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)
Jan 15, 2019, 5:21 am
#946
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: The place where it gets so hot in the summer some planes can't take off.
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium, WoH Globalist, National EE, United Platinum
Posts: 1,446
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.
Jan 15, 2019, 9:06 am
#947
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Costs a bit more in gas and time, but I have found 1 MO per GC is better for the long game. I even found a place that autodrains, but the customer service rep I worked with has moved on and new people think I'm laundering money for the cartels... These $200's are good to just keep around for everyday spend IMO though. I'll cash a few K in if I have time and maybe hold onto $1000 to use instead of my Sapphire and 3x FU for a while.
Jan 16, 2019, 12:16 pm
#949
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: All of them
Posts: 1,664
My local store suddenly got a decree from corporate to strictly limit to 1 card per person. This place normally was ok with $2000 per day. Supposedly it's a directive from higher up, so it may mean corporate is keeping closer eye on the promo now and enforcing it. I'm hoping they'll forget by next time, but clearly now this deal is good for first 2-3 days at best.
Jan 16, 2019, 4:08 pm
#952
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,832
My local store suddenly got a decree from corporate to strictly limit to 1 card per person. This place normally was ok with $2000 per day. Supposedly it's a directive from higher up, so it may mean corporate is keeping closer eye on the promo now and enforcing it. I'm hoping they'll forget by next time, but clearly now this deal is good for first 2-3 days at best.
Jan 16, 2019, 4:32 pm
#953
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: All of them
Posts: 1,664
Did your store have a giant sign saying "limit 1 per customer" ? Mine did, and the cashier pointed out it's new and they were told by corporate to put it up. They'll eventually get around to every store, but maybe they catch high-volume ones first. Either way, our neck of the woods has so many small scale MSers that cards rarely last more then 3-4 days.
Jan 16, 2019, 5:46 pm
#955
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: All of them
Posts: 1,664
Cashier told me someone from high up corporate emailed them a memo and instructed to post a big sign of limit one per customer. This store has allowed 2000 for as long as I can remember. Of course that isn't 100% guaranty but it's new development from a place that's been consistent for many years.
Jan 16, 2019, 7:04 pm
#956
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,756
Cashier told me someone from high up corporate emailed them a memo and instructed to post a big sign of limit one per customer. This store has allowed 2000 for as long as I can remember. Of course that isn't 100% guaranty but it's new development from a place that's been consistent for many years.
Cards were picked over though with many packs the strips were torn. Our town is OD town with its HQ less than 10 miles away. Hence there are only 2 Staples still survive and their cards are pretty dismal. Luckily ODs are abundant. The closest OD where I could do 2x 5 transactions on one visit with a visit to next door Aldi in between. Far more efficient so I dont much care for the Staples other than this stacks well with the AMEX offer.
Jan 17, 2019, 3:57 am
#957
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: The place where it gets so hot in the summer some planes can't take off.
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium, WoH Globalist, National EE, United Platinum
Posts: 1,446
It is more of the efficiency thing. This is worthwhile if you get CCs that earn higher rewards on office purchases, such as AmEx SCP and Chase Ink. For non-category spending, it is better to buy $500 VGCs online to save all the time and the trouble in liquidating the $200 cards. Also, you do not want to get stuck with 20 of those $200 GCs to spend.
Also forgot that these $200's are great for paying taxes if you use a processor that accepts multiple debits.
Jan 17, 2019, 6:41 am
#958
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,303
The moronic part of the one per person is that if someone genuinely wanted to buy the $200's at full retail of $206.95 they would not be allowed to during the promo week. I was told by manager it's one per customer and said "no problem, I'll pay the fee on the rest of them" and they said "that's not possible." I said "so you're denying me a sale at full retail price, are your shareholders aware of this practice?" Long pause and reiteration of "one per customer." It was amusing.
Jan 17, 2019, 8:12 am
#960
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,322