Stopping at the ATM to get cash? Why not pick up a gift card to your favorite store while you are at it? If you think gift cards have become ubiquitous, it about to get even better (or worse depending on who you ask).
According to this story, Better ATM Services, a Mesa, Arizona-based company, has developed technology that would enable ATMs to dispense prepaid gift cards like currency. So, instead of getting cash, you can choose to buy a gift card and the ATM will dispense the gift card via the ATM’s cash tray.
The new technology was showcased last week at the KioskCom Las Vegas Expo and is generating a buzz. The largest of ATMs would be able to hold about 1,000 credit-card sized gift cards. According Better ATM Services, banks, shopping malls, grocery stores and restaurants can now offer prepaid gift cards through ATMs without a need to reconfigure the ATM’s hardware. This means ATM owners can offer this at zero additional cost.
If you needed any more proof that gift cards are here to stay, there you have it. It won’t be long before an ATM will ask you “Would you like Cash or a Gift Card?” Click here to see a video from the company about this new ATM capability.
Readers, what are your thoughts about this new technology? Post your comments in the comments box below.
Since announcing this free gift card deal from Kroger regarding the stimulus checks from the IRS, more supermarkets and retailers have jumped on the bag wagon with their own plans offering an additional free 10% gift card if you turn your entire stimulus check into a gift card.
As you are probably aware, Uncle Sam will begin mailing checks of $600 and $1,200 respectively for individuals and couples with another $300 per child beginning next month. This means you get an extra $60 if you turn your $600 check into that retailer or supermarket’s gift card or $120 if you turn your $1200 into a gift card. Below is the current list of companies that have this promotion. I expect this list to grow as the IRS begins to mail the checks. An updated list will be posted here so check back for more. You may find a deal that interest you.
Current List of Retailers Offering Stimulus Checks for Gift Card Promotion
Kroger
Sears (valid from May 14 to July 19)
Kmart (valid from May 14 to July 19)
Lands’ End (valid from May 14 to July 19)
Fry’s (valid from May 2 to July 31)
Readers, would you trade in your stimulus check for a gift card to your favorite store if they offered you an additional 10%? Post your comments in the comments section below.
According to this story, supermarket chain Kroger is offering a free gift card up to 10% of the value of your tax rebate check if you turn the full value of your rebate check into a Kroger gift card. As you are probably aware, Uncle Sam will begin mailing checks of $600 and $1,200 respectively for individuals and couples with another $300 per child beginning next month.
If you are a Kroger shopper, this may not be a bad deal since what this does is give you an extra $60 if you turn your $600 into a Kroger gift card or $120 if you turn your $1200 into a Kroger gift card. That could be your entire grocery shopping for six months to a year covered, assuming you do not already have plans for your check.
As you may know, I am very much against gift card fees and expiration of all forms. That is one of the reasons why i created the Gift Card Guide to help keep you informed before purchasing a gift card. Below is a YouTube video from ABC affiliate station WISN in Milwaukee,WI about how gift card issuers are raping consumers with gift card fees and expiration. The report is from last november but the message is still relevant. Take a look.
What has been your experience with Gift Card fees? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
One of the most asked gift card questions, particularly on Yahoo Answers is whether you can use a Visa or any other bank issued gift card (American Express, Discover, or MasterCard) to shop online. The answer is yes.
However, there are additional steps you have to take to prevent your card from being rejected by the merchant. The problem with using Visa (or any other bank issued) gift card online is that there is no verifiable name and address associated with the card. When buying things online, most merchants want your name and billing address to match the name and address you have on file with your card (credit, debit, or bank gift card) issuer.
Therefore, before you use your Visa or other bank issued gift card, call the merchant/financial institution that issued the card or go to their website and add your name and address to the card. This will ensure that when you use the card online, the name and address you provide to the merchant for billing will match the name and address on file for the card. Once you have registered your card, you can use it online just like you would use a regular credit card.
If your information (name and address) has changed since you registered your Visa gift card, call the card issuer or go online and update your information before you use the card online.
As I mentioned last week, one of the new features I am introducing on this blog is to answer reader questions about gift cards. In addition, I will also provide answers to the most frequently asked gift card questions. I am fairly active online and regularly visit gift card related blogs and forums. One of the most commonly asked gift card questions is how to combine two forms of payment to make a purchase if the item you are trying to purchase costs more than the balance on your gift card. This transaction is known as “split tender” or “split payment”.
Whether you can do this or not depends on the merchant. Assuming that the merchant allows you to split payment between Read the rest of this entry »
Giftcardblogger.com will be undergoing a redesign beginning April 10th to make the site more user friendly and incorporate some new and exciting features. As a result, I will not be posting regularly for the next three weeks. However, you can expect at least 2 posts a week. I look forward to showing you the new and improved giftcardblogger.com soon. Thanks for your patience and support.
A March 2008 survey released by Seastone, a leading manufacturer of gift card packaging found that 84% of consumers would purchase a gift card if it came with free packaging. The survey also found that 62% of consumers were more likely to purchase a gift card if multiple packaging options were available.
According to the survey, the most popular form of gift card packaging is a tin box, followed by paper pouches, greeting cards, and stuffed animal designs. Those surveyed also indicated that they are most likely to purchase gift card packaging for birthdays, followed by the holiday season.What gift card packaging do you use? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Can I use a prepaid Visa gift card to open an iTunes account or pay for music on iTunes?
No, you cannot use any bank issued gift card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) to open an iTunes account or pay for music on the iTunes store. To open an iTunes account, you need one of the following: an iTunes gift card, a valid credit card, or a PayPal account. You can however use your prepaid Visa gift card or other bank issued gift card to buy an iTunes gift card from a retail store and use that to purchase music on the iTunes store.
Is a credit card required to purchase music on iTunes?
No, you do not need a credit card to purchase music on iTunes. You can use an iTunes gift card or a PayPal account connected to your bank account.
Can I redeem a US iTunes gift certificate or gift card if I live outside the US?
No, iTunes gift certificates and gift cards are valid for use only in the country in which they were purchased.
During the past week or so, I have been on Yahoo Answers responding to user questions about gift cards. I must say that it has been an exciting and interesting experience. It has also given me a good sense of what questions are on people’s minds when it comes to gift cards. I am seeing some questions asked over and over again and as a result, I have started to compile a list of the most frequently asked gift card questions which I will be featuring on this blog.
I have not yet figured out how this will be presented but I should be posting the first question and answer in the next couple of days so stay tuned. If you have your own gift card questions, you can email them to me at editor@giftcardblogger.com and I will respond directly to you in 24 hours and also post your question on the blog if it has not already been asked.
Stopping at the ATM to get cash? Why not pick up a gift card to your favorite store while you are at it? If you think gift cards have become ubiquitous, it about to get even better (or worse depending on who you ask).
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