Feb 9, 2017, 8:17 pm
Last edit by: lowkeyflyer
This is the master thread for all VGC and MCGC sold at Staples.
The previous discussion can be found here.
The VGCs sold at Staples are issued by Metabank and serviced by Blackhawk Network.
The activation code for online purchase comes with the card. Cards purchased at store are activated at check-out.
To activate cards over the phone (without activation codes), call (877) 426-2551 to talk to a rep.
To activate cards over the web, www.giftcardkey.com.
The default PIN number is the last four digits of the card number but can be changed online.
As of 5/12/2014, all known portals are dead.
Earn 5x points with Chase Ink, or Simply Cash for 5% cash back
Buy Visa gift cards (Metabank) at Staples ($200 for $7.95) or the website ($300 for $8.95).
2k Limit per transaction / 10k per day for online. In-store is usually 2k but YMMV
Often times, there are promotions with no or reduced activation fees
The previous discussion can be found here.
The VGCs sold at Staples are issued by Metabank and serviced by Blackhawk Network.
The activation code for online purchase comes with the card. Cards purchased at store are activated at check-out.
To activate cards over the phone (without activation codes), call (877) 426-2551 to talk to a rep.
To activate cards over the web, www.giftcardkey.com.
The default PIN number is the last four digits of the card number but can be changed online.
As of 5/12/2014, all known portals are dead.
Earn 5x points with Chase Ink, or Simply Cash for 5% cash back
Buy Visa gift cards (Metabank) at Staples ($200 for $7.95) or the website ($300 for $8.95).
2k Limit per transaction / 10k per day for online. In-store is usually 2k but YMMV
Often times, there are promotions with no or reduced activation fees
Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards at Staples(2017 onwards)
Jun 21, 2017, 7:08 pm
#391
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,431
A) Don't worry you'll get your rebate.
B) It takes like 4 hours from the time of purchase for the promo to get initialized or whatever the computer geeks call it. So if you try to submit the rebate prior to that you may see the weird messages.
C) Also I think there is some sort of IP tracker or whatever the computer geeks call it. If you submit several rebates back-to-back, you'll notice that some of them "are still being determined". As long as you're submitting legit info, it'll work out.
B) It takes like 4 hours from the time of purchase for the promo to get initialized or whatever the computer geeks call it. So if you try to submit the rebate prior to that you may see the weird messages.
C) Also I think there is some sort of IP tracker or whatever the computer geeks call it. If you submit several rebates back-to-back, you'll notice that some of them "are still being determined". As long as you're submitting legit info, it'll work out.
I have access to 3 addresses so it's legit. I normally buy 3 orders of $400 and register all 3 rebates at once. Never had an issue with that before.
Jun 26, 2017, 11:54 pm
#395
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,061
rebate card is now required activation first with the zipcode verification; not sure how secure that is; if someone else other rebate owner took the mail, isn't the zipcode displayed on the envelope?
Last edited by danhouston; Jun 27, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Jun 27, 2017, 7:28 pm
#396
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: EWN/OAJ/RDU/ILM (Formerly BTV)
Programs: HH D i a m o n d !!!
Posts: 356
If someone is willing to steal your mail then probably bigger fish to fry than worrying about $20 rebates every few months.
Jun 28, 2017, 9:44 am
#398
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,837
I guess its an extra step before you can use it.
Jun 28, 2017, 10:34 am
#399
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,207
Parago was having a lot of issues with hacked rebate cards, this was one of the steps they took to help fix the problem. People were receiving rebate cards in the mail that had been used before they even arrived at their doorstep. Now hackers cant use the cards until you activate, so as long as you don't activate until you intend to use them, it is much much safer. Rebate cards getting stolen in the mail are a significantly smaller, and more individual problem.
Jun 28, 2017, 12:32 pm
#400
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago Burbs
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 223
Activation does seem more secure. I wish we had a way to pause and resume access after activation, for these and other gift card types (VGC, MCGC, stores, etc.)
For these rebate VGCs, Parago, Blackhawk or Staples needs allow activation online. There are too many prompts on the phone system and it takes a minute or longer to activate each card one at a time. Even worse if you're getting paper rebates now that only one coupon applies per ski/transaction.
For these rebate VGCs, Parago, Blackhawk or Staples needs allow activation online. There are too many prompts on the phone system and it takes a minute or longer to activate each card one at a time. Even worse if you're getting paper rebates now that only one coupon applies per ski/transaction.
Jun 29, 2017, 9:06 pm
#403
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
What are the maximum number of Staples $300 cards one has purchased online in one transaction? Also, how many $$ of Staples cards per month is recommended before Chase red flags you? I have so far purchased $7.5K worth of gift cards in the first six months and am thinking about doing $7K per month through December.
Jun 30, 2017, 1:35 pm
#404
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ATL
Programs: AA, AGR, DL, MR, WoH, UA
Posts: 951
Jun 30, 2017, 2:05 pm
#405
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 206
What are the maximum number of Staples $300 cards one has purchased online in one transaction? Also, how many $$ of Staples cards per month is recommended before Chase red flags you? I have so far purchased $7.5K worth of gift cards in the first six months and am thinking about doing $7K per month through December.
