- Why I’m Cautious About Pepper Rewards Deals by GC Galore.
- Avianca Airlines Devaluation by Award Wallet.
- Chase has sent out a survey regarding possible changes to Southwest cards.
- Hyatt to Acquire Standard International and its Iconic Hotel Brands, The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels
Deals starting/expiring at the end of today or starting today (view the full deal calendar here):
- eBay: 50% Off Adidas Shoes & Clothing With Promo Code ADISUMMER50
- Free Wine From Last Bottle Wines Via Referral (Starts 8/22/24)
Deals starting/expiring at end of tomorrow:
- [YMMV] Robinhood: Get $100 When Joining Robinhood Gold And Depositing $2,000
- Kroger / Harris Teeter: 4x Fuel Points On Third-Party Gift Cards, Includes Fixed Visa/MC (8/23 – 8/25)
Popular posts from yesterday:
Interesting that the Pepper Rewards warning article is written by a guy named Pepper.
How do you know that his name is Pepper? Do you know him in person? Thanks.
Yeah I definitely wouldn’t buy anything on there that I didn’t plan to either immediately use, or immediately add to a balance, and using the bonus coins asap is wise.
I stayed away from Pepper as I buy my gc from reddit. based on the article it would seem the overall risk is similar but presented differently (e.g. high risk that something will go wrong and you’ll be out expected savings at some point). That being said, reddit is instant cash discount vs. some delayed points scheme that has limited cash out options.
The rates at reddit are much better though, esp if you’re cautious in the beginning and then establish an ongoing relationship with a frequent trader. Eventually, you have enough trade score to radically reduce risk as you no longer need to go first in the trade.
I focus on loadable accounts so the gift card is used instantly and I’ve probably done $15-20k usually min 20% off for amazon, apple, uber, ps/xbox/switch. Rates are better if you’re comfortable using *any* crypto. I use USDC on solana with coinbase. no purchase fees and no fees to move money – which makes the experience just like sending PayPal FF.
sounds sus as hell
@blackbird3150, thanks for the information. Where on Reddit do you safely buy GC’s?
I’m partial to /r/giftcardexchange (I find it grimey Raise separately rebranded as GCX)
Make sure to read the rules though, they all have their own reputation systems/flairs, scam warnings etc.
nowadays i use r/giftcardexchange and avoid r/gctrading given their rep systems. It’s just easier.
I would not characterize it as safely – to be clear. It’s very high risk for high reward imo. As you gain experience you learn ways to mitigate that risk.
Here are some things I’ve learned, for example:
I’ve been scammed in this process despite my precautions, but my take home is far far far higher (thousands saved vs. $160 scammed so far). I built up a bucket of reserves from my savings so that i could eat any one loss when they happen.
Thank you.
If you mean buying from strangers on a reddit thread, I don’t see that as less risky than pepper at all. To each his own
I literally said “similar risk presented differently”. Except that the payoff for “strangers on reddit” is a lot higher and instant.
It’s really about how much, where, and when you absorb risk in the endeavor to get discounted gc. Very much to each their own.
Interesting updates! The Pepper Rewards warning is concerning, but hopefully it’s a temporary glitch. Curious to see if there are any official announcements from Chase about Southwest changes. Thanks for keeping us informed, Doc!