A reader tipped me off to this American Express gift card deal at Office Depot he found in a newspaper: Get $15 off with the purchase of $150 in American Express gift cards. The purchase fees on these cards vary between $3.95-$5.95. Even so, you’re earning a profit factoring in the 5 points per $1 from the Ink Plus card. Some stores may give you a hard time with credit cards. If you’re able to find one that accepts them, this is a pretty easy way to generate extra points and cash.
If you go for the minimum $150, you’re looking at 750 Ultimate Rewards points with the Ink card. Plus around $10 profit. If you were to convert your points to cash, you’d look at an additional profit of $7.50. Some stores limit the number of cards, but even if there isn’t a limit, I wouldn’t go nuts and buy the whole rack (remember the rules of manufactured spending).
These periodic gift card promotions from office supply stores are a great way to generate a quick buck and points. Plus, these cards are fairly easy to unload. With American Express gift cards, you can load them onto your American Express for Target cards or use them to buy pin-enabled Visa gift cards and load those onto Bluebird.
I was able to get 2*$150 at one OM store. The manager wouldn’t allow me anymore 🙂
do u you know if this is instant rebate taken off at the register or mail in rebate? thxs
It’s instant.
Had trouble loading GC to Amex Target today. Went to a different Target yesterday and loaded all the AMEX GCs without any problem.
It’s a hit and miss sometimes. Glad to hear you were able to unload your card though.
Thanks! great tip! I am currently in an area that is Office-Depot dense, and was able to visit *several* locations on successive days, and get the instant rebate and rack up the Chase UR points each time! Also, Staples ran a similar promo the same week, but with instant rebate form needing submission, so bought GCs at both office stores on the same days!
I believe Office Max also ran one this week. I love these promotions. They’re great even if you just end up using the gift cards for regular purchases.