Last edit by: CWAL
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. If you are new here, please spend some time reading before posting. Most likely your questions have already been answered multiple times. Consider deals that you share. These threads are searchable by Google. A volatile deal may be worth holding close to the vest.
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
New to Manufactured Spending? Start Here (2015)
#571
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SAN
Posts: 234
I'm fairly new to the Manufactured Spend game, so would appreciate some advice.
For my Ink cards I've always purchased VGCs at Staples since there is the 5% office supply bonus. I then have unloaded onto my Serve or my wife's Bluebird account using Walmart ATM. I now have a couple other cards I need to do some manufactured spend that just get 1% across the board.
In addition to Walmart by me I also have Kroger. What $500 cards should I be on the look-out for? Also, any limits to how much I can purchase (like could I do 6 x $500 in one setting)? I want to make sure I don't purchase the wrong card! Thanks for the help!
For my Ink cards I've always purchased VGCs at Staples since there is the 5% office supply bonus. I then have unloaded onto my Serve or my wife's Bluebird account using Walmart ATM. I now have a couple other cards I need to do some manufactured spend that just get 1% across the board.
In addition to Walmart by me I also have Kroger. What $500 cards should I be on the look-out for? Also, any limits to how much I can purchase (like could I do 6 x $500 in one setting)? I want to make sure I don't purchase the wrong card! Thanks for the help!
#572
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,066
I'd just like to understand what the preferred cards are at Walmart and/or Kroger so I can unload onto Serve/Bluebird.
#573
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 6
Sorry if this has been covered - I haven't seen it.
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
#574
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SAN
Programs: Delta Gold. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 1,671
Sorry if this has been covered - I haven't seen it.
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
#575
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: LHR
Programs: AA
Posts: 773
Sorry if this has been covered - I haven't seen it.
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
#576
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA MP Club (no status)
Posts: 152
Sorry if this has been covered - I haven't seen it.
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
Which stores consistently allow you to buy up to $500 GCs with CCs?
If there aren't many physical stores, what is recommended between GiftCardMall or Giftcards.com? It looks like there are no shipping costs for giftcards.com, and if that's the case - it seems like a no brainer.
I've never bought from either of these online retailers so am a little hesitant for my first purchase.
Appreciate any advice from the experts
Giftcards.com has shipping costs and doesn't give you cashback through the portals. (You'll see the shipping costs for giftcards.com when you check out.) GCM is the better choice as the fees are comparable and you get _some_ cashback (not enough to cover activation and shipping, but it helps defray some of it.) If you buy more than 15 cards it starts REALLY getting worthwhile because you get into the $0.29 per-additional-card shipping. According to my calculator, with the cashback it comes out to $42.40 for $10k MS. Not a bad CPM if you ask me.
#577
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,066
I've had good experiences getting GCs from CVS with my AGCs. (Too bad I live in Colorado; only managed to liquidate AGCs because I was travelling.) I haven't tried WG yet but want to do so; no RAs close by.
Giftcards.com has shipping costs and doesn't give you cashback through the portals. (You'll see the shipping costs for giftcards.com when you check out.) GCM is the better choice as the fees are comparable and you get _some_ cashback (not enough to cover activation and shipping, but it helps defray some of it.) If you buy more than 15 cards it starts REALLY getting worthwhile because you get into the $0.29 per-additional-card shipping. According to my calculator, with the cashback it comes out to $42.40 for $10k MS. Not a bad CPM if you ask me.
Giftcards.com has shipping costs and doesn't give you cashback through the portals. (You'll see the shipping costs for giftcards.com when you check out.) GCM is the better choice as the fees are comparable and you get _some_ cashback (not enough to cover activation and shipping, but it helps defray some of it.) If you buy more than 15 cards it starts REALLY getting worthwhile because you get into the $0.29 per-additional-card shipping. According to my calculator, with the cashback it comes out to $42.40 for $10k MS. Not a bad CPM if you ask me.
#578
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
I'm not sure GCM will accept AGCs as payment online (haven't checked lately if they revised their policy) so you have to make other plans to liquidate AGCs (both personalize and non-personalize) you buy online. I use non personalized AGCs for in-store VGC purchases at WMNM and grocery stores but it's YMMV if your WM, WMNM or grocery stores will take CCs for VGCs since AGCs are processed only as credit.
#579
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,066
I'm not sure GCM will accept AGCs as payment online (haven't checked lately if they revised their policy) so you have to make other plans to liquidate AGCs (both personalize and non-personalize) you buy online. I use non personalized AGCs for in-store VGC purchases at WMNM and grocery stores but it's YMMV if your WM, WMNM or grocery stores will take CCs for VGCs since AGCs are processed only as credit.
I do have a Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart all within a mile of each other.
Also, does anyone know if you can transfer balances from one prepaid AGC to another? I have a ton of Amex Prepaid GCs from Tigerdirect I need to unload and it sure would be nice to transfer the balances one card.
#580
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
my CVS, WAG and WMNM accept AGCs for VGCs so you just have to check yours, if they will. while many are annoyed by YMMV, it is the silent ruler in this game.
#581
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 437
Ever since all the ways to liquidate CC dried up, I've been stuck with all these non-personalized Amex GC I accidentally accumulated.
I am so desperate right now I am considering going on a roadtrip to find a CVS with a cashier that will allow me to use them on VGC.
#582
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 24
I have a bluebird and was using it alot when you could load it at Walmart with a vanilla vgc, stopped using it for a while and now it seems the game has changed. I still have my bluebird; am I able load my Bluebird at Kate with a Sunny Gift Card for $500 per transaction as long as its a mastercard? or will it also work with any type of Visa gc??
#583
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,066
it is best to be on the same page with spouse/SO regarding financial matters that may be life changing to both so it's understandable on your part to be cautious. Better be safe than holding lots of AGCs you don't know to drain quickly before CC bill is due.
my CVS, WAG and WMNM accept AGCs for VGCs so you just have to check yours, if they will. while many are annoyed by YMMV, it is the silent ruler in this game.
my CVS, WAG and WMNM accept AGCs for VGCs so you just have to check yours, if they will. while many are annoyed by YMMV, it is the silent ruler in this game.
Anyway to split the purchase among multiple cards? Like buy 2 $3000 cards and split the cost among 2 credit cards.
#584
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
What denominations are you purchasing?since I use portals, I buy in denominations no more than $2K each. What is your success rate? 99.5%, a small percentage of "failure" is from random cashiers who makes their own rules of no GCs on GCs but otherwise, no issues at all if they will just let the register do its thing. Why do you use non-personalized when it's the same cost for personalized one?I actually buy both, not one or the other exclusively.
I am so desperate right now I am considering going on a roadtrip to find a CVS with a cashier that will allow me to use them on VGC.
I am so desperate right now I am considering going on a roadtrip to find a CVS with a cashier that will allow me to use them on VGC.
Thanks. Maybe I'll try mine first and then do my wife's if that works well. I need to do $3000 spend. It looks like the highest denomination is $3000 for the Original Gold Amex Card with a $3.95 purchase fee and 8.95 shipping cost. Is that what most of you guys/gals are buying? if you buy from portals, they will not pay CB for denominations greater than $2K so for $3K, you need to buy one $2K and one $1K which means an increase in purchase fees. If you have amex cards, check if you have the amex offer of $10 credit when you buy $200 or more AGCs. make sure to check AU cards that may have them also. If you haven't availed of the free trial on premium shipping (you'll find this offer if you're ordering personalize card), you can enjoy it free for 90 days (research on how you can extend this to a year of free premium shipping using whatever available code there is)
Anyway to split the purchase among multiple cards? Like buy 2 $3000 cards and split the cost among 2 credit cards.
Anyway to split the purchase among multiple cards? Like buy 2 $3000 cards and split the cost among 2 credit cards.
#585
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 20
Hello all! I'm new to MS and thinking about getting a Bluebird since I'm often close to Walmarts. Am I right in understanding that if I buy the temp Bluebird card at Walmart I can INITIALLY load it (one time only) with credit card at the check-out for up to $500? Will this count as points on my CC or cash advance?
I know that after this initial load I need to use gift cards, but I'm wondering about that first-time load-up. Seems to be worth the $5 fee if I can get $500 of points spending on it right there and then.
I searched but can't find the answer on this anywhere.
I know that after this initial load I need to use gift cards, but I'm wondering about that first-time load-up. Seems to be worth the $5 fee if I can get $500 of points spending on it right there and then.
I searched but can't find the answer on this anywhere.