Deal has ended, view more Staples deals by clicking here.
The Offer
- Staples stores are selling $200 Visa gift cards with no activation fees from 1/17 – 1/23
The Fine Print
- Limit 5 per customer
- Valid 1/17 – 1/23
- In-store only
Our Verdict
Nice to see this deal return again. Deal is made a lot better when using a card to earn at a high rate on office supply store purchases.
Hat tip to GC Galore
Bought a couple on Sunday, registered, and set my own pin on the same day. I tried loading it to BB today at WM regular register. The first attempt failed with debit not available (reason 01). It went through on the 2nd try. I tried loading with the 2nd card at a different register and same behavior. First attempt fails again. It succeeded on the 2nd attempt. I have seen debit one error a month or two ago, but unlike that time, this time the error printed on the receipt. Before it would print a separate slip and the 2nd swipe will go as a new transaction. Here the debit error 01 was printed at the top and then success at the bottom. Not sure if Walmart has implemented additional changes. I used another VGC for purchases on Monday and earlier today at local grocery store and Costco and that worked fine on the 1st swipe. So this debit not available is tied with Walmart and MB and the loading transaction.
I loaded Amex BB with 2 VGCs (2 separate transactions)…debit not available error 01 was not seen today. So this error appears to be random.
Anyone bought MO recently at Walmart using this?
I bought 9 Visa GCs in the previous promo (around XMas). Only 3 of them worked at WM money center after 24+ hours of activation. The rest gave me “debit not available” error message, even at different WMs. However, I was able to buy MOs from local grocery stores.
I read another post on DOC saying you can only do $99/swipe at WM. Can’t remember if that only applies to Simon GCs or all Visa GCs.
Yes, not much data point till now. Yes, I saw that $99/swipe thing too. Which grocery store did you use? My local Kroger stores do not allow buying MO using CC/GC.
D.O.C. has “Direct link to offer” above. Following that link, I get a 14-page Weekly Ad for Jan 17-Jan 23. I don’t see the VISA gift card anywhere in that 14-page ad. Is it different depending upon regional area? Am I just missing it? If it’s in the ad, on what page? Thanks!
EDIT: Ugh – found it – Page 8.
damn, not a single left after arriving to the store 3 hrs. after it was open
Biz Platinum +4 MR offer? lol
Very strange experience today. I am sure some miscommunication at my local store between store manager and asst. store manager. super friendly store and been going there for 3+ years.
I was told that max amount of gc amount allowed is total $500 per day per customer. Its a “new memo” that is being circulated and soon going to be enforced at my local store. Not sure how much truth there is. Did Store manager go bonkers? Maybe, maybe not. There was no fraud or anything, just straight up corporate decision.
Not sure how much to believe but sad if they are just making that rule on spot.
I went to staples today as well and the general manager rang me up. I was in line with 5x $200 vgs in hand. He said that because of the promotion he could only sell me (1) gift card per day. I said sure and bought my (1) gift card. Ho hum.
I think they just made up a rule on the spot. The ad states a limit of 5 $200 gift cards. My store always lets me do 2 separate $1000 transactions per visit. I’m pretty good at cleaning out the supply.
Anyone know whether you can use this method to earn SUB’s on Citi cards?
You can. Just be normal and unsuspicious.
Bought 3x $200 for $600 total on Amex SimplyCash — will get $25 credit (Amex Offer on $500 purchase) plus $30 (5% cash back) so $545 in the end
Are you sure abt this?
5% at office supply stores is standard cash back on the old SimplyCash card — I also have targeted Amex Offer on my biz card:
doctorofcredit.com/targeted-amex-offer-spend-500-in-single-purchase-get-25-statement-credit-up-to-250/
I got $600 x 2 this week and both credits were triggered a few days later
T+C
Item: 374177
Valid 1/17/21-1/23/21. Limit 5 per customer per day. Subject to availability. See gift cards for details, terms, conditions and (if applicable) fees. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product may not be available in all states. The gift cards featured are not sponsors of or otherwise affiliated with this company. The Visa® Gift Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted in the U.S. No cash access.
In store only. Limit 5 per customer per day. While supplies last. May not be valid in combination with other offers. Offer subject to change.
Almost certain then that ODOM VGC sale, which I prefer, will happen the week after
1) Geography – there are three Staples and more than a dozen ODOMs in my metro area, 2) the Visa EW cards are not at any of my Staples, and their lower activation fee turns the $15 off $300 into a $5 money maker per transaction, 3) the Visa EW cards are (currently) easier to liquidate.
So, knowing that one ODOM in my area allows up to 4K per day, that’s a net 50 (394.90 for two 200 VG EW x10 plus whatever CC rewards you’re working (at 2%, 80; at 3%, 120; at 5%, 200), minus whatever liquidation costs may be, in one stop.
For what does “EW” stand? Thanks!
@Kevin Everywhere. There are multiple types (Dining, Gas, explore).
You also get 2% CB ($10 max/day) from Dosh.