume self-checkout won't be possible. The cashiers always see my DL and type in the DL# into their system.

lumangoy

ymmv.

I am able to buy most of the time, but they have to assist in typing the amount, then you hand over your DL so they can type it in.

FSG378

Yes, you can buy from self-checkout but it will take about the same amount of time and effort since it will require a cashier to type in your DL number if your gc amount is over $60 or $80 ( not sure about the limit).

DaveInLA

Looks like I'll be visiting grocery stores more now that RB is dead. I just bought $1000 at Ralphs, but forgot to enter in my Ralphs shopping account number. I'm assuming nothing changed and still no fuel points?

Julian Brennan

Very funny! The only time I swiped my Kroger card was when I bought eBay GC. No points for variable VGC but I think you get 2x points on the fixed value ones. Too bad there's only 4 fuel centers in the whole LA area and the max 10˘ saving per gal. is sub-par anyway...

FSG378

well,the max is $1.00 off per gal. I bought $200 target gc during 4x promotion two week ago and I got 800 fuel points and $.80 off per gal.

Julian Brennan

Good for you! In the California Republic everything is different than elsewhere...

Killjoy2014

Just got an email (MI) stating 4x GC promotion starting today. It's not clear how long the deal lasts. No coupon to be d/l'd.

ifish110

The Ad says restaurants and movie gift cards only. Good through the 27th.

Killjoy2014

Good catch! I didn't see that upon a quick read.

heidelj

I missed that part, but I really didn't look that close since I loaded up on fuel points a couple weeks ago when they had the last 4x deal. I was trying to come up with good ways to take advantage of these deals even more, since I can only buy so much gas. I was thinking maybe get extra Kroger cards, load them up with 5000 points (max value $175 of gas) and then try selling them. I'm not sure how I would do that without someone assuming I'm trying to scam them. Anyone else do anything like that, or do you just load up with as much as you can use yourself?

Gimpyknee

I just got another Kroger card for my 19yo son... I can save him some money on gas.

And, with my F150, I use a fair bit.

I'm now getting 3x points with every grocery purchase, since I have a handle/awareness that I lacked before. (Note, I still do not have a category bonus card... sigh).

Anyway, since I buy about $200/trip in groceries at Kroger, I'm simply buying 2x$100 gift cards on my way in (2x points), then using those cards to buy the $200ish in groceries (1x points)...

Yes, the fuel savings (esp when buying 28 gallons at a time) does offset the fees.
Yes, I know I need to get a better cashback or category card.
No, they don't sell a $200 card... And no fuel points are earned on any variable load cards (dammit).

Gimpyknee

If only there was a way to drain a merchant gift card without going to the merchant... not quite same as cash.

ElBurrito

I just went to two Ralphs locations and tried to buy 4x$500 VGCs and the transaction was blocked with a "limit exceeded" message. Took one card off and it went through fine. Maybe the $2000 limit for credit is now hard-coded? Didn't have this issue yesterday.

yanxfann

This started happening at Krogers in my area about a week ago. As a result I now just make the 4th VGC be about $470 rather than $500.