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)
#1126
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
#1127
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Any way to get these unblocked?
#1129
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Thanks! What number did you call? The number on the back of the card doesn’t work —it just disconnects. The number with the activation paperwork has no option to talk to a live person. Staples was no help either and when they connected me with a live person, they just told me the cards were active. I can’t register them or use them.
#1131
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: ONT
Programs: AGR, UA, AA
Posts: 476
I checked a while ago because my mortgage payment just happens to be a tad over a multiple of $500 (I usually use MCGC procured from the grocery stores to pay mortgage on Plastiq). Looks like it was gone about three or four weeks ago.
#1132
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 506
Thanks! What number did you call? The number on the back of the card doesn’t work —it just disconnects. The number with the activation paperwork has no option to talk to a live person. Staples was no help either and when they connected me with a live person, they just told me the cards were active. I can’t register them or use them.
#1133
Ways to Redeem the Staples GCs?
Just wonder if anyone has more creative ways to dump those $200 GCs. It is so time consuming to wait at WMs. So I unloaded all of my MCGCs at Plastiq. I still get some of the VGCs.
I can dump all the VGC at Plastiq. But the 2.5% fees eat into the margin. Since I do not get much left, I may bite the bullet and just get those done. Still stay on top though...
I can dump all the VGC at Plastiq. But the 2.5% fees eat into the margin. Since I do not get much left, I may bite the bullet and just get those done. Still stay on top though...
#1134
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Thank you! Apparently, my phone number is blocked from MasterCard’s activation line. The Blackhawk CS number can connect me, but I can’t connect myself. I’m not sure why I’m blocked. I ordered $1000 for me and $1000 for my husband, and a few others one at a time. I’m not sure if I maxed out some limit or if there were problems with pre-activity on the cards and they blocked me for that reason. Husband’s phone still works. Just a warning to anyone who orders a lot of these. It will be a huge pain to activate them all. You might be blocked in the future.
#1135
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,322
Just wonder if anyone has more creative ways to dump those $200 GCs. It is so time consuming to wait at WMs. So I unloaded all of my MCGCs at Plastiq. I still get some of the VGCs.
I can dump all the VGC at Plastiq. But the 2.5% fees eat into the margin. Since I do not get much left, I may bite the bullet and just get those done. Still stay on top though...
I can dump all the VGC at Plastiq. But the 2.5% fees eat into the margin. Since I do not get much left, I may bite the bullet and just get those done. Still stay on top though...
#1136
My county allows fee-free debit card payments (in-person only) for property taxes, water bills, etc. I save my the $100 and $200 MCs that I am "forced" to buy (by my own addiction), then pay a visit to the county treasurer office. They're pretty cool about processing multiple payments.
#1137
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,322
Since they have to code in parcel info each time, I try to keep swipes to 8-10 per visit. As I said, they're pretty cool about it all, but I don't want to test their limits. I make sure to thank them for accommodating me. Also, it's easy for me to visit office, it's nearby and there's rarely a line.