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)
Apr 5, 2019, 1:15 pm
#1009
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Pros: Good earning rate; easy shopping online.
Cons: card spend limit; max $300, more time to liquidate.
I normally do not do this. There are Staples sales from time to time without any activation fees. So we can pocket the entire 5% or 5x....
Apr 6, 2019, 3:14 pm
#1010
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 206
This is only part of it. There are pros and cons.
Pros: Good earning rate; easy shopping online.
Cons: card spend limit; max $300, more time to liquidate.
I normally do not do this. There are Staples sales from time to time without any activation fees. So we can pocket the entire 5% or 5x....
Pros: Good earning rate; easy shopping online.
Cons: card spend limit; max $300, more time to liquidate.
I normally do not do this. There are Staples sales from time to time without any activation fees. So we can pocket the entire 5% or 5x....
Apr 6, 2019, 4:59 pm
#1011
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
yes - I don’t mind saving the additional when it pops up. I max out and earn 250,000 UR points per year which costs me $1,491. Even if I just use base earning - I’m getting at least $2,500 for that $1,491. But I stretch it much more with Hyatt, SW, and other travel.
Apr 7, 2019, 7:59 pm
#1015
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,438
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
Apr 7, 2019, 8:37 pm
#1016
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
It seems as if each time Staples does a promotion, the value declines. Now we are going to be paying $2 per $200 card. This is no better than paying $4 for a $500 SMGC (in fact, one can argue worse), except that I can use my Citi card at Staples but not at SM.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
Apr 8, 2019, 1:27 am
#1017
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 126
Just ordered a normal 6 300's @ .com now back in stock, but tomorrow I'll hit my local store and see how many I can get @ 1% with Ink+.
Apr 8, 2019, 1:36 am
#1018
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 126
It seems as if each time Staples does a promotion, the value declines. Now we are going to be paying $2 per $200 card. This is no better than paying $4 for a $500 SMGC (in fact, one can argue worse), except that I can use my Citi card at Staples but not at SM.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
I agree Using a Citi DC @ Staples only nets 1% under this deal, (as opposed to 4% for INK). But why can't you do the same 1% net at Simon, (I use my DC every week @ Simon)??
Apr 8, 2019, 9:07 am
#1019
Join Date: May 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 207
It seems as if each time Staples does a promotion, the value declines. Now we are going to be paying $2 per $200 card. This is no better than paying $4 for a $500 SMGC (in fact, one can argue worse), except that I can use my Citi card at Staples but not at SM.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
I am uncertain as to whether I will bite or not.
Apr 8, 2019, 11:55 am
#1020
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,438
My Citi card experience has been elaborated in prior posts. (AA Executive card). Citi declines any GC purchase at SM, no matter what I do to to forestall it. Once declined, SM will not allow the card to be used for 24 hours, so calling to get the decline reversed is also worthless. My Ink card is an actual business card (preferred card) and it has no 5% anything on it. As cards go, it is pretty meh.
So my simple choice is to wait for a GC sale that is worthwhile at OD/OM/Staples.