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)
Oct 21, 2019, 11:29 pm
#1291
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,833
At two different Staples stores today, I took four $200 MCGCs to the cash register, but was allowed to purchase only one card in each store.
Oct 22, 2019, 7:29 am
#1292
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 369
I went to 3 stores yesterday. 10 at first stop. Zero at second store (But told to come back tomorrow). Only allowed one at third store, I told cashier that there is no limit in the ad. She checked and agreed, then asked manager (i think) and manger said only one because they don't have that many.
Oct 22, 2019, 11:44 am
#1294
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,303
A lot of places are like this because they have been told by the regional mgr to only allow 1 VGC during promo week. That information gets convoluted in a multitude of ways and various mgrs have implemented their own store policies that go even futher. One store I used to use keeps all Visa and MC in the closet locked behind the counter. So if you didn't know any better, you would think they were always sold out of visa/mc. But if you ask the CSR will have to radio to the mgr on duty to come open the closet and get one Visa/MC out. I was once told by a CSR that since I cam in on a Monday I couldn't do one the following Wednesday since I'd already used the promo that states "one per customer." If you live even remotely close to an Office Depot those deals are much better as you can always get two, and when they do the $15 off $300 for visa that works out to 3 fee free with no troubles. There are some Staples in remote areas that still work for the higher amounts.
Oct 23, 2019, 7:20 am
#1295
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,442
I have stores that call the manager to okay a GC purchase when it exceeds that store's limit, which is usually (in my case) $800.
Oct 23, 2019, 9:42 am
#1296
Join Date: May 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,164
Oct 23, 2019, 4:05 pm
#1297
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Oct 24, 2019, 8:38 am
#1300
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 369
Me too. I only go for the MC offers now. I hold out to use up my ink's for MC offers. Much easier for me to liquidate in the big city with no Wally's.
I did buy my cashier a couple candy bars today.. Told her how much I appreciate being able to buy these.
I did buy my cashier a couple candy bars today.. Told her how much I appreciate being able to buy these.
Oct 24, 2019, 8:39 am
#1301
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, SWA Companion Pass, United Silver
Posts: 186
Oct 24, 2019, 11:39 am
#1302
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: Hilton Diamond Hyatt Globalist Marriott Gold AA EXP
Posts: 1,018
Any issues with buying the VGCs or MCGCs at Staples or ODOM with the Citi AA Biz cards for the MSR?
I know its a no-no for Amex SUBs and I heard one person advise that the instore purchases could have issues with Citi, but want to verify if I'm ok?
I know its a no-no for Amex SUBs and I heard one person advise that the instore purchases could have issues with Citi, but want to verify if I'm ok?
Oct 25, 2019, 4:34 pm
#1303
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Spg Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,578
Care to elaborate on how your liquidate them in the big city?
i have stop doing all of them because my out of town supermarket has stopped taking them for money orders
not even Doing them for the SUB now!
Nov 2, 2019, 7:36 am
#1305
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
But it is a pain in the axx to liquidate those.