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Office Depot / Office Max is offering another instant discount of $10, this time on $300 of Mastercard gift cards.
The Deal
- Buy $300 or more in Mastercard gift cards and save $10 instantly
Key Terms
- Limit one discounted offer per transaction
- Discount applied at register
- Offer valid 4/1/18 to 4/7/18
- Offer valid in store on Mastercard gift cards only
Quick Thoughts
This is similar to the offer they had a few weeks ago on Visa gift cards. One interesting difference though is that the terms state that there’s a limit of one discount per transaction, whereas the Visa gift card offer stated there was a limit of one discount per customer.
In theory, you could’ve done several separate transactions on the previous Visa gift card offer to get multiple discounts, but that required a friendly cashier or visiting different stores. With the terms of this new offer clearly stating that you’re limited to one discount per transaction, you shouldn’t have any such issues. You’re therefore only restricted by how many Mastercard gift cards your local Office Max / Office Depot has in store.
As with the previous deal, there are several ways to maximize your returns from this offer.
1) Category Bonus
Use a card that offers a bonus at office supply stores such as the Chase Ink Plus (5x Ultimate Rewards), Chase Ink Cash and American Express SimplyCash Plus Business credit cards (both 5% cashback).
2) Spend More, Earn More
You have to purchase a minimum $300 of Mastercard gift cards in order to get the $10 instant discount, but the best option is to buy two $200 cards. That’s because activation fees would then make up a lower proportion of your overall cost than buying one $200 card and one $100 card.
If you buy two $200 Mastercard gift cards, your cost and points / cashback work out as follows:
$413.90 ($200 Mastercard gift cards x2 + $6.95 activation fees x2)
-$10 instant discount
$403.90 + 2,019.50 Ultimate Rewards or $20.20 cash back
3) Rewards
This deal can be slightly more profitable as you can earn $4 in Office Depot / OfficeMax rewards. Those rewards are only payable on the first $200 of gift cards per quarter though, so it’ll only work on one transaction.
4) Cashback
If you have a card enrolled in Visa Savings Edge (e.g. Chase Ink Plus), you can also earn 10% back albeit with a maximum earn of $5 per enrolled card.
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[…] is better than the offers in recent weeks as the higher $15 instant discount makes this instantly profitable when taking into account […]
I also recommend staying away from this.
I’ve also had these kinds of cards get compromised. Still in the process of getting it resolved.
Because the scammers registered the cards in their name, I have to first send in a request to get replacement cards that I can register in my name. Only then can I start a fraud complaint with the issuer. At least that’s what I was told by customer service.
Has walmart stopped accepting visa GC as a form of payment? We have had 2 walmarts decline visa GC for payment this week??
I think some WM stores don’t allow MOs with VGCs anymore, although it’s been a couple of years since I last tried.
I tried to liquidate Master gift cards today at WM and the message was form of payment not accepted. I seem to recall there was a work around. Any advice on this. Thank you
You have to hit the Change Payment button (yellow I think) on the keypad as soon as you swipe then you can use It like a debit card
One other key point; don’t allow the associate to hit “enter” before you change payment or it will error out.
How do you enroll in the Visa Savings Edge?
Can you load a Serve card (yes, I still have one) at Walmart with a MC gift card?
Lastly, what dio you think about 02NZ’s concern that was previously posted?
You can enroll in Visa Savings Edge here: https://www.visasavingsedge.com/e/members/registration.php?sid=92XXdKrlo92#step1
You can only enroll Visa business credit cards, so if you have the Chase Ink Plus or Ink Cash then those are the best options with this promo as you’ll also earn 5x.
I’m afraid I’m not sure about loading Serve cards. I got my first one just before they started all the shutdowns, so I never ended up using it.
As for the issues 02nz mentioned, if you take advantage of this promo I’d use the GCs ASAP just in case. I don’t know how widespread the problem is, but it sounds like getting your money back would be a hassle.
Hey Dr. Pepper, liquidating MC gift cards, what’s the skinny on this? Best places and worst places.
Yes it’s me, and no, I have never seen Mickie Mantle hung over during a game. And yes, I was the first ball player to bring a blow dryer to the locker room. Old news!
The best & worst places will vary depending on your location. I think WM is still an option for most, as well as some local grocery store chains. Otherwise, you could drain them for non-bonused spend.
Thank you for the heads up, Stephen.
Hey, I thought I’m the only Rob P around here!
Stay away from this! Tons of reports of U.S.-Bank issued MC gift cards being compromised – the scammer drains it quickly after you buy it. Happened to me last year, and U.S. Bank wouldn’t refund my money until I filed a CFPB complaint. I’ve never had a problem with Amex and Metabank Visa gift cards.
That’s good to know – thank you.