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)
Dec 14, 2018, 3:27 pm
#932
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 463
Dec 14, 2018, 3:38 pm
#933
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 463
I just read that Staples.com no longer allows activation of visa gift cards by talking to a rep. You'll need to do it online/automated phone system using the activation codes they send separately. The story is at An annoying (but probably good) change to Visa gift cards from Staples.com ? The Free-quent Flyer
I'm hoping they still have a way in case you never receive the activation codes, even if it's just to replace the cards.
I'm hoping they still have a way in case you never receive the activation codes, even if it's just to replace the cards.
Dec 14, 2018, 7:16 pm
#934
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Dec 18, 2018, 9:13 am
#935
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 34
Does anyone know if using an Amex Card (specifically, an Amex Platinum) with Apple Pay at Staples will obfuscate the "Additional Information" that is typically provided about gift cards?
(Trying to meet min spend on a plat)
(Trying to meet min spend on a plat)
Last edited by zzm; Dec 18, 2018 at 3:04 pm Reason: grammar
Dec 18, 2018, 1:47 pm
#937
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 506
Speaking of that, I applied for a different flavor of platinum...got a "sorry we can only approve a certain number of cards within a period of a few months" error. The only other card I have applied for in 2018 was a regular platinum. Applied for a different (non-platinum) card on the same day, and was instantly approved. so their system apparently blocks you from applying for more than one platinum (regardless of "flavor") within a certain period of time.
Dec 19, 2018, 12:50 pm
#938
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 34
Confirming that Amex does get all "Additional Information" even when Apple Pay is used.
Dec 19, 2018, 5:19 pm
#939
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,402
They all counted for my minimum yearly spend (but I do have considerable organic spend on it as well).
Jan 14, 2019, 9:33 pm
#944
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, SWA Companion Pass, United Silver
Posts: 186
Not hard coded at the register nor was signage displayed on gift card rack; bought 5 at once today at my local SoCal Staples. Checkout clerk could not have cared less. Will be going back tomorrow.
Jan 14, 2019, 9:42 pm
#945
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 213
2 diff Staples stores for me, no limits, or eyebrows raised. Bought $600 at first, and $800 at second.
converting in MO at WM is a different story tho. Store 1, 3 x $200 no problem. Store 2, asked to split payment, after one swipe, she asked to see next card. Was shut down then and transaction cancelled.
converting in MO at WM is a different story tho. Store 1, 3 x $200 no problem. Store 2, asked to split payment, after one swipe, she asked to see next card. Was shut down then and transaction cancelled.
