Comments on: Rebate “Debit Cards” Add Hassle to My Life

By: Dug

Dug — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:19:46 +0000

I tried to use a Rebate Card issued by Staples at the very same Staples that gave me the (expletive deleted) thing! Granted I hadn’t been there in a while, but I ran out of ink for the printer and figured this was a good time to use it. “I’m sorry sir, this debit card has no value.” Seems they had taken a fee, every month that I had not used it, therefore it was useless! Guess they don’t work like gift cards, where the value is protected in California. No more buying with a rebate for me.

By: LaNita Dorwin

LaNita Dorwin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:07:22 +0000

I’m very disappointed with using these types of cards! I, too have had nothing but problems after the first transaction. Unless I know the exact $ amount left on my card, it will not be accepted. This truly is a bad type of “rebate” card. I would suggest a way to correct this or I will not us alltel/verizon phone or service again.

By: Carmenta

Carmenta — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:04:41 +0000

My daughter tried to use the prepaid card and was told at a certain store she could not use it as a credit only debit but, she had no pen number what then.

By: bob

bob — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:00:18 +0000

the rebate cards are a way for the issuer to start a “relationship” with you then annoy the heck out of you with credit card offers. # they have a good name and address, #2 they can violate many of the telemarketing regulations because you have a “relationship”. If you dont bite with them then they sell that information to other mailing lists. When you check your balance online you have to subscribe and give an accurate email address, They have your attention. All a big business game

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:43:02 +0000

Alltel Rebates, what a mess. Last time I will do it. My 2 totalled 150 dollars and bought me 200 in pain.

By: Marianne Garrigan

Marianne Garrigan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:49:55 +0000

I have a similar opinion to that of Scott Clark about consumer rebates being issued as debit cards rather than as checks. In fact, I believe that retailers issue debit cards because they can count on not having to pay the entire rebate via debit card most of the time.

For example, Alltel issued me a $50 debit card as a rebate on a phone purchase. This was my experience. I purchased about $18.30 in groceries and had no problem. A couple of weeks later, I decided to use the balance on another grocery purchase on my way home from work. I could not remember the exact balance, but figured that I would pay the remainder in cash. The cashier required me to tell her the amount to be charged to the card.

Unlike gift cards, there is no way to swipe the card and determine the balance. I would have to go home to my computer and log in to find the exact amount. I estimated $32. The provider disapproved the transaction. Period. It did not provide a reason or the balance. I told the cashier to try $30, and it worked that time. The bagger said he had seen another customer try to use one unsuccessfully in the recent past. Therefore, I have a debit card with about $1.70 left. To use it, I would have to play the inch game with the cashier. Try $1.60, try $1.50, etc. Or I could take the time to look it up if I remembered it. I tossed the card. I believe that providers of these cards have exactly this in mind. They probably make at least a couple of dollars per card in the long run, and I believe that is their expectation when they issue the cards. Thanks Alltel. I’d rather have a check or a paypal credit.